Silent sewerage: design principles and installation examples

Michel
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Michel July 20, 2016Specialization: plumber with 10 years of experience, computer repair specialist, powerlifting coach. I have extensive experience in construction, interior decoration, and making homemade furniture. Hobbies: sports

No one will argue with the fact that silent sewerage is an urgent need, and not just a whim of your heightened hearing. The sound of water flushing from a neighbor's toilet is not the best accompaniment for any apartment, especially since everything was different before the major renovation. Does this sound familiar to you?

You can rest assured that with such a pipe, your neighbors’ toilet schedule will soon cease to be a secret for you.

Principles of designing a low-noise system

Of course, silent domestic sewerage does not become so only due to the replacement of conventional main lines with lines made of silent pipes. This option is one of several that can be used to combat unwanted sounds.

If you insulate a standard sewer pipeline with sound-absorbing material and replace rigid supports with fasteners with a soft insert, you can already get a good result.

Considering that it is difficult and expensive to completely remodel an existing sewer system, it is reasonable to limit ourselves to the creation of insulating boxes. In combination with an insulating material, this approach will have a double effect.

The push-on sewer coupling is used to connect two plastic pipes according to the socketless principle. Structurally, the slip-on coupling is designed to compensate for shifts caused by thermal expansion

If you are installing a sewer system from scratch, then you should carefully approach the installation procedure. Correct installation, work with shaped elements - these criteria also give a good effect of silence during the future operation of the system.

Option #1: socketless connection

For example, it is recommended to connect socketless pipes to each other as follows:

1. Align the cut ends of polypropylene pipes (cut angle 90º) and remove burrs.
2. Use a sewer coupling as a fitting.
3. Remove the sealing collars from the inside of the slip-on coupling and place them on the pipe nozzles.
4. Apply water-based lubricant to the sealing collars.
5. Insert the pipes (applying some force) inside the coupling until they stop.

The same principle is used for socket joints of pipes, connections with tees and corner fittings. In this case, in most cases of socket installation, the creation of thermal expansion compensators is taken into account.

Option #2: socket connection

Connections of pipes and fittings made without the use of a push-on coupling, installed on a pipeline section up to 3 meters in length (horizontal section), require compensation for thermal expansion.

That is, during installation, it is necessary to remove the pipe back by 10 mm after inserting it into the socket until it stops. The effect of thermal expansion can only be ignored in diagrams of socket connections between fittings.

A fragment of a sewer riser diagram, on the line of which a socket connection is used. The standard arrangement of fastening clamps (rigid and floating fixation) is shown. With this arrangement of fasteners, optimal noise characteristics are achieved

Method for creating a socket connection:

1. Clean the pipe, the inside of the socket, and the area of ​​the sealing ring from dirt.
2. Make sure that the fit of the bell O-ring meets the installation requirements (no twisting, damage, or dents).
3. Apply water-based lubricant to the pipe fitting.
4. Insert the pipe all the way into the socket and then push it back 10 mm.
5. Install a fastening clamp near the connection point.

Separately, it is worth considering the method of fastening silent sewer pipes (for example, Skolan brand). Here, the pipelines must be laid in such a way as to eliminate physical stress and the possibility of linear expansion.

The now popular polymer sewer pipes can be secured with standard clamps, but under the hoop of the clamp you should definitely use pads based on profile rubber.

A fragment of a sewer riser diagram showing how fastening clamps (sliding and fixed fixation) are located on a section of pipe without fittings

Recommended principles for mounting clamps:

1. On a horizontal line, the distance between the clamps is equal to 10 times the pipe diameter.
2. On a vertical line, the distance between clamps is no more than 2 meters.
3. On risers, it is mandatory to install rigid and floating fastenings with clamps.
4. Rigid fastenings on socketless pipes are installed above the fitting in the area of ​​the lower pipe.
5. Floating clamp fastening is achieved by partially tightening the lag screws.
6. The floating mount is installed next to the rigid fastener on the side of the pipe inserted into the socket.

Provided that the noted principles are followed when installing a sewer system, it is possible to obtain acceptable noise characteristics of domestic sewerage at a level of 12-20 dB.

Description

The pipeline, which dampens the sound of flowing liquid, is made from traditional materials in combination with substances that absorb sound vibrations. Low-noise internal sewerage has the following structure:

• Hard polyethylene layer.
• Mineralized polypropylene.
• Soft layer made of polyvinyl chloride.

Several layers are able to dampen noise from flowing sewer liquids to a level that meets European standards.

An essential part of a silent sewer system is a special support clamp. This part is designed to fix polymer pipes to the base. The clamp is made in the form of a metal hoop with a soft polymer insert that can dampen mechanical vibrations.

Installation details that affect noise levels

Under no circumstances should machine oils or similar lubricants be used as a lubricant for connection elements. All of them have a negative impact on the structure of rubber seals.

Rubber loses its technical properties, cracks and structural irregularities appear on the seals. Such a compaction not only becomes a source of increased noise, but also threatens to burst at any moment.

The connection of polypropylene pipes is preceded by lubrication of the areas directly involved in the contact. A specialized water-based gel (lubricant) is used as a lubricant.

It must be remembered that connections “straight pipe - socket” are always installed taking into account the installation of the edge of the socket against the flow of waste. Under such conditions, maximum smoothness of the internal surface of the sewer line is ensured, which in turn is accompanied by a low flow noise level.

The noise characteristics of the sewerage system are also affected by the slope of the pipes. It is not recommended to deviate from established standards and norms that determine the amount of slope depending on the diameter of the sewer hose.

For pipes with a diameter of up to 50 mm, the slope value is no more than 35 mm; for diameters from 50 to 100 mm, a slope of no more than 20 mm is recommended. Pipelines with a diameter of 150 mm or more are installed with a slope of no more than 8 mm.

Turns of pipeline lines, as well as branches, are made by installing oblique tees or half bends (angles 30-45º). The principle of constructing networks in this way helps reduce sewer noise.

The effect of noise suppression during volley discharges into the sewer system is especially noticeable. In addition, the smooth bends of the turns create better conditions in case of cleaning the system with a sewer cable.

The correct (incorrect) execution of turns in the domestic sewage system is one of those factors that influences the increase (decrease) of noise. During installation, it is recommended to adhere to the technique of creating smooth turns and bends

Plastic pipelines on straight horizontal sections should be fixed with clips, support clamps, and hangers every 7-9 meters. If you deviate from these requirements, there is a risk that after some time of operation you will end up with sagging areas in such areas.

Pipeline sagging is a change in the parameters of the movement of wastewater and, as a result, an increase in noise level. At socket joints, fastening is carried out by default.

Sound-absorbing materials

To reduce noise levels, a wide range of high-quality materials are available on the market: • Soundproofing tape

.
The material is made of polyethylene foam and has an adhesive layer on one side. Thanks to this, it can be easily and conveniently attached to any vertical and horizontal surfaces. Soundproofing tape is resistant to corrosion processes, does not collapse under the influence of high temperatures, protects against moisture and reliably prevents the spread of noise through connecting elements; • Soundproofing membrane
, which is made from polymer and natural components.
It is characterized by great flexibility, high strength and durability. The principle of operation of a soundproofing membrane is to create a protective barrier around the pipeline that reflects the sound wave; • Sound insulation with aluminum foil
, which can provide high sound insulation even with a small thickness.
The first layer of material absorbs sound waves, and the second reflects. Experts use various materials in their practice. Their choice depends primarily on characteristics, soundproofing effect, cost and installation method.

Branded Low Noise Sewage Products

There are brands that have proven themselves to be of excellent quality and have a strong foothold in the domestic sewer products market.

Vavin Asto and ASTOLAN

In recent years, market offers have surprised us with a wide selection of branded silent sewage systems. Among the available examples for installation, we can note, for example, a product under the Vavin Asto brand.

The company manufactures and sells polypropylene pipes and fittings based on ASTOLAN, a material modified with mineral additives.

The low-noise sewer system produced by Wavin Asto (a set of pipes and fittings) is a ready-made solution that takes into account all the nuances of sound insulation. All that remains is to assemble the system in accordance with the instructions and enjoy the comfort

Thanks to the modification, engineers were able to increase the wall density of sewer pipes to 1.9 g/cm3 and enhance indicators such as viscosity and specific gravity. As a result, virtually silent sewage systems “Vavin Asto” appeared.

According to company representatives, there is no vibration noise during system operation. The penetration of sewer sounds through airspace is also excluded.

German quality Ostendorf

Another example of a modern noise-free system is sewerage based on pipes and fittings of the Ostendorf brand. The base material is the same, mineral-modified polypropylene.

But the density indicators in this case are somewhat inferior - 1.6 g/cm3. At the same time, the temperature parameters of the Ostendorf sewer system are higher - up to 100ºС, and pH values ​​are in the range of 2-12.

The German company Ostendorf offers to use engineering solutions that guarantee silence in the house. German technologies for the manufacture of sewer pipes and fittings eliminate the occurrence of technical noise above established standards

characterized not only as low noise. All production elements are characterized by a high degree of corrosion resistance, durability, and resistance to aggressive environments. An extensive range of shaped parts and pipes ensures the creation of communications for various purposes.

Rehau and REHAU RAUPIANO Plus

Systems also show a high percentage of popularity. In particular, the product REHAU RAUPIANO Plus is persistently advertised. The technological approach, however, is not much different from the two previous firms.

In the fight against noise, Rehau also places emphasis on the production of multilayer plastic pipes, on reinforcing the wall thickness of corner fittings, and on the production of so-called “noise-absorbing” clamps.

Parts for the installation of a domestic sewage system, produced under the Rehau brand, are made taking into account effective sound insulation. Sewage installation based on Rehau parts promises a quiet life

The practice of operating such a sewer system shows a noise reduction of approximately 25-30%. If desired, similar indicators can be achieved if standard work on sound insulation of a domestic sewage system is performed using available insulating materials.

The following article, which contains a lot of useful information, will introduce you to guidelines for choosing the best pipes for installing an internal sewer system.

Why is it noisy?

The concept of “quiet” sewerage also arose because today many people in their apartments have plastic - reliable, but at the same time very noisy - risers, which do not allow residents of apartments in multi-storey buildings to live in peace. Sewage and water pass through these pipes so clearly that it seems that this water is about to end up right in your apartment.

Why is this happening?

This has never happened before.

From the point of view of acoustic vibrations, any hollow pipe is an ideal waveguide: constantly reflecting from the walls, with minimal loss of amplitude, sound can travel quite long distances.

But this is in the pipe, and outside it?

In order for sound to spread beyond the pipe, which is what we are actually observing, a combination of two factors is necessary:

1. Pipe masses . It should be insignificant, otherwise the power of the acoustic vibration is simply not enough to make the walls resonate;
2. Strong pipe walls. Plastic has everything in order - both high density and solid structure.

Relatively recently, this problem was not relevant at all due to the fact that all pipelines in multi-story buildings were made of cast iron, which made all sounds and processes taking place inside these pipes inaudible.

Despite the excellent sound insulation of cast iron systems, this factor today is their only advantage.

Cast iron riser. It looks quite rough, is installed firmly and operates quietly.

The fact is that there are many reasons why users prefer plastic pipes. Let's look at the properties of two similar materials and identify all their advantages and disadvantages.

From all of the above, we can draw an unambiguous conclusion - a system made of PVC pipes has more advantages, and therefore is more expedient, than pipes made of cast iron.

But, as in any other case, not everything is as smooth as we would like, and there are some disadvantages here. In this case, the disadvantage of plastic pipes is the lack of sound insulation, which makes their operation not entirely convenient .

The victory of plastic over cast iron no longer seems so significant.

Let's take a closer look at how such a small but significant disadvantage can be eliminated with your own hands and without extra costs. Let's start with an overview of each of the available methods.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Some useful tips on how to reduce the noise level of the sewer system and make your life more comfortable.

The installation of a low-noise sewer system is possible, as evidenced by numerous proposals in the plumbing industry. Meanwhile, problems with noise parameters of drains practically did not exist as long as good old cast iron pipes were used.

As soon as lightweight and inexpensive polypropylene came into use, problems with silence in the house arose. There is something to think about for both plastic manufacturers and residential building owners.

Please write comments in the block below. Tell us about how you built a silent sewer system in your own house/apartment, or about technological nuances not covered in the article. Ask questions, share useful information, post photos on the topic.

Sequence of work

The entrance and main exit, interfloor partitions and ceiling areas are treated with a soundproofing compound. In order for the process to be carried out correctly, the free space near the pipes and in those places where they must pass through or the ceiling is calculated.

Afterwards, a suitable rubber cuff is selected. The main thing is to pay attention to the consistency of the diameter. If it is not possible to buy such a cuff, the pipe exit area is sealed with polyurethane foam. Next comes the installation of fasteners. To ensure that the structure is securely fastened and does not wobble from the water flow, fasteners and a clamp with rubber gaskets are used.

The next stage is the creation of a soundproof shell and the closing of the structure that we talked about. Also, don’t forget about eliminating odors.

Building a silent sewer system is not difficult. There are several main ways to solve the problem. Isolate a ready-made system with silent elements or equip it from scratch. The second option is more effective. With the help of additional materials, installation is carried out on your own and does not take much time.

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The need to replace pipes

Each product has its own service life. This also applies to the communication networks of our apartments. The service life of galvanized water pipes is 30 years, and cast iron sewerage is 40. After this period, emergency situations may arise caused by pipe rupture and deformation. Modern polypropylene pipes are more durable, they will last more than 60 years, and their replacement will not require much time and effort. The advantages of using such pipes: high strength, safe operation, absence of corrosion and accumulation of lime deposits. We will look at how to connect sewer plastic and cast iron pipes in our next material, which is located here.

According to current legislation, the internal sewage system located in the apartment is the property of the residents, who bear all the financial costs of replacing the risers. This rule does not apply to emergency situations when a general replacement of risers is carried out. To carry out the work, you must contact the service company with an application to replace the risers with justification of the reasons. The best option is to replace risers on all floors, but if necessary, you can replace pipes only in certain apartments.

Sewer riser

Many people are interested in how to soundproof a sewer riser. This is where the most noise comes from.

And the noise it creates in the apartment is conventionally divided into:

1. Shock. It is created from the interaction of the fluid flow with the walls of the pipes. It is not at all possible to get rid of it, but it is quite possible to reduce it.
2. Air. This is the sound from the air through which the flow of water passes.
3. Structural. Appears after vibration of pipe materials and network elements that come into contact with each other.

It is the third type that we have to fight, as it creates the most serious problem.

To make sound insulation with your own hands you need:

• prepare the material and cut out a piece from it that will correspond to the dimensions of the riser circumference.
• Secure this part with construction tape. It is important that the edges are positioned end to end. Placing them in any other way will reduce efficiency.
• It is recommended to fasten soundproofing coverings for sewerage tightly, using the addition of several layers. This increases the weight of the structure and reduces resonance. As a result of these actions, structural sounds become less noticeable.
• If the need arises, a decorative box can be constructed around the sewer riser. This also has a positive effect on sound insulation in this situation.