In this blog post, we will shine a light on “How to soundproof a shower pump?” and will discuss the common causes of a noisy shower pump. We will also talk about identifying different types of noises and give you a 7-step guide to soundproof a shower pump.
How to Soundproof a Shower Pump?
A shower pump’s job is to inject efficiency and make the home shower work perfectly. A shower pump resolves all the common pressure issues and helps you bathe with ease. However, it does create a lot of noise, and soundproofing a shower pump is essential to turn down these sounds.
The following are 7 common steps/ways to have a better shower experience by soundproofing a shower pump.
- Examine the Piping System
- Mount Your Pump on an Acoustic Pad
- Place the Pump on a Paving Slab
- Make Sure the Pump is Installed Correctly
- Change the Location of the Pump
- Build a Soundproof Foam Box
- Buy a New Pump
Causes of a Noisy Shower Pump
A shower pump may get noisy for one of many reasons. The issue maybe with the pump itself or the pipes. However, that’s not all, and there many external factors that also result in a noisy shower pump. Here are four common causes of a noisy shower pump;
- Leakage in the Pump
- Blocked Filters
- Air Pockets
- Winter Season
Leakage in the Pump
A leakage in the shower pump is a clear-cut indication that you need to change the pump seals. The seals naturally wear out with time and it is always a good habit to get them changed from time to time.
Blocked Filters
Blocked filters may also be the cause behind noisy shower pumps and it also disrupts the water flow. Simply cleaning the shower head often resolves the problem. However, sometimes you may have to replace or clean the filters inside to get the flow back.
Air Pockets
Air pockets are a common issue behind a noisy shower pump and it makes it incredibly difficult to pump the water. Air often finds its way inside the water pipes or the pump and ultimately blocks the flow and also creates a racket.
In such cases, you may have to bleed the pumps to remove the air pockets. This is a simple process and will help you resolve both the noise and water flow problems.
Winter Season
Sometimes, the problem is not in the pipes, pumps, or anything related to the shower. It is not rare to face noise and water flow problems in shower pumps in the cold winter seasons.
Snow often clogs the showerhead and the pipes with frozen water and what you get is a lousy shower experience. The only way to prevent this problem is by properly installing the pipes so cold isn’t able to find its way inside.
Identify the Different Sounds of a Shower Pump
Identifying different sounds of a shower pump is essential to know if you need to soundproof the pump or simply get it fixed. Not all sounds can be soundproofed and some require repair.
That’s why identifying the nature of the sound is pivotal before you go on with soundproofing measures. Here is a list of few common noises a shower pump makes and what you should do about them.
Vibrating Rumble
A vibrating rumble is a common noise you may hear from your shower pump. It is a loud noise that you may even hear in nearby rooms. The echo is particularly loud and it is essential to sort this out to soundproof the pump.
Many reasons may cause this loud vibrating rumble from improper pump installation to overworking. Quite often, an unbalanced mounting surface is a problem behind these loud echoes.
High-Pitched Whine
You may hear a high-pitched whine from your shower pump if there’s a cavity inside. Lack of energy and the pump’s inability to push water all the way through create cavities in the pump.
The only way to solve this noise problem is by using a high-end casing that flows water smoothly around the impeller. The function of this component is to reduce cavitation by pumping energy. This will ultimately cancel out all such high-pitched whines from your pump.
Clicking/Buzzing/Humming
Clicking, buzzing, and humming are all common noises that you may hear from the shower pump. They may indicate that your pump is stuck, jammed, or that it has an electrical problem. Get a specialist to repair the shower pump for you if you hear these noises.
These sounds shouldn’t be specifically soundproofed. They mean that your shower pump needs fixing not soundproofing. The only way to cancel these sounds is by fixing the main problem. Get a trained technician to repair it for you if you are not a shower pump professional.
7 Steps to Soundproof a Shower Pump
Examine the Piping System
You can hear sounds from your pump occasionally, but the issue comes from the piping system. Inspect the systems for shower piping to make sure they are fully protected and assisted.
Check for loose pipes in the system. They intensify vibration when the pipes are loose or make any rattling noises when the pump is switched on.
Also, make sure that no leakage is present in the piping system. When turned on, leakage from the pipe would carry the air into the pump and cause it to make intolerable noises.
Mount Your Pump on an Acoustic Pad
It’s an easy and obvious tip, but one which plumbers and contractors sometimes forget. A noise-reducing pad or anti-vibration pad can be used to soak up all the vibrations produced by a shower pump, especially useful if your pump is resting on wooden floors. An investment that’s cheap and efficient.
Place the Pump into a Paving Slab
A paving slab or breeze block are fine pump mounting alternatives if you can’t afford mounting pads. While they are not explicitly built to minimize anti-vibration noise, they are very effective at soaking up vibrations and reducing the pump’s emitted noise.
Make Sure the Pump is Installed Correctly
The pump makes noises often because it is mounted improperly. If you are not a professional, get the installation done by a pump expert. Ensure that you remember the following important things while installing your shower pump.
Install a Pump Mat
Placing a soundproof mat underneath the pump will greatly dampen vibrations and noises. The goal is to decouple the pump’s feet from the hardwood flooring below.
There are many anti-vibration and soundproofing mats you can use for this purpose. Acoustic mats used in cars may also be used for the same purpose. It is best to get waterproof and self-adhesive mats.
Fit the Pump Feet
Many shower pumps come with leg pads designed to decrease the vibration and noise that passes through the pump. Usually, the feet of the pump is made with rubber. This helps absorb vibrations and reduce noise. The same pump feet as the one you buy to repair on your washing machine can be ordered.
Change the Location of the Pump
You may face noise disturbances from your pump often because you have put it in the wrong spot. Change the pump’s location if it is located near the living room or bedroom. It is best to place it in a laundry room or a soundproofed room.
Sometimes, you don’t have to relocate the pump and all you need is to reposition it. An uneven surface is often the cause of excessive vibrations and noise, and it is best to place it on a balanced surface.
Mounting pumps on a solid concrete surface is an excellent way to help them absorb vibrations. While metallic or wooden platforms aren’t the best to mount the shower pump.
Build a Soundproof Foam Box
A soundproof foam box won’t cancel all the vibration noises the pump makes but will insulate them to a great extent. A foam box works effectively to insulate the pump and keep the sounds from escaping outside. Never build a tight foam box as it may overheat the pump and cause it to malfunction.
Buy a New Pump
After this, if the problem persists then it is best to replace the pump and buy a new quieter one. Soundproofing is a solution to quiet the normal sounds of a pump and using them to soundproof extremely loud noises won’t do the trick.
In such cases, it is best not to over-invest in soundproofing and get a newer quieter pump. Afterward, you can use some basic soundproofing tricks to further reduce the pump’s sounds.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we shed a light on “How to soundproof a shower pump?” and discussed the common causes of a noisy shower pump. We also talked about identifying different types of noises and gave you a 7-step guide to soundproof a shower pump.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): How to Soundproof a Shower Pump?
How do I reduce the noise from my shower pump?
You can reduce the noise from the shower pump by adding a soundproof or anti-vibration mat underneath. Balancing the feet is also an effective way to cut down vibration and noise. Additionally, you can try insulating the walls and doors to improve the overall sound insulation.
How do you soundproof a pump?
Soundproofing domestic pumps can be made easy if you know the right way to do so. Enclosing the pump inside MDF or sound insulation foam box is one effective way. It curtails airborne sounds.
Another effective soundproofing technique is placing the pump on a soundproof mat. They are high-density rubber mats that reduce both vibration and noise transmission.
How do you fix noisy water pumps?
Sometimes, water pumps simply make noise because they are broken and require maintenance and repair. Getting it fixed will often resolve the majority of the noise problem. However, these pumps do normally make some noises and you can use soundproofing to curtail these sounds.
Why is my water pump so noisy?
Normally, a worn bearing is often the cause behind a noisy water pump and you get the pump to quiet down by replacing or repairing the broken bearing. Besides this, a pump also makes excessive noises and vibrations if it is not placed on a balanced or level surface.
How long does a shower pump last?
Normally, a shower pump lasts around 8-9 years if it is maintained properly.
References
https://www.anchorpumps.com/blog/how-to-fix-a-noisy-shower-pump/
https://www.salamanderpumps.co.uk/blog/how-quiet-are-shower-pumps-and-why-do-they-make-noise/1076
