Pipe soundproofing?
There's a pipe that runs between the floor and ceiling in the corner of my apartment bedroom that makes periodic hammering noises related to building heating that plumbers I've used claim they can't fix. As at least a temporary workaround I'm considering using soundproofing to dampen the noise. Any recommendations on specific products or product categories, especially if they've worked for you? I've already looked at soundproofing wrap etc and may benefit from further research and advice. Thank you.
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It sounds like 'water hammer' and can be fixed. Here's a link with the details:
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/water-hammer/
Here's a post that might help - https://www.soundproofcow.com/soundproofing-101/how-to-soundproof-a-home-2/how-to-soundproof-a-pipe/
If you own the place you could build and insulated box around the pipe. If you rent and can’t make that big of a change soundproofing wrap may be the best you can do.
Since you are a renter you are most likely stuck with the noise until you can move out, a topical solution would be the best. I doubt the landlord would want a tenant to get involved with his plumbing, unless the tenant is a licensed and insured plumber who has a signed contract for repair.
To treat it topically, I would suggest wrapping the exposed pipe, if there are any exposed.
If not exposed, then an option would be to put something that would deaden the noise, if possible build a box around the area but do not attach it to the wall. Insulate the box with foam and then press as closely as possible to the pipes, you could lean something against the box to hold it in place. Yeah it sounds jury-rigged, but it may help temporarily. Best to you.
Hello there,
If you can lift the Floorboards in the corner where the \pipes are hammering, you maybe able to lag them and then replace the boards and floor covering to cure the problem.
Hi Connor, you can use the Styrofoam insulation, it should deaden the noise for you some
https://www.lowes.ca/product/tubular-pipe-insulation/frost-king-1-in-x-6-ft-foam-plumbing-tubular-pipe-insulation-24434?cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=10646580466&cq_con=106830637404&cq_term=&cq_med=&cq_plac=&cq_net=u&cq_pos=&cq_plt=gp&&cm_mmc=paid_search-_-google-_-aw_smart_shopping_generic_online_exclusive-_-71700000070203076&gclid=Cj0KCQiA6Or_BRC_ARIsAPzuer9IEAw_ntIxmdi0LZHzsUzLBwK3sTCjESRzKZNVgXoZH31xqHI1ssEaAqYhEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
for a fast easy fix use a pool noodle wrapped around the pipe. Or go to Home Depot and buy foam pipe outside insulation.
Hi Conner. I know that using carpet is beneficial when trying to soundproof a room. I don't see why this application would not work for you too. I would suggest wrapping the pipe with with some sort of insulation first. Then wrap it in a rug (you can even use the little rugs at a Dollar store). Just be sure that it's big enough to wrap around the insulated pipe. You can use a stapler to hold the rug in place. And the best part of doing this is that you can easily remove it all when you move out. Good luck Conner. I wish you well.
Called a water hammer.... many videos on this subject, https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=how+to+stop+a+water+hammer+from+water+pipe so I would show this to the plumber and get your up and downstairs neighbors to get rid of it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfrsmXN9Jic
Perhaps these ideas will help:
https://www.soundproofcow.com/soundproofing-101/how-to-soundproof-a-home-2/how-to-soundproof-a-pipe/
You can possible use pipe insulation https://www.homedepot.com/b/Plumbing-Pipe-Insulation/N-5yc1vZbuy9
It might be more cost effective and expedient to purchase custom fitted noise cancelling ear plugs. Rock musicians (and parents of garage band wannabe rock stars) have been using them for years.
We wrapped a pipe with insulation for pipes and it reduced the sound to the point we couldn't hear it. Sorry but I don't remember the specific one we used but it's gray. Not very pretty but maybe you could also put a took book case of hang a tapestry to distract from it.
To stop the banging, tighten loose pipe straps with a screwdriver, or install additional pipe straps for added stability. Most pipe straps are molded from thin metal or plastic, but you can also find padded pipe straps that offer additional vibration reduction. Maybe that is why they are telling you they can't fix it. They are too lazy to do it because the pipes are in the wall. They make foam pipe insulation that you slip onto the pipe as one side has a slit in it. It might cut down a little but not that much. The only other thing I can think of if the pipe is exposed in your are is to built a wooden 3 sided channel of wood and stuff with insulation surrounding the pipe. Anchor to the floor or wall with a few brackets to hold in place.
Any effective insulation will need to be inside the wall around the pipe. The pipe im assuming is for heating, so the heating system could use some new hot water accumulator.
If the pipes are on the outside and show in your bedroom, you will be able to box them in using a timber carcas and overlay with hardboard or thin MDF or Plywood. Then you will be able to fill the jnternal area with insulation.