Trimmer joists-expanding a rough opening

benjamincall

To finish my basement ceiling without sacrificing ceiling height to a soffit, I intend to replace the copper drain for the toilet that juts below the ceiling plane and runs under the single header for the rough opening that accommodates the shower drain.

I intend to replace the elbow with a spigot closet bend to pull the drain into the joist bay (please see the notional drawing below). The trouble is that the header will be in the way of the raised drain.

I plan on removing the existing header, chopping the joists back beyond the closet bend, and putting in trimmer joists and a double header.

How do I wedge trimmer joists under the main girder? Does this plan sound viable?

This is the way things look right now (the trimmer joists don't exist):

Gary in WA

Single header and trimmer joists OK to 4' header span (UBC 2320.8.4)

Double header and trimmer when header spans >4' (UBC 2320.8.4)

I would add some 2x4, or 2x6 floor supports in that space to support the fixtures. Run them however you can, I recommend 12"o.c. Hangers wouldn't hurt. Be safe, G

bjbatlanta

Just remember the "trap" for the shower drain HAS to be a certain depth below the tub/shower to operate properly to keep the "sewer gas" from backing up and to allow proper drainage. May not be an issue, but you may want to post on the plumbing forum if you need to raise it....

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