Forget the leaks, stains and fungal growth beneath the leaks, forget the S-traps that should be P-traps (why that is a problem will be the topic of another blog). Forget the flex drain that will fit in that tight spot but has ridges like a vacuum cleaner house and is clogged all the time, forget the shoe goo and silicone broadly applied at all fittings. Forget the hot and cold water being reversed in sinks, tubs and showers. Now that we eliminate all of those common things found with home-style plumbing, what is the topic of this post? That topic is structural damage to beams and joists (or even wall studs but that might be hidden by sheet rock) caused by so-called plumbers. Now, all plumbers have to make way for the drain pipes and sometimes even the pros cut holes or notches that startle an inspector. But that rarely compares to home-style workmanship. First, one has to realize that joists, beams and posts are an integral part of the structural system. These members must be in tact and strong to carry their share of the weight and to transfer the weight of the home to the foundation and down to the soil. When these wood members are hacked, it is a problem that requires attention. And sometimes the effort in repairing this kind of poor workmanship is, at the least, unpleasant work. This photo below is one of dozens I have collected on inspections, and typical. Repairing this would take more than sistering on a 2x4. Moving the drain and putting in a new member would be one approach. Another, and probably the easist way to do it, and still a hassle, would be to dig below it down to undisturbed soil and then pour one longer, or a couple, concrete piers. The posts could be run up from that, on each side of the notch. As a general rule beams and joists should not be notched. Holes, that are small, may be made at times, if essential, but that decision needs to be made by someone who understands the purpose of structural members and knows the general rules for drilling.
Thanks for reading,
Steven L. Smith
