Can water lines go through floor joists?

The maximum allowable diameter of a hole in any solid-lumber joist is one-third of the joist’s depth. Notches can’t be deeper than one-sixth of the joist depth. Although notches aren’t allowed in the center third of a joist’s length, you can drill holes anywhere along the length of the floor joist in that 5 1⁄4-in.

Can I run PEX through studs?

Several years of even the slightest movement can wear a hole in PEX pipes, especially if they’re rubbing against something abrasive. If your pipe is in contact with a joist, duct, electrical box or steel stud, or it is passing through a block wall or concrete slab, it needs to be protected.

Where is PEX not allowed?

PEX can’t be installed in high heat areas. You can’t install PEX in high heat areas like near recessed lighting. This also means you can’t connect PEX directly to a hot water heater, but you can use a connecting material to do this.

Can I run plumbing through an I joist?

Running Drain Lines through Joists Each joist must have a separate notch or hole and each hole should be about 1/4 inch larger than the pipe dimension and cut at a slight angle to accommodate the slope of the pipe. Likewise, do not cut the top or bottom chord of an engineered wood I-joist.

What size hole can you drill through a floor joist?

The hole cannot be larger than one-third the depth of the joist, so the maximum hole size for a 2×12 joist (actual size 1-1/2 x 11-1/4 in.) is 3-3/4 in. diameter—plenty big enough for running cable! You can drill the holes anywhere along the length of the joist (first photo).

Can you drill holes in floor joists?

You can drill the holes anywhere along the length of the joist (first photo). If you have manufactured I-joists, you can drill holes up to 1-1/2 in. diameter almost anywhere in the web area (the area between the flanges).

What size PEX should I use for a shower?

Sinks and showers are water guzzlers, and you can conserve by running 3/8-inch lines to them. Because the rate at which a commode tank refills is usually not important, it’s okay to run 3/8-inch line there as well.