How to Soundproof a Sewer Pipe

People soundproof sewer pipes for many different reasons.
The most common being that they are converting a basement into a more usable room, or simply that the pipes make unnecessary and distracting rattling or vibrating noises.
By soundproofing the pipes, not only do you stop the immediate problem, but you reduce the vibrations of the pipes, therefore making it less likely that there will be issues further down the line.
Soundproofing whilst fitting a new bathroom is always a good idea, as it eliminates the risk of having to tear out the bathroom at a later date should an audible problem arise.
Most hardware stores will sell soundproofing tape/ wrap which has been proven to be enormously effective.
How to soundproof your sewer pipes: 1.
Measure the exposed pipe.
You will need approximately 8ft (2.
4m) of soundproofing tape for every 1 ½ft (45cm) of pipe.
2.
Thoroughly clean and dry said pipe.
3.
Stick and wrap the tape to the pipe, remembering to overlap by around ¼" (0.
7cm) each time.
4.
Newly wrapped, exposed pipes can now be boxed in with plywood, for a neat and tidy finish.
Other methods of soundproofing include using an expanding soundproofing foam, although this has not been as well revered by the plumbing community as its tape counterpart.
• The most important thing to remember when buying materials for soundproofing is the material density.
The more dense the material, the more efficient it will be at blocking out noise.
For example, some people use fibreglass thermal insulation products but find they are ineffective as they absorb noise rather than block it out completely.
• When fitting your soundproofing, remember to fit directly onto the pipe, as this minimises vibration which is key for blocking out sound.
• It is extremely difficult to remove soundproof wrap once applied, so ensure that it is fitted correctly first time.
A 'dry run' before unpeeling the sticky backing could prove useful.
• Do not apply the wrap over access plugs.
Cut and restart the process around such obstacles.
• PVC pipes are generally more problematic when it comes to noise pollution.
If you have the option, choose cast iron pipes in the first instance to minimise the risk of unwelcome noise.
Cast iron is less likely to have sound issues as it is a more dense material than PVC.
Remember; any kind of soundproofing is only effective if installed correctly.
Practice before you apply the soundproofing, or if in doubt, call the professionals.