Acoustic comfort is a critical component of modern building design, and delivering it is about more than just using the right materials. It requires accurate planning and solid data, each based on a deep understanding of how sound behaves in real-world conditions. That’s where Wavin’s Soundcheck Tool comes in.
Developed to take the guesswork out of acoustic system design, it helps engineers, architects, developers and specifiers to accurately calculate and predict sound insulation performance using real test data. In this blog post, we explore how the Soundcheck Tool works, how it supports compliance with key standards and why it's a game-changer for sound-conscious design.
Why sound insulation can’t be an afterthought
Poor acoustic design can undermine indoor comfort, leading to dissatisfaction and complaints from building users. Whether it’s a noisy soil stack next to a bedroom or vibrations from technical installations travelling through the structure, the impact of inadequate soundproofing can be disruptive and costly.
While regulations like DIN 4109 in Germany or EN 14366 across Europe aim to address this, many designs still fall short. In most cases, planning, not product performance, is behind this. Even high-quality acoustic systems won’t deliver their potential without careful design and, crucially, correct installation. This is where the Soundcheck Tool comes in, helping to ensure optimum acoustic performance from design to delivery.
What is the Wavin Soundcheck Tool?
The Soundcheck Tool is an interactive, user-friendly software platform that allows you to simulate the expected sound levels of Wavin systems in various building configurations. It’s based on hundreds of real-world acoustic measurements taken under DIN 4109 and EN 14366 standards, ensuring highly reliable results.
By inputting project-specific parameters—such as pipe system, pipe diameter, bracket type and spacing—you can instantly see how different setups affect noise levels in a room. It also allows you to compare Wavin products and installation variations side by side.
For planners and consultants, this means greater transparency, paving the way for faster decision-making and increased confidence that the final installation will meet acoustic targets.
EN 14366 vs DIN 4109: What’s the difference?
To make the most of the Soundcheck Tool, it’s important to understand the two acoustic standards it draws from. The first is EN 14366: Laboratory testing standard. This European standard defines how wastewater systems should be tested for sound in controlled lab conditions. It ensures consistency in how products are evaluated but doesn't account for all variables in actual buildings.
EN 14366 measures airborne noise generated by wastewater flow in vertical and horizontal pipes, typically using a single-floor test rig. It’s useful for comparing products, but it falls short in predicting how a system will perform once installed in complex building structures.
The second standard is DIN 4109: Real-world performance standard. This German building regulation sets mandatory sound insulation limits in completed buildings. It accounts for construction types, materials and room usage, offering a more realistic view of acoustic performance. The standard includes target levels for habitable rooms like bedrooms or offices, where sound levels must often not exceed 30 dB(A) under operating conditions.
With a grounding in both standards, Wavin’s Soundcheck Tool combines the repeatability of EN 14366 with the relevance of DIN 4109 test setups. This dual approach ensures more accurate and useful data.
How to use the Soundcheck Tool in your design workflow
Whether you’re working on a residential tower or a healthcare facility, the Soundcheck Tool helps you make sound decisions early in the planning process. Here’s how:
- Input your configuration. Start by selecting the pipe system (e.g. Wavin AS+), bracket type, installation details and expected flow rates.
- Simulate and compare. The tool returns sound pressure levels in dB(A) based on real test data. You can simulate different layouts or installation methods to find the most effective solution.
- Export results. Generate reports to support your documentation, specifications or compliance records. These can be shared with stakeholders, helping to align expectations across teams.
- Design with confidence. Because the tool uses real measurements under DIN 4109 conditions—including single and multistory test setups—you can be confident that predicted sound levels closely match what occupants will experience.
Supporting high-performance acoustic design
Excellent acoustic performance doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of the right planning, products and installation all coming together. And tools like Wavin Soundcheck can help you bridge the gap between product testing and real-world performance on your next project.
By helping specifiers visualize exactly how different combinations will perform acoustically, the Wavin Soundcheck Tool enables early risk mitigation and more efficient design. And because it’s built on robust standards like DIN 4109, it ensures your projects meet minimum regulations and the rising expectations of building occupants.
Try it for yourself
The Wavin Soundcheck Tool is available online and free to use. Whether you’re a building services engineer, MEP consultant or acoustic specialist, it can help you create more livable, compliant spaces.
To explore the Wavin Soundcheck Tool and experience the benefits of simulation-led planning, watch the video on YouTube. After that, check with your local Wavin company how they can support you.
Read all our blogs about acoustics here:
- Architecture of soundproofed rooms
- Building better acoustics: A complete guide to optimizing sound insulation in buildings
