Soundproof a waterpump in a closet? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

fnordprefect · 04-02-2004, 02:14 AM

Hello everyone,

As part of a home improvement project I've installed a water pump to get more pressure on my hot and cold water. It works great but is rather noisy, producing a constant medium pitch whine when it is pushing water around to the taps/toilet cistern etc.

I was wondering if anyone has any tips on how to reduce the noise as much as possible?

I can't completely seal it away in a heavy box because it would eventually overheat so some amount of ventilation is required.

My first idea is to put it inside 2 layers of cardboard boxes with holes cut for the water/power/ventilation access and some kind of sound-absorbing material between the layers. I'm also planning to put in a thicker closet door and seal around the edges with some draft excluding tape.

Any suggestions on what would be a good material for the insulating layer?

Any better ideas generally?

All help much appreciated.

fhqwhgads · 04-02-2004, 05:25 AM

If overheating is a concern, I would stay away from using cardboard boxes to insulate it. I'd be worried about the fire hazard when using paper products that close to a pump.

Using the foam material that is shaped like an egg carton on the interior of the closet should help deaden the sound. There's also some specialty stuff sold by audio suppliers that works. (Such as the stuff put underneath cars to deaden road noise). I would imagine that it wouldn't be too cost effective though...

onetime2 · 04-02-2004, 06:13 AM

You can also install the rigid foam insulation they sell at any Building Supply store. Regular fiberglass insulation won't do much at all but the rigid stuff will. An additional layer (if there is one already) of drywall to the inside of the closet will deaden the sound.

Make sure to add the insulation to the back of the door you install as well since the door will transmit sound.

kazoo · 04-02-2004, 09:19 PM

First thought is to mechanically isolate the pump from the input and output plumbing pipes via what we call Fernco™ fittings in the US. These flexible rubber couplings will reduce the transmission of noise which hard couplings impart. Beyond that, you can construct a staggered stud wall with insulation woven between the uprights-again the point being to avoid a direct physical connection between the source of noise and the exterior of the enclosure. Good luck.

fnordprefect · 04-06-2004, 01:30 AM

Thanks for the advice everyone.

I've built an enclosure around the pump now which has cut the noise down some. A new, heavier door will be going up soon which should help a bit more.

If more noise reduction is required I will try lining the enclosure and possibly the back of the doorwith old rubber carpet underlay, I have loads lying around now.

Good tip about the pipe fittings Kazoo. The pump noise is actually most noticeable coming through the pipes themselves so I'll have to see if
a) I can get these fittings in the UK and
b) It is feasible to fit them.

TTFN.

04-02-2004, 02:14 AM	#1 (permalink)
fnordprefect Upright Location: UK	Soundproof a waterpump in a closet? Hello everyone, As part of a home improvement project I've installed a water pump to get more pressure on my hot and cold water. It works great but is rather noisy, producing a constant medium pitch whine when it is pushing water around to the taps/toilet cistern etc. I was wondering if anyone has any tips on how to reduce the noise as much as possible? I can't completely seal it away in a heavy box because it would eventually overheat so some amount of ventilation is required. My first idea is to put it inside 2 layers of cardboard boxes with holes cut for the water/power/ventilation access and some kind of sound-absorbing material between the layers. I'm also planning to put in a thicker closet door and seal around the edges with some draft excluding tape. Any suggestions on what would be a good material for the insulating layer? Any better ideas generally? All help much appreciated.

04-02-2004, 06:13 AM	#3 (permalink)
onetime2 Junkie Location: NJ	You can also install the rigid foam insulation they sell at any Building Supply store. Regular fiberglass insulation won't do much at all but the rigid stuff will. An additional layer (if there is one already) of drywall to the inside of the closet will deaden the sound. Make sure to add the insulation to the back of the door you install as well since the door will transmit sound. __________________ Strive to be more curious than ignorant.

04-02-2004, 09:19 PM	#4 (permalink)
kazoo Psycho Location: Where the night things are	First thought is to mechanically isolate the pump from the input and output plumbing pipes via what we call Fernco™ fittings in the US. These flexible rubber couplings will reduce the transmission of noise which hard couplings impart. Beyond that, you can construct a staggered stud wall with insulation woven between the uprights-again the point being to avoid a direct physical connection between the source of noise and the exterior of the enclosure. Good luck. __________________ There ain't nothin' more powerful than the odor of mendacity -Big Daddy

04-02-2004, 05:25 AM	#2 (permalink)
fhqwhgads Junkie	If overheating is a concern, I would stay away from using cardboard boxes to insulate it. I'd be worried about the fire hazard when using paper products that close to a pump. Using the foam material that is shaped like an egg carton on the interior of the closet should help deaden the sound. There's also some specialty stuff sold by audio suppliers that works. (Such as the stuff put underneath cars to deaden road noise). I would imagine that it wouldn't be too cost effective though...

04-06-2004, 01:30 AM	#5 (permalink)
fnordprefect Upright Location: UK	Thanks for the advice everyone. I've built an enclosure around the pump now which has cut the noise down some. A new, heavier door will be going up soon which should help a bit more. If more noise reduction is required I will try lining the enclosure and possibly the back of the doorwith old rubber carpet underlay, I have loads lying around now. Good tip about the pipe fittings Kazoo. The pump noise is actually most noticeable coming through the pipes themselves so I'll have to see if a) I can get these fittings in the UK and b) It is feasible to fit them. TTFN.