Insulating basement waste line

Ultrarunner

I'll likely be framing the basement next week. Two main wastes run from upstairs. What is generally accepted as the best method to insulate to mitigate the sound from the waste water heading down. I'm conventionally framing with R10 in the walls, but that's just not going to minimize the noise enough I don't think....

thanks,

Ultra

joecaption

R-10 would not be conventional insulation in a 2 X 4 wall.
R-13 would be the norm.
For a basment that would be more then enough.
Are you planing on living in this basement? Not sure why there's such a concern.

Ultrarunner

Yes Joe, the basement is going to be living space. Master bedroom/bathroom, and a larger great room. I mentioned R10, as that is code, but certainly R13 would be fine.

I'm focusing on the noisy pipes, as this place isn't old enough for cast Iron, I have PVC. In doing a bit of research, I've come across 'QuietWrap' and similar products....

I look forward to your comments,


Thanks.

Windows on Wash

I would encourage you to read through the myriad of threads on this forum about basement insulation.

Fiberglass is not usually a suitable insulation for below grade applications given its tendency to grow mold and be moisture sensitive.

As far as the waste pipes go, I have never heard a complaint from a customer after stud walls and insulation are up.

You will probably find that standard insulation and drywall will do the trick.

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Ultrarunner

Thanks for your comments. I would agree there are better options than fiberglass batts....heck, if money were no object, I'd foam it with closed-cell. However, I'm being diligent in the installation of the vapor barrier, have a floating slab, and it's dry, with no current moisture propagation issues...

thanks again,

Ultra

Windows on Wash

Even if you go with batts, I would recommend something other than fiberglass.

Rigid foam is not that bad from a pricing stand point.

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Ultrarunner

I would agree. I'll price out the rigid foam, as I like that product, and it's easy of install....

Thanks,

Ultra

jklingel

Below grade? I know it is debatable, but I have yet to read in the debate material that a vb below grade actually HELPS. At best, they seem to "not cause problems, enough to worry about", is how I read what I read. Maybe I misread.... but I'd be careful about a vb below grade unless it is real cold where you are (I'd still never install one myself, but....)

Windows on Wash

+1

Agree on all points.

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jklingel

Good to know I can still read. j

Beepster

I am doing the same as you and went with 1" XPS glued to the block walls and 2x4 framed over that. I will use unfaced R13 batts. 2" XPS would be best, but the price is so much more. With 1" you have to monitor the humidity level and keep it below 50% in the summer.

SEARCH. GBR has many links to the 'Building Sciences' sites explaining below grade insulation in GREAT detail.

Are the first floor drain lines PVC, steel, or cast iron?

B

stickjim

measure pipe diameter and ask at your local building supply store for pipe insulation (pipe size plus 1 inch thickness should solve sound problems