It is important to understand that the selection of the correct products is crucial for the best acoustic performance. That is why we offer a full range of low noise pipe solutions and allow our customers to mix and match between different solutions. Enabling them to apply the best fit for purpose selection.
More than 30 years ago, Wavin introduced the world’s first plastic, low noise drainage system, making us one of the pioneers in noise performance. Wavin AS+ is our second generation solution, and is setting a new standard for low noise Soil & Waste systems.
Selecting the best pipe system
When it comes to choosing the most suitable pipe system, there are three main options available:
- Traditional pipe systems: Traditional systems are manufactured with PP, PVC-U or PE. Using standard products, they have a thin or normal wall thickness with a low density and therefore only offer minimal protection from airborne and structure-borne sound.
- Medium specification systems: Pipes in the medium specification range have a different material formulation compared to traditional systems. They are also made of the same base materials but complemented with mineral-filled materials. This gives medium systems a greater density, which helps to improve the level of sound protection.
- Premium or high-specification pipe systems: Premium pipe systems have increased density and wall thickness. This ensures the highest density per unit weight, in turn delivering best-in-class airborne and structure-borne sound performance.
If architects, planners, or installers wish to maximize noise reduction in a building, choosing a premium or high-specification pipe system will help them achieve that. At Wavin, we offer two high-specification low noise solutions to choose from.
Systems to mix and match
Wavin offers several plastic pipe systems for indoor drainage. Two of these complete systems are Wavin AS+ and Wavin SiTech+. Both can be used in multiple types of buildings and are suitable to mix and match together. For example, by applying Wavin AS+ in the downpipe, or SiTech+ in the floor distribution.
The systems are designed so that they can be combined without compromising the quality of the installation. Depending on the required acoustic performance, it is possible to choose a fit for purpose system for each room, with total system warranty included. This helps to ensure an optimal combination of noise reduction and cost-effectiveness.
Wavin AS+ - Noise reducing drainage system
Wavin AS+ is a premium low noise drainage system, and is an optimal solution suitable for hotels, multi-story apartments, and other large projects where extremely low noise levels are requested.
The mineral-reinforced polypropylene (PP) material of the pipes and fittings optimises acoustic performance. The system minimises airborne sound thanks to its high mass and increased wall thickness. This is supported by system brackets, which are designed to prevent the transmission of vibrations throughout the building that would further increase the structure-borne sound.
We would recommend using this premium solution in places where noise reduction is absolutely essential and where the lowest acceptable values of sound levels are applicable. For cost-effectiveness, you can then combine Wavin AS+ with SiTech+. For example, using Wavin SiTech+ in the spaces where sound requirements are less strict.
Wavin SiTech+ - Low Noise drainage system
Wavin SiTech+ is a low noise solution which fits perfectly where acoustic performance requirements are relatively lower. This system is suitable for example in larger and smaller projects, apartment buildings, or family houses with lower levels of noise reduction requirements.
SiTech+ is very impact-resistant, low noise, easy to install, and made from mineral-reinforced polypropylene (PP).
How to find your most efficient combination
To balance the sound insulation and costs within your project using Wavin mix and match, you need to select the right solution to meet the acoustic requirements. Considering the properties of used dry walls, bricks, pipes or shaft insulation, brackets, and method of installation and design will impact the building acoustics. Wavin offers the SoundCheck tool to give insight into the particular noise reduction for specific situations, and to help in making the right selection of pipe system in combination with building properties.
Once you’ve finished the noise check, you can mix and match our solutions and get your project up and running in the optimal possible way.
Selection of the right fittings makes the difference
After choosing the best low noise pipe system for a project, choice of fittings should be considered next. By getting this decision right, there is potential to minimize installation noise from the beginning, by optimizing the water flow.
Achieving a good flow, with minimal resistance of the water at the points where noise might be generated is essential. One thing to remember is that fittings with an inner radius come with hydraulic advantages and can be loaded more heavily than fittings without a radius. The inner radius fittings also reduce water flow noise and prevent dripping.
For changes in direction, it can be helpful to consider applying two 45 degree bends instead of applying a single 90 degree bend. This improves the water flow within the pipe, and prevents a hydraulic plug, both of which influence the acoustic system performance.
Choose matching system brackets
To meet noise targets, pipe systems must be installed professionally. Choosing the correct system brackets is crucial. The elastomer insert of the system bracket plays a substantial role in eliminating structure-borne sounds. It is also better to use system brackets which are specifically designed and tested for the pipe system. Our low noise systems are tested against DIN4109 and EN14366 standards, and guarantee noise values based specific test methods.
Many standardized brackets on the market can be used during installation but could lead to lower system performance. If the pipe brackets are completely tightened during installation, or if they are not selected to match the outer diameter of the pipe, structure-borne noise transmission will increase. On one hand there must be sufficient clamping force to hold the pipe system in place securely. While on the other hand the elastomer insert must not be compressed too far, otherwise the damping of the vibrations of the pipe bracket will be lost.
Wavin offers a complete system solution to ensure that the desired optimum sound level with regard to system brackets is always achieved throughout our portfolio.
Wavin can help you make the right choices
As well as offering low noise pipe solutions like Wavin AS+ and Wavin SiTech+, Wavin also offers free technical consultation. We are the project partner for architects, planners, and installers who make the right choices for achieving optimal sound insulation in their projects.
