Thread: Gas pipe across finished space just above head height

Did a converted cottage yesterday. Overall nice rehab (except didn't know how to install Hardiplank - but that is another issue). The issue: the builder left a gas pipe (black iron, well sized) running across a ceiling in the finished basement at about six feet five inches. My worry: what if the future homeowner's kid decides he wants to do chin ups on this. Its the perfect height. Are there any regulations as to what height and location gas pipes must run (and can't run!).
No photos. Description will have to suffice.

Originally Posted by Ernie Simpson

Did a converted cottage yesterday. Overall nice rehab (except didn't know how to install Hardiplank - but that is another issue). The issue: the builder left a gas pipe (black iron, well sized) running across a ceiling in the finished basement at about six feet five inches. My worry: what if the future homeowner's kid decides he wants to do chin ups on this. Its the perfect height. Are there any regulations as to what height and location gas pipes must run (and can't run!).
No photos. Description will have to suffice.

Hi Ernie,

If the pipe is properly supported I know of no code concerning exposed gas supply height as you described.

The Required Ceiling Height could be another Issue. Time to pull out the tape measure.

404.3 Minimum ceiling heights. Habitable spaces, hallways, corridors, laundry areas, bathrooms, toilet rooms and habitable basement areas shall have a clear ceiling height of not less than 7 feet (2134 mm).

Exceptions:

1. In one- and two-family dwellings, beams or girders spaced not less than 4 feet (1219 mm) on center and projecting not more than 6 inches (152 mm) below the required ceiling height. 2. Basement rooms in one- and two-family dwellings occupied exclusively for laundry, study or recreation purposes, having a ceiling height of not less than 6 feet 8 inches (2033 mm) with not less than 6 feet 4 inches (1932 mm) of clear height under beams, girders, ducts and similar obstructions. 3. Rooms occupied exclusively for sleeping, study or similar purposes and having a sloped ceiling over all or part of the room, with a clear ceiling height of at least 7 feet (2134 mm) over not less than one-third of the required minimum floor area. In calculating the floor area of such rooms, only those portions of the floor area with a clear ceiling height of 5 feet (1524 mm) or more shall be included. 4. Manufactured housing regulated in the Residential Code of New York State shall be permitted to retain ceiling heights provided at time of manufacture. 5. Spaces legally in existence before January 1, 2003, and spaces for which a variance has been legally granted shall be allowed to be occupied. 6. Ceiling heights reduced by necessary repairs shall be no lower than 6 feet 8 inches.