How to Make a Small Water Pump Quieter? (9 Ways)

Author:

Published:

Updated:

How to Make a Small Water Pump Quieter

Affiliate Disclaimer

As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties.

Water pumps can be really noisy. If you’ve ever stayed the night in an RV, you know how loud the pump can be when you go to wash your hands at night.

Luckily, we have some tips here on how to make your water pump quieter, whether it is on an RV or for another project. For the best results, you can combine a lot of these tips to really cut down on the noise. Here are our 9 ways to quiet small water pumps.

1. Acoustic Vinyl Box

You can make a box to put around your pump that will help to muffle the sound of the pump. You’ll need some plywood, screws, a saw, and some acoustic vinyl. Acoustic vinyl or mass-loaded vinyl is heavy vinyl that is used in soundproofing. Because it is so heavy, it absorbs vibrations and prevents them from getting through. It is often 1lb per square foot.

You’ll want to make a box that is bigger than your pump. Remember to cut spaces so that the pipes or hoses can leave the box. A small arch on the side of the box will be able to do this. Line the inside of the box with the mass-loaded vinyl.

You should be able to cut the vinyl with a razor blade. You can also line the outside of the box if you have leftover vinyl. The thicker the walls of the box, the more sound it will stop. You can fill any cracks in the box with acoustic caulk to soundproof it even more.

2. Replace the Pump with Quieter Pump

Since water pumps are often used near or inside dwellings, a lot of companies make quieter versions of their pumps. Sometimes they just cost more than the cheaper pumps. For a lot of people, this will be one of the most effective ways to make your water system quieter.

Determine the size of your water pump and then start looking for one that’s marketed as being quiet. Small water pumps are used in RVs all the time, so it might not be a bad idea to visit an RV repair shop to ask about pumps that really are quiet.

3. Install a Pump Silencing Kit

How to Make a Small Water Pump Quieter? (9 Ways)

One of the ways that water pumps make a lot of noise is by vibrating the pipes they are attached to. You can solve this problem by using a pump silencing kit. These kits come with 2 short flexible hoses and two couplers to attach them to the water pump.

The flexible hoses are able to absorb the vibrations before they reach the rigid pipes. You can also do this yourself by purchasing the items separately or by placing your own flexible tubing on both ends of the pump.

4. Install a Vibration Pad

If your pump is creating noise by vibrating the floor it’s sitting on, you can purchase a vibration pad to set it on. Vibration pads are usually thick pads of either rubber or foam that are designed to absorb the vibrations before they reach the floor. This can be especially effective if your water pump is sitting on a second-story or the roof above you.

This pad will only muffle the noise that comes from the roof, so it’s best used in combination with the other solutions we mentioned above to stop some of the other noises.

5. Cover the Pump with Foam

You can use either foam or insulation for this step. It’s a good idea to do this when the pump is already in an enclosed space. Filling the space with pieces of foam will help to absorb the sound in the air coming from the motor. You can also use wool insulation to accomplish this.

If you’re tempted to use spray foam it’s important to know that spray foam is not very effective at muffling sound. It is better than nothing though.

6. Avoid Elbow Joints Close to the Pump

Try not to place joints too close to the pump. Elbow joints that abruptly change the flow of the water cause a disturbance to the water’s flow. Some of the water even flows backward. If you have elbow joints next to your pump it will make the pump louder because of the rough water.

If you can, try to keep the lines straight for a foot or so before turning, and if you have to turn the direction of the system, using a more rounded turn will keep the system quiet. You could even fix this problem by using flexible tubing and cutting down on pipe vibrations as well.

7. Use an Accumulator Tank

How to Make a Small Water Pump Quieter

Accumulator tanks are a great way to reduce the noise of your water pump. These are especially popular for RV systems. Accumulator tanks are tanks attached to the line that has a rubber seal in them and a cavity for air on one side.

When the pump is running, it will cause pressure to accumulate in the tank by compressing the air. That way, when you start up the pump again, the pressure will be released from the accumulator tank first.

Accumulator tanks cut out the noise at low-pressure levels where water pumps are turning off and on really fast. That way the pump is able to turn on and keep running without turning off and on to maintain the lower pressure.

That’s one of the noisiest things a pump can do, so this reduces the noise quite a bit. It also keeps your pump from wearing out too fast. Here is a great video that shows you how they work.

8. Check for Worn Out Parts

Pumps get noisier as their parts start to get worn down. Worn-out parts mean the pump has to work harder to get the same amount of pressure. It can also mean parts breaking off or causing other mechanical issues over time.

A lot of companies sell rebuild kits that come with the most commonly worn-out parts so that you can replace them. If your pump is a few seasons old, it may be a good idea to open it up and see if anything is worn out, broken, or needs to be cleaned.

9. Use Sorthobane Washers

Sortobane is a rubber-like material that is made to absorb vibrations. You can purchase washers that are made of the stuff and use them to quiet your pump.

When you mount your pump, place the washers between the mounting surface and the pump and tighten down the screws. This is a simple way to cut out some of the vibration noise without getting a vibration pad.

About the author

Over the years, I’ve learned much about soundproofing, including from soundproofing professionals. I’ve learned how to soundproof the home so my family can enjoy a calm environment after work or on weekends. I started this blog to share all the tips I’ve learned on my journey to soundproofing my home.

Latest Posts

  • Are Landlords Responsible For Soundproofing?

    Are Landlords Responsible For Soundproofing?

    Explore if landlords are responsible for soundproofing and gain insights on landlord responsibilities, noise control laws, tenant rights, and proactive measures for peaceful living.

    Read more

  • How  To Soundproof A Staircase?

    How To Soundproof A Staircase?

    Discover the secrets of staircase soundproofing and transform your noisy stairway into a serene passage. Learn about the techniques, materials, and strategies to reduce unwanted noise.

    Read more

  • Is Plywood Good For Soundproofing?

    Is Plywood Good For Soundproofing?

    Explore the effectiveness of plywood in soundproofing. Uncover essential factors like density and thickness, compare plywood to other materials, and get insights on enhancing its efficiency.

    Read more

Don`t copy text!