Is tank weight causing this damage?

[Toiletcar]

Before I got this tank, I asked 5 guys I knew in the construction industry if the floor could support this kind of weight in the long term. They all said yes. It’s been up for at least 10 years. But noticed this damage in the basement. The tanks and cabinet are agains the wall. I am getting rid of the cabinet soon and going to move the 25g. Now wondering should keep the 150g.

 

[Conner]

When were the joists/plywood subfloor painted? That doesn't look like fresh damage to me. It looks like the damage happened prior to painting. If the joists were painted prior to you putting the tank there, I would think that damage was already there.

Also, is the tank running across the joists, or parallel to them? Hard to tell exactly where it's positioned in the basement photos.

 

[fishguy1978]

If the wall behind the tank is the wall that runs parallel to the duct work then, no. Your 150g is 18in wide and the damage to the one floor joist is 4ft from the wall if the wall studs are on 16in centers and there are 3 studs from the corner running parallel to the joist. Also, if your tanks is perpendicular to the joists there are 4 joists supporting the weight of the tank. I would think that you would see deflection in all 4 joists. Even with a single failed joist the other 3 should be able to bear the weight.

 

[TwoHedWlf]

The only damage I see that area in the second pic. I agree with Conner, that was there and then painted over. I can't tell for sure are those just...Ahhh...I can't remember the name, shims or strips nailed to the bottom of the joists to level the ceiling?

Certainly worth getting a professional in to look at it, but I wouldn't worry hugely.

 

[deeda]

I can't tell if those are I-joists or standard 2x floor joists, can you clarify?

 

[fishguy1978]

I can't tell if those are I-joists or standard 2x floor joists, can you clarify?

I joists. You can see the knock outs in the picture of the damaged joist.

 

[Joshuakahan]

Before I got this tank, I asked 5 guys I knew in the construction industry if the floor could support this kind of weight in the long term. They all said yes. It’s been up for at least 10 years. But noticed this damage in the basement. The tanks and cabinet are agains the wall. I am getting rid of the cabinet soon and going to move the 25g. Now wondering should keep the 150g.

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The paint was definitely done before the damage, otherwise the paint would be in the splits instead of showing fresh wood. The only thing I would suggest is finding out what the joists are rated for. You may have to go to the courthouse and get permit records to find that out. That will help you determine if the damage was caused by the weight or if it was something else.

 

[Dalfrey86]

Run a long level parallel and perpendicular to the joist in that area. From there determine if there is deflection as it currently sits. Use that figure against allowable tolerances for manufactured joists.
Has others mentioned it could be furring strip damage or prior nails/screws put in the joist.

 

[Toiletcar]

Thanks guys ?
Took some more pics of it would help. The tank sits closer to the wall of the basement wall. It’s not right above the cracks, but could the stress cause the wood to split there?

 

[Dalfrey86]

I frame houses. Without knowing if the joist is out of level It is difficult to determine if there is excess load causing deflection. I joist as well as standard framing woods can split from fasteners but remain structurally intact.