Sound Insulation of Pipes In a Basement

Types

• Sealing and insulating your basement will help prevent pipes from becoming too noisy inside your home. Expanding spray foam insulation is made from polyurethane and is an excellent type of insulation for gaps around plumbing pipes, which can be especially noisy when toilets are flushed inside the home. Placing batt and roll insulation in basement walls and ceilings will also help keep pipe sounds low. This type of insulation is made from cotton fibers, plastic fibers or rock and slag. Sealing all gaps around plumbing and heating pipes with caulk will also help reduce noise and make your home use less energy.

Benefits

• There are many benefits to placing insulation inside your basement. Adequate amounts of insulation will keep the temperature inside your basement comfortable. Sealing all gaps around plumbing or heating pipes will reduce air flow in and out of your basement, allowing insulation to work effectively. Placing insulation around pipes will also reduce indoor noise.

Insulation Installation

• According to the Environmental Protection Agency, placing insulation inside your basement and around pipes will provide thermal resistance and reduce noise. Install spray foam insulation in plumbing pipe holes, sill joists and any other gaps inside your basement. Batt and roll insulation may be placed in unfinished basement walls for added insulation and sound proofing. Sealing small gaps with caulk will keep air flow from reducing the effectiveness of your insulation.

Considerations

• Take care when adding insulation around pipes that become hot, such as your furnace flue. The EPA recommends homeowners leave at least 1 to 2 inches clearance from metal furnace flues and insulation. Seal any leaks inside your furnace pipes with high-temperature caulk to keep noise at a minimum and warm air from leaking inside your basement.