Silencing plumbing noise in new multifamily development is an understandable priority with most acoustical consultants. Running showers, washing machines, dishwashers, and flushing toilets create a racket that frustrates residents expecting a quieter living experience.
It’s no secret dampening noise and vibration transfer between the pipes and building structure can be an affordable and amazingly effective solution.
So why do plumbing contractors bid sky-high prices to install an acoustically isolated plumbing system?
Surprising Bids
“The relationship between the acoustic consultant and plumbing contractor is often combative. The plumber assumes they will be sued because they won’t meet the acoustic spec. So they jack up the bid to protect themselves and discourage the owner from moving forward with the quote, resulting in Value Engineering out the acoustical scope of work,” says Chip O’Neil, vice president of research and development at Reliance Worldwide Corporation, a leading commercial and residential plumbing products manufacturer.
This scenario is played-out far too many times in multifamily construction, O’Neil says.
87% Less Noise
It’s a shame because an acoustic isolation system can reduce plumbing noise by up to 87 percent according to tests certified by an ISO-3822 lab. For acoustic consultants, multifamily owners, and renters all seeking a quieter building, it’s often a lost opportunity.
O’Neil’s company is taking steps to resolve the dispute. He and his team regularly consult with acoustical consultants and contractors to clear up any misunderstandings, which can dramatically reduce system installation costs.
Proven Solution
“We help set clear and accurate expectations on all sides. Acoustical consulting firms often issue specs that are too broad and not detailed enough. We help add more precision to their specification language and installation detail drawings, which plumbers like. Plumbing contractors need to know there’s a clear path to mitigating their risk of litigation while achieving the intent of the project’s acoustic spec. We show both sides how to proceed with confidence, resulting in a win-win,” reports O’Neil.
Among the benefits multifamily owners and developers can expect include:
- Affordable Contractor Bids. “We know a plumbing noise and vibration isolation system works and is quite affordable to install. Our HoldRite Silencer System is routinely specified for new multifamily and hospitality construction on the West Coast, where we do about 90 percent of our acoustic related business,” reports O’Neil. “We expect similar acceptance in other parts of the country as consultants, contractors, owners, and developers become familiar with the HoldRite Silencer System.
- Satisfied Residents. Noise complaints are one of the top frustrations of building residents, property managers and homeowners associations alike. Acoustic isolation using the Silencer System is a proven, tested solution that helps deliver a quieter living experience.
- Satisfied Plumbers and Consultants. Mutual agreement and confidence in a proven third-party, lab-tested solution ends needlessly defensive quoting and delivers a superior resident experience.
- No-Cost Estimating Service. O’Neil says his team is happy to support the architect, consultant, and/or engineer with estimating services that include spec and submittal assistance, 3D product drawings, installation details and animations, BIM models, project take-off help, complimentary installation training and exclusive ISO-3822 lab test documentation.
“We’ve helped the multifamily industry mediate these challenges, hit their cost targets, and provide quieter living environments for more than 15 years. Multifamily owners can finally offer their residents a truly unique acoustic experience that sets their properties apart from competitors,” O’Neil says.
To learn more about reducing plumbing noise and vibration on your next project, visit www.HoldRite.com.
