Noise Insulation

Drainage of waste/rainwater in a specific place causes noise that can be transmitted to premises. In the case of hotels/apartments/flats/hospitals etc, plumbing noises should be inaudible in dining rooms, living rooms and bedrooms/wards. The degree of phonic insulation of two different materials (ie. their acoustic performance) depends directly on their surface mass (cast iron 21kg/m2 compared to PVC-u 4kg/m2). The density resulting from the high surface mass of cast iron means that less noise is produced when the system is in use. PVC-u pipes require a significant amount of insulation and therefore extra cost to equal the performance of unprotected cast iron pipes, a factor often not considered during the selection process to decide which material best suits the application.