Hello
I'm in the process of renovating a small bathroom but have run into a problem. I'm going to install a unidrain wall-mounted floor drain, but the outlet is coming right above a floor joist. I've already notched out 40x40x250mm (the beam is 230x70mm). The outlet I notched for is a low-profile model, but I saw yesterday that the water trap associated with it is not approved according to EN 1253, so I don't know how the insurance company will feel about that.. So I'm considering changing the outlet to a higher model, but then I have to notch out about 30mm more downward, and I'm afraid I will weaken the beam even more than it already is. So what do you think, can I reinforce in some way and notch more, or should I stick with the low-profile model? The house is a one-story with a basement built in 1943, the bathroom is on the entrance floor, the beam I've notched is about 4.2m.
Hope you have an answer
Regards, Fredrik
I'm in the process of renovating a small bathroom but have run into a problem. I'm going to install a unidrain wall-mounted floor drain, but the outlet is coming right above a floor joist. I've already notched out 40x40x250mm (the beam is 230x70mm). The outlet I notched for is a low-profile model, but I saw yesterday that the water trap associated with it is not approved according to EN 1253, so I don't know how the insurance company will feel about that.. So I'm considering changing the outlet to a higher model, but then I have to notch out about 30mm more downward, and I'm afraid I will weaken the beam even more than it already is. So what do you think, can I reinforce in some way and notch more, or should I stick with the low-profile model? The house is a one-story with a basement built in 1943, the bathroom is on the entrance floor, the beam I've notched is about 4.2m.
Hope you have an answer
Regards, Fredrik
Member
· Västernorrland
· 11 695 posts
If it is as thick as the one in the picture below, then it's probably no problem. Moreover, it looks like you have already reinforced it. I have seen far worse things than that.........beams that have barely held together because they have run through 110 drains, etc. In old houses, it is likely more substantial than in more modern ones.
Okay, yes I have glued and screwed a 15mm plywood. Yes, it's the same dimension on that beam. The beam is, as mentioned, 230x70 and if I notch out 30mm more, there will be 160mm left in height where I've notched out, so maybe it's fine then
I would like to see a drawing showing where along the beam's entire length the notch is located. Without that information, it is difficult to assess the consequences.
Two areas on a beam are particularly sensitive to drilling, namely at the middle and at the supports. Now you are in luck since you're away from these areas. Most of the material in the beam will remain even after a 70 mm cutout, so I believe it will work. The main principle is not to make drillings of this nature unless you're knowledgeable in structural engineering or can consult someone who is before drilling! One always tries to solve the problem by avoiding it. I say this not primarily to you but to everyone following the thread who faces similar issues.
Thank you so much for the help.