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Noise Control

Plumbing Noise

Problem: Plumbing noise heard all over the house or apartment and in adjoining rooms.

Cause: Pipes rigidly connected to walls.

Solutions:

  • To avoid vibration, isolate the pipe system with resilient sleeves and hangers. Avoid all rigid contact with the building structure as shown in Figures 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d and 21e.

Resilient Padding Around Pipe Penetrating a Stud or Joist

Figure 21a - Resilient Padding Around Pipe Penetrating a Stud or Joist

Resilient Padding Around Pipe On Drywall Or Other Flat Surface

Figure 21b - Resilient Padding Around Pipe On Drywall Or Other Flat Surface

Resilient Padding Under Right-Angle Piping.

Figure 21c - Resilient Padding Under Right-Angle Piping.

Resilient Padding Position For Through Floor Piping.

Figure 21c - Resilient Padding Position For Through Floor Piping.

Cause: Turbulence caused by high water-pressure and an excessive number of elbows and bends.

Solutions:

  • Minimize the number of fittings and bends.
  • Use large-diameter piping for all main supply lines. Limit water speed to less than 6-1/2 ft. (2 m) per second by using a pressure reduction valve.

Cause: Turbulence from noisy valves and fixtures

Solutions:

  • Install quiet valves and fixtures. Some valves are reasonably quiet when fully open but are very noisy when partial open. Check valve manufacturer's specifications.

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