So, I had a telco technician come over to set up our internet, and during the installation, he accidentally drilled vertically into a support beam under my house. He went down about 6 to 10 inches before stopping, but thankfully, he didn't drill all the way through. He was using a long 3/8" drill bit. I'm a bit anxious about this and wondering if I should be concerned about the structural integrity of my home. Any advice?
3 Answers
You probably don’t need to worry too much. If you can get under your house, check the support beam for any signs of cracking or splitting. If there’s no visible damage, you’re likely in the clear. But if you do spot any issues, you can easily reinforce the beam with an additional piece of lumber. If repairs are needed and the tech caused the damage, they should cover it, so don’t hesitate to reach out to them!
From my experience as a plumber, a 3/8” hole in a joist isn’t really a cause for alarm. I’ve drilled thousands of holes, and it’s common practice to fill them with an epoxy to be safe. If it eases your mind, you could consider doing that!
Thanks for the advice! I appreciate the tip about the epoxy.
It depends a lot on what kind of beam it is—like a 2x12 floor joist or maybe a TJI. If the beam is just a regular joist, it’s likely fine, especially with a 3/8” bit. I’d recommend having the company pay for an inspector to assess the damage since they were the ones who drilled it. Better safe than sorry!
Thanks for the insight! I think it’s not a TJI—it’s a solid beam from the 80s, supported by piers. I’ll call ATT and see if they can cover an inspection.
Thanks, will do! I'm planning to check the crawlspace soon. I read that vertical holes aren't great for beams, so I wanted to get some reassurance before I panic.