Sound dampening new plumbing.

Jim F · 04-21-2010, 07:23 PM

I understand from reading other posts that soundproofing can be an extensive project. As some of you are aware, I am in the process of renovating my downstairs bathroom with a tub where the shower used to be. As a result, the bath supply and drain are shaping up in the 2X4 partition wall shared with an adjacent hallway. I predict the plumbing sounds will travel very well through the drywall that seperates the plumbing from the hall. I am replacing the single stud that sits in a bad place in the center of everything with two on either side to creat a single bay for all the plumbing. What is best for reducing the sound transmission in this limited area.

PaliBob · 04-21-2010, 08:09 PM

Jim, You also need to make the plumbing connections accessible or at least not bury them so far as to require a major hassle to get access.

I have heard of folks using several cans of expandable foam after first wrapping the piping with Saran Wrap so as to ease future access. Read the "FAQs" on filling enclosed voids from this supplier:
http://greatstuff.dow.com/

Another possibility is to use a multilayered drywall product around the affected area:
http://www.quietrock.com/
.

Jim F · 04-21-2010, 08:21 PM

Still debating on the access panel. On the one hand I would prefer to have one there. On the other hand, my wife is not fond of the idea of an access panel on the hallway wall unless I can make it look pretty somehow. My thought is that I could easily cut into the drywall with my utility knife but would still prefer the access panel but a future homeowner would cures me out in effigy for not including it. Thanks for the linke, I will check them out. Also had my eye on some non-itchy soundproofing insulation.

Alan · 04-21-2010, 10:54 PM

Best soundproofing would be to fur the wall to 2x6 in order to get massive amounts of insulation in there OR build a soffit in a corner 6x6 to put massive insulation around the pipe.

They also make some peel and stick stuff similar to 'dynamat' (a car stereo product)

You could even run no-hub cast iron down the walls, which helps a lot.

I've seen someone spray expanding foam on the piping before... it's not pretty... it's not easy to control, and it's very very messy.

Not recommended by me.

Jim F · 04-21-2010, 11:12 PM

Good suggestions. I'll have to trial and error it. If I build in the access panel it should be easy enough to revise if it is too loud.

PaliBob · 04-22-2010, 12:34 AM

Plumbing access Doors or Panels are widely available at Plumbing Supply Houses. For a big selection go to where the plumbers go, not to HD.

Here is a link that also has decorative panels:
http://www.hallmann-sales.com/search...ingAccessDoors

04-21-2010, 07:23 PM	#1
Jim F Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: New York Posts: 1,571	Sound dampening new plumbing. I understand from reading other posts that soundproofing can be an extensive project. As some of you are aware, I am in the process of renovating my downstairs bathroom with a tub where the shower used to be. As a result, the bath supply and drain are shaping up in the 2X4 partition wall shared with an adjacent hallway. I predict the plumbing sounds will travel very well through the drywall that seperates the plumbing from the hall. I am replacing the single stud that sits in a bad place in the center of everything with two on either side to creat a single bay for all the plumbing. What is best for reducing the sound transmission in this limited area.

04-21-2010, 08:09 PM	#2
PaliBob Tool Geek Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Pacific Palisades CA Posts: 2,447	Sound dampening new plumbing. Jim, You also need to make the plumbing connections accessible or at least not bury them so far as to require a major hassle to get access. I have heard of folks using several cans of expandable foam after first wrapping the piping with Saran Wrap so as to ease future access. Read the "FAQs" on filling enclosed voids from this supplier: http://greatstuff.dow.com/ Another possibility is to use a multilayered drywall product around the affected area: http://www.quietrock.com/ . __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. & Stay Safe .....Bob Lavery

04-21-2010, 08:21 PM	#3
Jim F Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: New York Posts: 1,571	Sound dampening new plumbing. Still debating on the access panel. On the one hand I would prefer to have one there. On the other hand, my wife is not fond of the idea of an access panel on the hallway wall unless I can make it look pretty somehow. My thought is that I could easily cut into the drywall with my utility knife but would still prefer the access panel but a future homeowner would cures me out in effigy for not including it. Thanks for the linke, I will check them out. Also had my eye on some non-itchy soundproofing insulation.

04-21-2010, 10:54 PM	#4
Alan Doing it myself Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Crescent City, CA Posts: 3,454	Sound dampening new plumbing. Best soundproofing would be to fur the wall to 2x6 in order to get massive amounts of insulation in there OR build a soffit in a corner 6x6 to put massive insulation around the pipe. They also make some peel and stick stuff similar to 'dynamat' (a car stereo product) You could even run no-hub cast iron down the walls, which helps a lot. I've seen someone spray expanding foam on the piping before... it's not pretty... it's not easy to control, and it's very very messy. Not recommended by me. __________________ Journeyman Plumber

04-21-2010, 11:12 PM	#5
Jim F Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: New York Posts: 1,571	Sound dampening new plumbing. Good suggestions. I'll have to trial and error it. If I build in the access panel it should be easy enough to revise if it is too loud.

Sound dampening new plumbing.