Pipe incursions into garage ceiling code violation

[EEProf]

When we bought our house (New Hanover Co, NC) four years ago the inspector told me that the pipes poking out of the ceiling in the garage from an upstairs bath were not to code since they were not sealed. I was not concerned and wouldn't bother but we found crawly nasties in the under sink cabinet that could only have come in that way...sooo, I decided to seal the holes. There are three, toilet, sink and tub drains (see photos). The tub drain (1.5") was tricky, but I think it is fine. My issue is with the two 4" pipes. Can I just spray foam up in there? Other suggestions appreciated. I figured as long as I am doing it I would stay true to code if possible.

Thanks!

 

[WorthFlorida]

You need to use https://www.homedepot.com/p/GREAT-S...ulating-Spray-Foam-Sealant-99112831/312450329

You can stuff steel wool around the pipe then spray foam. Mice and other varmints do not like steel wool if they decide to chew on the foam. Spray a little at a time to build up the foam and eventually the hole will sealed up.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Eman85]

Why not do what you did to the smaller pipe? Just use something thin like sheet aluminum coil that they use for covering fascia.

 

[EEProf]

Why not do what you did to the smaller pipe? Just use something thin like sheet aluminum coil that they use for covering fascia.

I think it is too tricky to get right. I like the fire stop foam idea.

 

[Jeff H Young]

usually a house to garage is one hour rated and requires fire stopping and prohibits plastic drain pipe penetrations

 

[EEProf]

usually a house to garage is one hour rated and requires fire stopping and prohibits plastic drain pipe penetrations

I don't know what the code is here, I just assumed that the 'issue' was the fact that the penetration openings were not sealed. So if the code was no plastic penetrations, would the solution have been to box the pipes in?

 

[Jeff H Young]

I don't know what the code is here, I just assumed that the 'issue' was the fact that the penetration openings were not sealed. So if the code was no plastic penetrations, would the solution have been to box the pipes in?

I think boxing it might work. really cant say if that would be allowed or if the envelope has to be the cieling

 

[EEProf]

I think boxing it might work. really cant say if that would be allowed or if the envelope has to be the cieling

The codes are tricky and something of a moving target. I am fairly familiar with electrical, but plumbing not so much. In any event, those pipes are 'grandfathered' in for now and the seals are going to work great for my prime objective which was to eliminate bugs from getting through there. Will also help with air flow and, should there be a fire (knock on wood) it will slow it down.

If the envelope had to be the ceiling, which is currently 16', the only solution would be a false ceiling under the current one. Just not feasible with this house. Cheaper to put a set of sprinklers up there and even then that might not satisfy the code .

 

[John Gayewski]

The solution for pipe pennatrating a fire wall is that the pipe needs to be metal and then sealed with fire caulk.

 

[Fitter30]

Call your city/ county inspector on the type of fire stop foam or caulk. Some inspectors are really picky.

 

[Tuttles Revenge]

Fires that start in the garage are usually pretty involved. You definitely want to get those buttoned up.

Check local codes and find the right product.

Firestop Solutions

Firestop Solution Products, Metacaulk Sealants, Sprays, Devices, Large Opening, Wraps, Strips, Putties and Accessories.

rectorseal.com

 

[EEProf]

Check local codes

...and therein lies the rub.

 

[DirtyJerz]

If the envelope had to be the ceiling, which is currently 16', the only solution would be a false ceiling under the current one. Just not feasible with this house

All you need to do is just build a box out of 2x4 to cover the pipers, then screw fire-rated gypsum board onto the newly built joists. No need to do it for the entire ceiling and completely removes the need to verify what kind of fire caulk or foam is acceptable.

 

[Tuttles Revenge]

All you need to do is just build a box out of 2x4 to cover the pipers, then screw fire-rated gypsum board onto the newly built joists. No need to do it for the entire ceiling and completely removes the need to verify what kind of fire caulk or foam is acceptable

Soffiting the entire bit is definitely one way to do it.