Moving radiator pipes in basement

[pclimber]

I'm in the process of replacing a plaster ceiling in the finished half of my basement, and I figured since I have full access to everything now would be the time if I were to make any changes to the radiator piping in this area.

As it was before ripping out the ceiling, the pipes just ran exposed along the ceiling, but this obviously doesn't create a very finished look. I've attached a diagram that shows roughly where the pipes need to be going - it looks like currently there is a combination of 1.5" and 3" cast iron piping, and a good portion of the run is perpendicular to the joists. The room is about 24' wide at the widest area.

The height of the pipes pretty much rules out dropping the ceiling or boxing them in - the resulting ceiling would be too low. Is there any hope of changing things around so that they could run in / through the joists? I'm not planning on doing this myself, but would like to know if it's possible before I spend time looking for a plumber, getting quotes, etc. Also if it is possible, it'd be good to know if it's so involved a job that the price wouldn't be worth the outcome.

Thanks!

EDIT: Update drawing to include the both in/out connections for the main floor radiators.

 

[phishfood]

What type of joists, solid lumber/solid laminate beams, OSB with top and bottom stringers, web type joists?

 

[johnjh2o]

From the looks of your drawing that is showing one pipe to the radiators, you must have a one pipe steam system. If that is the case these lines must pitch back to you boiler. Any line that doesn't allow the condensate to return to the boiler will cause a very load hammer. And I do mean hammer. It will sound as if someone is hitting the pipe with a hammer.

John

 

[pclimber]

Thanks for the responses. I put this up at work so I was drawing a bit from memory - John's comment made me realize I must have missed the paired piping since I know the heating is hot water and not steam. I've updated the drawing after having another look in the room.

The joists are solid lumber 1.5" x 9", and these meet at two girders of doubled up 1.5" x 9" lumber, each in line with the edge of the bay. There is also bridging down the center of the room.

 

[phishfood]

To move the piping into the joists would require having a structural engineer calculate the loads and determine if and where you could penetrate through the joists.

There at least used to be some percentage of joist numbers in the Florida Building Code that would allow some limited drilling and notching of joists, but I don't know if these code sections are still there. Nor would I want to hang my hat on them for multiple joist penetrations.