If you’re a homeowner, then you know that sometimes strange and unexpected noises can come from your home’s pipes.
In order to live in a peaceful and quiet environment, it is necessary to take some preventative measures by soundproofing pipes.
By adding an insulation layer around the pipes, you can significantly reduce the noise that they produce. Also, there are some more ways that you can use to soundproof a pipe and reduce the noise they make.
In this article, we will talk about all the different methods in detail so that you can find the best solution for your home.
10 Ways To Soundproof Noisy Pipes
Between the gurgling and banging, it can be almost impossible to concentrate on important work. If your home has noisy pipes, here are 10 ways to soundproof water pipes and get some peace and quiet.
Fill Wall Cavity
One of the most important things to do for soundproofing is filling wall cavities. Wall cavities are the spaces between the studs in your walls, and they’re usually empty.
If you want to decrease the noise level by soundproofing your home, it’s necessary to fill the wall cavity completely. You can easily do this by using fiberglass or cellulose or denim insulation.
Fiberglass is the commonly used insulation by most property owners because it is relatively effortless to install and can be done by the homeowner or a professional. It comes in batts or rolls and is a perfect way to save effort and cost.
By filling your wall cavities with fiberglass insulation, you can significantly reduce the amount of noise that comes from the pipes.
Run Your Pipes Where They Won’t Be Noticed
Everybody hates the sound of running water, especially when it’s in the background. Try to avoid this by running your pipes near doorways or in other areas where people are likely to be distracted by the sound. This way, you can keep your family mealtime or phone calls uninterrupted.
Another effective method is routing the pipes through an unused closet or basement storage area. However, this depends on the plumbing of your home.
Minimize Turns, Valves, and Fittings
If you have a lot of turns, valves, and fittings in your plumbing system, it will create more turbulence and noise.
It is like a race track where every turn causes loud crashing sounds, but the straightaways are free from noise. You can keep the noise to a minimum by having fewer turns, valves in your plumbing system.
Use Wider Pipes For Heavy Water Flow
In order to keep water flow light and reduce turbulence and noise, it is important to use a large-diameter pipe. This will help ensure a smoother flow of water through your pipes.
By using a larger diameter pipe, you can minimize the amount of turbulence and noise created in pipeline, making for a more pleasant experience.
On the other hand, if you use narrow or small diameter pipes it can create water flow issues and vibrations that could potentially lead to higher noise levels.
Use Cast Iron Pipes Instead Of Plastic Pipes
Plumbers find that plastic pipes are much easier to work with than cast iron pipes, and they don’t require as much time-consuming work. The two common options in plastic pipes are PVC and ABS, which can be found in most houses.
But plastic pipes have one major drawback – they are made up of very light material so they transfer noise quite easily.
While plastic pipes are cheaper and easier to work with, they are not the best choice for soundproofing.
In order to get the best results, cast iron pipes should be used instead of other ABS or PVC pipes. They may cost more, but they are built to last and be much harder to break.
It is better if you are in the process of installing new plumbing fixtures because you’ll have an easier time with no extra adjustments needed.
Mix The Drain Pipe Materials
It is not important to use the same material for all your pipes. We suggest using cast iron for more important places. For example, if you are going to place your pipes beside a wall of your study room or office, it is best to use cast iron rather than plastic pipes.
In that way, you can be sure to save money and time while still getting the full benefits of the project.
Insulate Noisy Pipes With Soundproofing Material
If you want to save your time and money, you can opt for a more practical solution: insulating your existing pipes by wrapping them with thick soundproofing material.
Insulation Wrap
You can use insulation wrap to deaden the noise from water pipes, and this will make your home more pleasant. The insulation wrap is an easy way to insulate your pipes and it can be applied in minutes. You can cover the pipes by just removing the adhesive backing and applying it to the surface of the pipe. In order to get the best results, make sure that all joints are air-tight and no noise can transfer.
If you are not satisfied with the noise reduction from one layer of insulation, you can add another layer on top of it. After applying the insulation wrap on your pipes, don’t toss the leftovers in the trash. There are other ways to utilize this material so it doesn’t go to waste.
For instance, you can use it as a sound barrier in your car or home and the insulation will help to reduce the unwanted noise, making the space quieter.
Spray Foam
We have another excellent alternative to the insulation wrap which is spray foam. This type of insulation is done by spraying a can of foam into the area that needs to be insulated. The benefits of doing this are that it provides great soundproofing as well as thermal insulation. By using spray foam, you don’t have to worry about difficult access or uneven surfaces.
You should consider the dense insulating spray foam if you want to add a thick layer to the pipes as there are many bad-quality sprays that will provide you with less insulation. The thicker the layer, the more sound protection it will give you.
Double The Drywall
If you find yourself struggling to soundproof your home’s noisy pipes because of the difficult reach, don’t fret! Installing another drywall may be a viable option for you.
However, keep in mind that this option is more expensive and time-consuming than others, such as applying insulation wrap on pipes. If you decide to go with the drywall route, consider hiring professionals to help with the installation process.
Isolate Pipes From The Building’s Structure
You could install neoprene gaskets, have “hubless” ends (straight without connections) joined by elastic sleeves, or you can cut the remaining where the pipe is touching. This will help to ensure that your pipes are away from the building wall and act as a barrier between the pipe and the surrounding walls.
If you want extra insulation, you can also cover the pipes with insulation wrap while isolating the pipes from the building’s structure. By doing this, you can reduce the unwanted noise coming from the pipes.
Soundproof The Walls
If you live in an area where noise from your pipes is bothersome, consider soundproofing your walls and ceilings. This will decrease the noise level that travels through them and also help to hide what’s happening inside.
The material for soundproofing should be placed around any exposed areas, like pipes or joints, and then be sealed airtight with caulk. This will avoid vibrations from traveling through the walls.
According to the noise level and vibrations of your pipe, you can determine if the wall density needs to be increased.
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Final Thoughts
So, if you’re experiencing noisy pipes and would like to soundproof them, there are a few methods you can try. The best option for your home will depend on the severity of the noise and the type of pipe you have.
Pipe Soundproofing is a process that can be completed without spending too much money and time. By following the different methods discussed in this DIY guide, you can quiet water pipes and keep your home sounding more peaceful.