I'm working on finishing my basement in a single-story house that has a kitchen drain running through it. This drain runs the length of the basement and will interfere with adding a ceiling. The only solution I see is to raise the drain pipe along the joists, but since it needs to slope downward, I can't just run it through the center of the joists. Instead, I would likely have to start near the top third of the first joist and end near the bottom third of the last. Could I sister in some long 2x4s to help support the compromised joists? Are there any other options I should consider?
1 Answer
Consider building a soffit or bulkhead in the upper corner of the room to contain the drain and any HVAC ductwork you might have. This not only provides a neat solution but can also be a stylish feature if you add low-profile can lights to it. Just avoid notching your joists; it could weaken their support too much.
I second this recommendation! Notching those joists for a long pipe isn't feasible and could compromise their integrity. Instead of sistering, think about replacing the joists with engineered wood like TJIs. They have built-in designs for accommodating plumbing and can handle larger holes better.