Code for drilling through sill board?
Question:I am installing an in-ground sprinkler system. When I come off my water meter in the basement and run to the outside, is there code that governs where I can drill through the sill board? In other words, should it be right in the middle of the board vertically?
Answers:
Drill your hole where you want from the outside, so you can see exactly where it will be above the ground level. Take into account where the tap, controls will be.
I imagine you will only be dill a hole for 1/2" pipe ID so a 5/8 hole OD isn't going to harm the integrity of the sill, as it is only a covering to the crawl space.
This depends on the composition of your sill board. If your sill board is made of OSB it will perform better with holes in the middle vertically. If the board is Dimensional lumber then you can put the whole almost anywhere. Avoid notching either one. When you are done with your hole, place solid blocking to the right and left of the hole. Make these out of 2x4's. This is especially important if you have OSB. If you use solid blocking you will have more flexibility on where you drill your hole. With the blocking in place, you will be able to drill your hole closer to the plate (or top of foundation wall) if you want. Finally, remember that a circular hole is strongest, while a big square notch is weaker.
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