PIPES, VALVES & FITTINGS
Why pipework matters so much when it comes to noise transmission
With noise-related complaints on the increase from residents in tall buildings, Steve Bamforth, UK strategic project director at Polypipe Building Services, explains how they are supporting distributors with solutions to reduce noise pollution
N
oise from wastewater travelling around a tall building can feel particularly intrusive in multi-occupancy residential properties. Pipes manufactured from plastic
or composite materials can absorb both airborne (noise transferred through the air) and structure-borne sound (through the building fabric) making them ideally suited to transporting water and wastewater throughout a building. Part E of the UK Building Regulations states that sanitary noise in new and refurbished residential properties should not exceed 45 dB as a daytime average (roughly the equivalent of a refrigerator hum). However, as buildings become quieter due to improvements in insulation products and practice, so the noise from building services is more noticeable.
What causes noisy pipework?
Noise in pipework is created where wastewater changes direction, for example, where you get bends, offsets and branch pipes. While good design should reduce some noise, the amount of structure-borne noise will also be influenced by how the pipe is supported, the wall brackets used and the wall materials to which they’re fixed. Pipes must be secured to the building
using brackets or clips, and because these are sound tested as a complete system with the same manufacturer’s pipe, they should always be installed together.
Rubber lined brackets or clips are often used by installers to reduce pipework noise, and our Terrain acoustic bracket has the advantage of a ribbed design that creates minimal surface area contact with the pipe, thereby allowing for movement while acting as a cushion to absorb pipework vibration and reduce structure-borne sound.
When choosing low-noise soil and waste pipes, the choice of materials (plastic or metal) will influence how much noise from the pipe is reduced. Installing a multi-layered pipe will help to absorb noise created by water speed due to its increased density. Traditional metallic pipes can be noisy at higher speeds, while corrosion and deposit build-up within them over time creates greater water resistance and inwcreases the risk of noise. Multi-layered pipes, such as our Terrain Q acoustic solution, have an anti-fouling bore to keep them clear and prevent water resistance noise. Available through our distributors, Terrain Q achieves a 20 dB sound rating – which is equivalent to the volume of a whisper.
While the composition of the pipework is key, managing noise transmission is also dependent upon several other factors. The traditional approach to reducing structure- borne sound transmission is to separate pipes from the building elements using pipe wrapping materials, typically mineral wool. For example, where a pipe runs through a floor and the pipework isn’t insulated, it will generate a flanking noise, which happens when the pipe touches the floor slab and transmits the sound into another room. The partition material chosen to separate rooms (for example a double skin plaster board) and the selection of a soundproof ceiling material (or a system which decouples the ceiling from the structure) will also make a difference to noise transmission. Helping to solve the challenges faced by contractors and consultants – while providing distributors with the best possible products and solutions to sell - has always been important to us. This is why we developed our Terrain Q system. It is quick and easy to install and
18 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JANUARY 2025
provides a complete acoustic solution, including pipe brackets and connectors - all backed by expert support and training from our technical team. For more information about the Terrain Q acoustic drainage system please visit
www.polypipe.com/this-is-our-terrain/terrain-q
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www.bsee.co.uk
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