I've got an upstairs bathroom with a toilet that's just 6 feet away from the heads of anyone sleeping downstairs. The other day, I was in there when one of my kids went to the bathroom, and the noise was shocking! I'm determined to make this more soundproof. My current plan is to cut out the ceiling drywall, wrap the toilet drain plumbing, add insulation, and then replace the drywall. Here are my specific questions:
1. What should I use to wrap the plumbing? Ideally, I'd like something that's specifically designed for soundproofing.
2. Is there a type of sound isolating insulation that's the best to use in that space?
3. Should I add an extra layer of drywall before I put the section back together?
3 Answers
While you're at it, opening everything up gives you some options. Think about installing a wall-mounted toilet, which is cleaner and looks pretty sleek. Also, consider adding an outlet near the toilet for a bidet; it’s a nice touch!
You might want to start with some simple fixes—like adding floor mats or even a different layer of flooring in the bathroom itself. Since there’s likely little insulation in the ceiling, checking that area should be on your to-do list. I suggest using spray foam around any holes or penetrations, and if you buy a pro-grade foam gun, you'll love how much easier it makes the job! Rockwool batts are great for sound dampening too, and I’d definitely recommend a double layer of drywall with acoustic sealant between the layers.
For wrapping the pipe, I recommend using mass loaded vinyl (MLV). It's specifically designed for soundproofing and works great on plumbing. As for insulation, mineral wool is a solid choice because it offers better sound dampening compared to fiberglass. And if you're considering adding drywall back, using a double layer with Green Glue in between can really help block the sound further.