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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
So I drilled a 3/4" into a floor joist about 1.5 inches from the bottom and then later realized I'm now not up to code. I'm really kicking myself for not taking the time to look up the proper protocol first.

I REALLY don't want to have to replace the entire joist. Has anyone mitigated with the steel bar above and below the hole and achieved a satisfactory mark by an engineer? Hoping that's really a thing.

I'd like to have documentation on file when we decide to sell this house and move on someday.
 

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Discussion Starter · #2 · (Edited)
Here's a photo - I did this while replumbing from polybutylene to pex

The reason why I drilled at that location is because it would have put less bend pressure on the pex per the location of a branch running up to the shower. In hindsight, I should have just extended that branch. Didn't think it through. Yes, I'm embarrassed...
 

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You can look at it a couple of ways.

1) Remove the PEX (Both of them). Take 2 new boards, same dimensions, about 6' long. Using construction adhesive, adhere them to the damage joist using either structural screws (Timber locks or similar) or lag bolts, and then re-drill at the proper depth for the PEX.

2) Go to the Pro Desk at your local lumber desk and ask them for help.

3) Forget about it and take it as a learning experience and don't do it again.
 

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Relax.
Why are the joists not up to code? Not for a structural reason, judging by the picture.
Size and spacing of joists?
Distance between joist supports (span)?
Distance from supports to hole?
 

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Discussion Starter · #8 ·
Relax.
Why are the joists not up to code? Not for a structural reason, judging by the picture.
Size and spacing of joists?
Distance between joist supports (span)?
Distance from supports to hole?
Distance from bottom of joist to the bottom of the hole is about 1.5 inches. Code requires 2 inches.

Why I care: This doesn't keep me up at night. But since I re-plumbed my house, I feel that I should call the city of Centennial and have them sign off on my work so that I have that on hand come time to sell the house.

I know they're going to ding me on this (the plumbing itself, I'm not really worried about, I mimicked the previous branch and trunk that was there previously)...
 

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Distance from bottom of joist to the bottom of the hole is about 1.5 inches. Code requires 2 inches.

Why I care: This doesn't keep me up at night. But since I re-plumbed my house, I feel that I should call the city of Centennial and have them sign off on my work so that I have that on hand come time to sell the house.

I know they're going to ding me on this (the plumbing itself, I'm not really worried about, I mimicked the previous branch and trunk that was there previously)...

That code requirement is not structural, so an engineer will not help you. Any reinforcement will be wasteful. I think that requirement has to do with screws or nails not poking through your pipes. Solution: Nail plates on the underside of the joists below each offending hole.
 

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Discussion Starter · #10 ·
That code requirement is not structural, so an engineer will not help you. Any reinforcement will be wasteful. I think that requirement has to do with screws or nails not poking through your pipes. Solution: Nail plates on the underside of the joists below each offending hole.
If not structural, then what kind of code is it?
 

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2" minimum from edge is for a structural member bore. But I don't think you have to worry and I'd be very surprised if an inspector flagged one 3/4" hole that's 1/2" off in the entire basement. I'd just leave it alone and not call attention to it with any strapping or sistering or anything.
 

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Discussion Starter · #15 ·
2" minimum from edge is for a structural member bore. But I don't think you have to worry and I'd be very surprised if an inspector flagged one 3/4" hole that's 1/2" off in the entire basement. I'd just leave it alone and not call attention to it with any strapping or sistering or anything.
Thanks. It's funny, I was just talking to my dad about this who thinks at a glance it looks 2" and not to draw attention to it. Good call, I'm thinking.

Three on the tree - what kind of vehicle are we talking about here? I've got a '72 Bronco
 

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Three on the tree - what kind of vehicle are we talking about here? I've got a '72 Bronco
Used to ride in a buddy's 66(?) F100 when younger, IIRC it was the turquoise blue. Had another friend in high school with a 64 Polara and the pushbutton trans too. They were the unique rides, the rest of us all had "boring" muscle cars heh heh. Unfortunately all my cars now are autos.
 

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Its fine. I wouldn't worry about it. If that's the only infraction, a lot of inspectors would say that you have the most solid joists they have seen in months.

But if you really want to be OCD about it (and it seems you are), you could glue a 3/4" wooden dowel into the hole with PL Premium. Cut/sand it flush so that it looks good, then drill a new hole in the vertical center of the joist.
 
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