Reinforcing a Stud in a Wet Wall

Determine where you'll place the pipe inside the wall; they can be anywhere along the entire length of the stud. Make marks the width of the pipe using a pencil. Don't exceed 4-½ inches on the 1-½ inch edge of the stud.

Hold a 12-inch level horizontal to the outside face of the stud. Line up the top edge of the level with the top and bottom lines that represent the notch width. Trace a horizontal line across the face of the stud.

Measure back from the front edge of the stud, 40 percent of the stud width -- 2-by-4 is 1-7/16 inch and 2-by-6 is 2-1/8 inches -- and place marks along the two horizontal lines. Hold the level vertical on the outside face of the stud and line it up with the 40 percent marks. Trace along the edge to form the notch cut-out lines.

Cut the two horizontal lines to the 40 percent depth mark using a reciprocating saw. Hit the side of the stud between the two cuts with the hammer head to knock out the block to make the notch. Lay the pipe inside the notch.

Set the reinforcement strap or plate over the stud edge at the location where you made the notch. Make sure the bent tabs located on each side of the reinforcement plate or strap sits flush against the stud face. Space out the upper and lower tabs on each side of the notch evenly.

Hammer a 10d nail through each allotted slot in the reinforcement strap or plate for a total of 24 fasteners. Cover each notch with a strap or plate, and repeat the nailing pattern.