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I want to put up a horizontal 2x4 as close to the ceiling as I can in my garage but I’m concerned about screwing into the water heater pipes. Which way would the pipes go so I can avoid them?

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isherwood
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chistannuhguyin
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2 Answers2

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Nobody can tell you what's behind the wall except the person who built the house. However, code says that all plumbing and electrical must be at least 1" from the surface or be protected by metal plates. So you should be OK using screws that don't go deeper than 1" into the studs, so 1" + 1/2" drywall + 1-1/2" stud piece = 3" max screw length.

Still, before you start make sure you know the location of the water shut-off valve, and of the electrical service panel.

And about the pipes you see entering the wall, aren't those air/exhaust pipes? See if they go straight out of the house.

Cheery
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If you are running a horizontal 2x4 on the surface of the wall you don't have to guess. Just drill some holes between the studs and you can look directly into the wall. The 2x4 will cover them up.

You can drill 1/2-in holes and use a cheap borescope. If you don't have one, buy one. IMO. These have become so good and so cheap. They should be about the third tool that any homeowner buys.

Or you can drill pairs of 1-in holes, shine a flashlight in one and peer in the other with one eye.

You don't need very much of this. You're just looking for a horizontal pipe or wire. If you don't find one, you know it's pretty safe to use the studs at that height.

jay613
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