Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Chapter 11 Wall and Ceiling Framing 257
11.6.2 Plumbing in Walls
Where plumbing is run through walls, special construc-
tion may be required. Depending on the size of the drain
and venting pipes, a partition may have to be made wider.
Usually a 6″ frame is sufficient. Figure 11‑26 shows two
methods of construction.
Lateral (horizontal) runs of pipe require drilling holes
or notching the studs. Sometimes, a wooden block is
used to bridge a notch cut for plumbing, but usually
plumbers and electricians drill holes in the center of the
stud. The edge of a hole for a pipe and wiring may not
be closer to the edge of the stud than 1 1/4″. That is
more to protect the wiring or plumbing from nails and
screws than to protect the strength of the stud.
11.6.3 Bracing
Exterior walls usually need some type of bracing to
resist lateral (sideways) loads. Some types of mate-
rial, such as plywood or OSB sheathing, provide suf-
ficient rigidity. In these cases, additional bracing can
be eliminated. Always check the exact requirements of
the local building code.
Metal-strap bracing is widely used. It is made of 18
or 20 gauge galvanized steel and is 2″ wide. One type
includes a 3/8″ center rib, Figure 11‑27.
To install the ribbed strap bracing, snap a chalk line
across the erected wall frame. Set a portable circular
saw to cut just deep enough to completely accept the
rib on the bracing. Make a cut on the chalk line on each
member. Drive two 8d nails through the rib into each
framing member. The let-in corner bracing shown in
Figure 11‑28 is no longer permitted by building codes
in areas subject to earthquakes. In such areas, plywood
or OSB shear panels must be used for greater strength
and rigidity.
Soil
stack
A
2×6s
Drain
Lavatory
drain
Framing to
support lavatory
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 11‑26. A partition containing plumbing pipes
may need different construction to provide room for the
plumbing. A—A wall constructed of 2×6 studs and plate.
B—The use of 2×4 studs on a 2×6 plate eliminates the need
to notch or bore studs for lateral runs.
Soil
stack
2×4 studs B
2×6
plate
Subfloor
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 11‑27. Metal-strap bracing. The brace extends from
the top plate to the sole plate. It is easily installed by cutting
an angled saw kerf into the studs, top plate, and sole plate.
The rib is designed to slip into a saw kerf at each member of
the frame and is fastened with nails.
Chapter 11 Wall and Ceiling Framing 257
11.6.2 Plumbing in Walls
Where plumbing is run through walls, special construc-
tion may be required. Depending on the size of the drain
and venting pipes, a partition may have to be made wider.
Usually a 6″ frame is sufficient. Figure 11‑26 shows two
methods of construction.
Lateral (horizontal) runs of pipe require drilling holes
or notching the studs. Sometimes, a wooden block is
used to bridge a notch cut for plumbing, but usually
plumbers and electricians drill holes in the center of the
stud. The edge of a hole for a pipe and wiring may not
be closer to the edge of the stud than 1 1/4″. That is
more to protect the wiring or plumbing from nails and
screws than to protect the strength of the stud.
11.6.3 Bracing
Exterior walls usually need some type of bracing to
resist lateral (sideways) loads. Some types of mate-
rial, such as plywood or OSB sheathing, provide suf-
ficient rigidity. In these cases, additional bracing can
be eliminated. Always check the exact requirements of
the local building code.
Metal-strap bracing is widely used. It is made of 18
or 20 gauge galvanized steel and is 2″ wide. One type
includes a 3/8″ center rib, Figure 11‑27.
To install the ribbed strap bracing, snap a chalk line
across the erected wall frame. Set a portable circular
saw to cut just deep enough to completely accept the
rib on the bracing. Make a cut on the chalk line on each
member. Drive two 8d nails through the rib into each
framing member. The let-in corner bracing shown in
Figure 11‑28 is no longer permitted by building codes
in areas subject to earthquakes. In such areas, plywood
or OSB shear panels must be used for greater strength
and rigidity.
Soil
stack
A
2×6s
Drain
Lavatory
drain
Framing to
support lavatory
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 11‑26. A partition containing plumbing pipes
may need different construction to provide room for the
plumbing. A—A wall constructed of 2×6 studs and plate.
B—The use of 2×4 studs on a 2×6 plate eliminates the need
to notch or bore studs for lateral runs.
Soil
stack
2×4 studs B
2×6
plate
Subfloor
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 11‑27. Metal-strap bracing. The brace extends from
the top plate to the sole plate. It is easily installed by cutting
an angled saw kerf into the studs, top plate, and sole plate.
The rib is designed to slip into a saw kerf at each member of
the frame and is fastened with nails.