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Pipework: Notching and/or Drilling Joists vs over the top?

paperclap
paperclap Posts: 760 Forumite
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Hi all,

I am replacing our radiators and pipework.

Our current setup consists of two rads sharing one drop down leg, and another two rads sharing another drop down leg (tee’d off at the bottom of the legs, of course).

When fitting the new rads, two will be positioned the same as their predecessors. However, the other two will be relocated. Because of this, they can’t share the same drop down legs as they once did… and will therefore need their own drop down legs.

In the loft (bungalow), the current flow and return pipes are suspended in the air by about one foot, supported by small bits of wood.

As each rad will now need its own drop down leg, I wasn’t overly keen on the idea of now having multiple tee joints flying off to each drop down leg along these pipes.

In short, is it best to relocate these pipes in the loft, rather than having them suspended, as they currently are?

I don’t think I can drill through the joists, as it would be practically impossible to feed any decent length of pipe through multiple joists.

Im not keen on notching the joists, either. The last thing I want to do is to upset the structurally sound balance of the house!

Alternatively, is it an idea to simply sit the pipes on top of the joists (sitting in talon clips)?

All of the above options raise the question of: how do I then insulate / lag the pipes?

Any thoughts or recommendations?

Thanks.
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Comments

  • grumbler
    grumbler Posts: 58,629 Forumite
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    edited 10 October 2021 pm31 7:05PM

    I don’t think I can drill through the joists, as it would be practically impossible to feed any decent length of pipe through multiple joists.
    Very easy if you use plastic pipe.

    Im not keen on notching the joists, either. The last thing I want to do is to upset the structurally sound balance of the house!
    Not a big deal if it's close to the wall, but in any case, it's the load bearing capacity of joists only that is affected.




  • FreeBear
    FreeBear Posts: 17,370 Forumite
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    laurencewhymark said: Alternatively, is it an idea to simply sit the pipes on top of the joists (sitting in talon clips)?

    All of the above options raise the question of: how do I then insulate / lag the pipes?
    Yes, always route the pipes above the joists rather than notching or drilling holes. Use a few clips to hold them in place, and then insulate. The more insulation, the better, so use the thick stuff rather than the cheap £1/length from Screwfix.
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  • FreeBear said:
    laurencewhymark said: Alternatively, is it an idea to simply sit the pipes on top of the joists (sitting in talon clips)?

    All of the above options raise the question of: how do I then insulate / lag the pipes?
    Yes, always route the pipes above the joists rather than notching or drilling holes. Use a few clips to hold them in place, and then insulate. The more insulation, the better, so use the thick stuff rather than the cheap £1/length from Screwfix.
    Thanks FreeBear!

    But, if the pipes are in 15mm clips, how can they then be insulated?
  • grumbler
    grumbler Posts: 58,629 Forumite
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    Well between the joists + somehow above them? My understanding is that the loft isn't boarded.
  • Correct Grumbler, the loft isn’t boarded


  • But, if the pipes are in 15mm clips, how can they then be insulated?

    Cut the insulation to fit around the clip.
  • grumbler
    grumbler Posts: 58,629 Forumite
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    Also, depending on the outside diameter of the insulation, you can consider using waste pipe clips (40mm) instead or even those for guttering downpipe (68mm).
  • grumbler said:
    Also, depending on the outside diameter of the insulation, you can consider using waste pipe clips (40mm) instead or even those for guttering downpipe (68mm).
    You’re thinking of insulating the pipes, and then nesting the pipes (with the insulation) in the clips?
  • grumbler
    grumbler Posts: 58,629 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited 10 October 2021 pm31 9:18PM
    Yep. Why not? As the insulation is soft, the clip diameter can be a little smaller.
    Alternatively you can DIY similar 'clips' from steel wire (fixable with two screws).
  • grumbler said:
    Yep. Why not? As the insulation is soft, the clip diameter can be a little smaller.
    Alternatively you can DIY similar 'clips' from steel wire (fixable with two screws).
    Not a bad shout!  :)
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