Soundproofing of technical installations is essential to ensure a comfortable and productive environment in buildings. Architects and consulting engineers play a key role already in the design and design phase, ensuring that sound insulation is optimal.
In connection with the design, a wide range of variables, calculation models and piping systems must be considered. In addition, noise regulations and complex requirements from investors, owners and users. Both in new construction and renovation projects, there are requirements for the noise level from the technical installations, and it is essential that these are designed correctly as early as possible in the design phase.
Design of drainage installations
Careful design thus lays the foundation for good building acoustics and optimal sound attenuation of the technical installations, including drainage installations.
The drainage systems consist of different parts such as pipes, fittings, pipe carriers and any materials for attenuating building sound and air sound and should be carefully designed in relation to building acoustics. In a good floor plan, for example, it is taken into account that the walls of living spaces do not contain technical installations and piping. Bends in a drain installation should be done appropriately and bends of 90° should be avoided. Measures shall be taken to attenuate building sound in areas with penetrations in walls and ceilings.
As mentioned, there are a large number of parameters that must be considered when complying with the requirements for the noise level from drainage systems. It is possible to reduce unwanted sound already in the design phase if you focus on the following points:
Building Sound
The noise from water and drainage installations is always transmitted to the installation wall via fixed connections (e.g. pipes with pipe carriers). Building sound propagates and is reflected on walls and ceilings in other rooms as air sound.
Aerial sound
The air sound that a pipe emits is constant and it is irrelevant how the pipe is mounted. With sound measurements carried out in accordance with EN 14366, the air sound on the different drainage systems can be compared. In order to achieve the optimal acoustic solution, all components and associated installations should be taken into account in the sound calculation when designing.
Sound bridges
The connection between installations (e.g. toilets) and the building structure must be broken to prevent sound bridges.
Plan
The right floor plan can significantly reduce sound problems. Kitchens and bathrooms should be placed next to each other and, in multi-storey buildings, on top of each other. Pipe installations do not belong in walls adjacent to bedrooms or other living spaces. 
Design of penetrations in ceilings and walls
It is important that the penetrations are sufficiently large so that there is no contact between pipes and wall or ceiling, thus creating an audio bridge. This can be ensured by applying mineral wool pipe insulation, as well as grout with silicone. Sound insulation must be carried out correctly during the installation in order to prevent sound bridges.
Wall structures
Sanitary objects, water and drainage systems as well as other technical installations are usually attached to the massive wall structures, but can also be attached to lightweight wall structures.
If the solid and lightweight wall structures are carried out according to DIN 4109-1, no additional sound measurements are required.
It does not matter what type of wall construction you design in the floor plan. You can read much more about the design of different wall types and sound attenuation in the brochure Sound dam provides improved living comfort – Practical knowledge of sanitary engineering.
We offer three decades of knowledge and experience
Our knowledge of noise reduction in drainage systems has been built up over more than 30 years, and we are happy to offer our expertise in sound attenuation, water supply and drainage systems throughout the process: from architectural and economical design over efficient and safe design to flawless installation. Contact us for sparring and further information.
Read our full acoustic document: Sound dam for improved living comfort – Practical knowledge of sanitary technology and gain more knowledge about the design and installation of soundproofing drinking water and drainage systems.
Wavin is your project partner
Wavin supplies all the necessary documentation for planning water and drainage installations: tender texts, data for design software, part numbers and Fraunhofer IBP test reports with assessment of individual products and the overall system according to DIN EN 14366 and DIN 4109.
Wavin's design department advises on the design phase and delivers the complete sound attenuation package to the partner carrying out the work.
