[cmcnick]

Hey all,

I am in the process of doing a remodel and, after opening up a wall I want to remove, I see ductwork running through it. I want to eliminate this supply line as it seems to only feed one register in a small bathroom that we keep closed. I also need to relocate some returns on this wall. I will post pics in a second, they are on my phone.

 

[ben's plumbing]

well that in a long second...:biggrin2::biggrin2:

 

[cmcnick]

Couldnt upload pics from phone on app and don't want to do it from comp cuz it takes to long. Will upload later. Going to homebrew some beer.

 

[supers05]

I would say that removing it completely isn't a great idea. Relocating, sure.

Anything is possible, but that room will no longer be conditioned. If you live in a temperate area, then no prob. If you live in the south or north like some of us, that room will be unusable for times of the year. (potentially frozen pipes where some of us live)

Cheers!

 

[cmcnick]

Here is a pic of the wall. The duct goes upstairs to a small hall bathroom. The register is closed year round. I would like to just eliminate it. The bay to the right has a hole in floor as it was a first floor return. The next bay to the right has a hole in the floor and ceiling as it was an upstairs return. The bay directly to the left of the opening has hot and cold water running to upstairs hall bath. I would like to open this from the plumbing over to the duct on the far right. That would mean eliminating the duct going upstairs, figuring out a way to redirect upstairs return, sealing plenum and floor where returns are currently, and cutting new hole and installing new collar in plenum for downstairs/upstairs return.

EDIT: Sorry pic is sideways.

 

[roughneck]

What are you doing with the return that was there?

 

[cmcnick]

Moving it. Prong w new one on to compensate.

 

[roughneck]

Just make sure removing the duct doesn't drop you under 400 CFM/ton. Many homes suffer from oversized equipment and undersized duct.
And it's not a good idea to close off dampers. It's somewhat of an old myth that it saves money.

 

[user_12345a]

Do not eliminate ducts! Closed registers still flow air and if you sell the house rooms without heat may be flagged during the inspection. (depends on how crooked the inspector is, if the buyer hires an inspector with a relationship with the agent you'll get off easy)

Re-route the ducts with elbows so it goes along what's left of the wall, then box it in.

For upstairs return consider putting a new return chase somewhere else in an intact wall if it lines up with an upstairs wall.