Awareness of the problem of noise in building hydraulic installations

Abstract

This article deals with the problem of noise in building hydraulic installations, which can be felt when operating sanitary hydraulic appliances installed under high supply pressure. The noise generated is not only restricted to the bathroom but may also cause annoyance to the neighboring retirees. The objective of this article is to raise awareness of the problem of noise in building hydraulic installations, as well as to present the methods developed in other countries to evaluate the problem; methods that already have specific standardization. There are many sources of noise in building hydraulic installations, from the transfer to the elevated water tank to the wastewater drainage system. Acoustic comfort in homes depends on the integrated efforts of researchers, engineers, architects, manufacturers, construction workers, and the users themselves. In order to achieve the desired results from an acoustical point of view, these groups must be motivated to design buildings and their components in such a way that they meet the acoustical requirements with respect to building hydraulics. In addition, hydraulic systems should be designed that minimize the generation of noise or at least reduce the propagation of noise generated by sanitary hydraulic fittings and appliances. Finally, fittings and appliances with controlled acoustic characteristics should be manufactured.