Got a leak in 2″ PVC fittings for furnace vent and intake. Intake and exhaust go up through bottom plate, through the wall cavity and then out through the garage roof with concentric vent.
It’s a tight fit and I was hoping to open up my holes or make a slot to free me of more working space so I can get a good solvent bond on fittings which leaves me to believe that is what caused the leak fromthe beginning. too much interference, hard working under floor and band joist.
I see code R602.6(2) NOTCHING AND BORED HOLE LIMITATIONS FOR INTERIOR NONBEARING WALLS R602.6.1 Drilling and Notching of Top Plate, but I’m not seeing anything for bottom plate, load bearing.
When removing drywall in garage I see that they added a galvanized strap on top. I didn’t find anything on the bottom. They look like 2.5 holes drilled through 2×6 plate to accommodate the 2.375 inch od of SCH 40 pipe.
Replies
Couple thoughts.
The top plate has a structural purpose.
If the bottom plate is attached on both sides to the floor and joists below, it is not going anywhere.
You may have better results gluing up the joint located at the bottom plate before installation, even if it means adding another union before and/or after instead of trying to glue it at the floor.
But the code compliance question is best directed at a local official who will approve the work.
I managed to get by without notching. It was a 2.5 inch hole that was drilled. I used a 2.5 inch hole saw to open it up about .125 inches by walkingthe sides and removing some burrs. I fixed the leak. It's temporarily to get me through the winter. What a pain it was. Space was so tight. I can see why it was leaking when I pulled everything out. The plumber or hvac guy was in a hurry to get out of there. Tgey simply rushed it and went fly by night. In the future I plan on removing bilco assembly and framing out. Perhaps I can move onto venting in a different location on next project.
You need to. strap both the bottom and top plates to protect the pipe from nails. For a bearing wall on a slab you need bolts on either side. A 2.5 inch hole is no better than a notch