Calling all carpenters! I have questions for you.

JoshH · Dec 6, 2020

Screenshot_20201206-140211_Samsung Internet.jpg

This right here makes me believe it's not a load bearing wall. The wall doesn't span the entire width of the house and doesn't even end under a floor joist.

KevPool · Dec 6, 2020

Woodneers · Dec 6, 2020

KevPool said:
yeah man you are safe to remove that wall it isn't a supporting wall. i would suggest putting in a dbl bottom plate that floats if you have ever noticed any heaving in your basement slab

Can I use some 2x12 to build a header across/above the tank? My original plan was to just over build it. Btw I was a cabinet maker for over a decade but never anything structural.

KevPool · Dec 6, 2020

that's a floating plate it prevents your wall pushing up on the floor above

Woodneers · Dec 6, 2020

JoshH said:
This right here makes me believe it's not a load bearing wall. The wall doesn't span the entire width of the house and doesn't even end under a floor joist.

Yep exactly. There isn’t a single wall in the basement that spans more than 12’ perpendicular to the joists.

JoshH · Dec 6, 2020

Woodneers said:
Yep exactly. There isn’t a single wall in the basement that spans more than 12’ perpendicular to the joists.

I agree with @KevPool, rip that sucker down.

KevPool · Dec 6, 2020

how many gal is the DT going to be above it?

Woodneers · Dec 6, 2020

KevPool said:
how many gal is the DT going to be above it?

It’s not gonna be above it it’s going in right here! All my tanks are in the basement. Blue tape is the tentative tank size.

KevPool · Dec 6, 2020

you don't need to put a header bud your good to go

Woodneers · Dec 6, 2020

New wall will join up with this dry walled ax duct in the pic. Excuse the mess, this escalated quickly!

Woodneers · Dec 6, 2020

Other half of the basement with no wall supporting anything. The only difference is the span isnt as long by a few feet.

Woodneers · Dec 6, 2020

Woodneers said:
Other half of the basement with no wall supporting anything. The only difference is the span isnt as long by a few feet.

This is 17’

CMMorgan · Dec 6, 2020

JoshH said:
This right here makes me believe it's not a load bearing wall. The wall doesn't span the entire width of the house and doesn't even end under a floor joist.

I'm plus +1 with Josh on this one. 27 years in the construction business.... I'm not a structural engineer but This would not raise a flag for load bearing to me.

Beau_B · Dec 6, 2020

Those joists being 12” and 19.2 would have a 17’ span ability if they are the smallest, which they appear to be. Assuming the living room isn’t tiled, you can move the wall. Technically it should be on footings, but you can probably get away with it. If you remove the wall without adding support, expect bounce/deflection in your living room.

However, moving it puts you in the situation of having to use a header over the tank in the new wall... probably not ideal.

I would rather support the floor with a header in the existing wall location. Presumably that would be in the utility area and having reduced head room wouldn’t be detrimental.

Woodneers · Dec 6, 2020

Beau_B said:
Those joists being 12” and 19.2 would have a 17’ span ability if they are the smallest, which they appear to be. Assuming the living room isn’t tiled, you can move the wall. Technically it should be on footings, but you can probably get away with it. If you remove the wall without adding support, expect bounce/deflection in your living room.

However, moving it puts you in the situation of having to use a header over the tank in the new wall... probably not ideal.

I would rather support the floor with a header in the existing wall location. Presumably that would be in the utility area and having reduced head room wouldn’t be detrimental.

I have enough space to put at least a 12” header above the tank if necessary. Just not sure it’s needed.

Woodneers · Dec 6, 2020

Can anyone confirm this table is the correct one?

Woodneers · Dec 6, 2020

Woodneers said:
Can anyone confirm this table is the correct one?I think it’s for roofs!

HermitFish · Dec 6, 2020

Something that big and nice should only bring happiness and piece of mind IMO. With that said I’d probably at least find out what it costs to have it looked at by local pro. It probably doesn’t even cost that much, either congrats and enjoy the build!