How to Reduce Boiler Room Noise

Posted by Acoustical Surfaces on 04/20/2025 7:35 am | 6 Comments

Unwanted noise can be incredibly disruptive, especially in our homes and offices, where most of us spend the bulk of our waking hours. One of the more prevalent sources of noise in the home originates from our mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, and boilers can be particularly troublesome.

The heating of water and its circulation through pipes to radiators or underfloor systems can be incredibly noisy, which is why learning how to reduce boiler noise and implementing effective solutions is sure to improve comfort in the home. The aim of this article is to familiarize you with the reasons your boiler may be noisy, as well as to provide you with some solutions that will quiet even the noisiest system.

Why is My Boiler Making Noise?

There are a number of reasons your boiler may be making noise, and identifying the sound is the first step in treating it. Different sounds have different causes so pay close attention to what you are hearing.

Boiler Kettling (Whistling Noise) – A whistling noise coming from the boiler often indicates boiler kettling, which is caused by limescale buildup restricting water flow. The simplest boiler kettling fix is bleeding the system and checking the pressure.

Vibrations and Humming – The most common causes of vibrations and humming in water pipes are unsecured pipes, pump issues, or loose fittings. Securing all parts of the system and scheduling professional pump maintenance can quickly quiet vibrations and humming noises.

Water Hammer (Loud Banging) – If you notice loud banging in the pipes when the flow of water stops, it is likely water hammer. This occurs when water pressure suddenly changes, sending a shock wave into the pipes. Installing a water hammer arrestor is a DIY friendly solution to loud banging noises.

Fan and Mechanical Noise – If you hear noise more akin to a fan or mechanical noise, the cause is often due to issues with the blower motor or internal fan. Some of these issues can be addressed with a little time and some common tools, but a professional may be needed for urgent issues.

How to Reduce Boiler Noise

Once you have identified the noise, you can determine which boil room noise reduction solutions are appropriate for you. Here are some solutions that you can implement yourself.

Insulating the Boiler Room

One of the most effective ways of reducing your exposure to boiler noise emanating from the unit itself is to add soundproofing products to the walls of the boiler room, or for our friends in the UK, the boiler cupboard. Boiler room soundproofing is particularly effective for keeping airborne noise contained and will help prevent vibrational noise from passing into the living spaces.

You can achieve substantial relief from noise by installing an enhanced gypsum board product to the walls, adding resilient channel clips and drywall, or installing soundproof blankets inside the boiler room. Another option, if your boiler room is not yet finished, would be to install mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) on the studs before the drywall is added and sealing gaps under and around the doors with acoustic caulk, weather stripping, or a door seal kit.

Wrapping Noisy Pipes

Wrapping pipes with acoustic materials or pipe lagging will block a lot of the airborne sound generated by the pipes. However, vibrations and water hammer may need to be addressed with other products, as vibrational energy will travel down the pipe and to the structure if not treated. Choosing the right type of pipe wrap will ensure you get the noise and thermal insulation performance you’re after.

Acoustic Foam Lagging with a Barrier Layer – Acoustic foam absorbs airborne noise, while the addition of a barrier layer like MLV adds mass to block both vibrational and airborne noises. This combo can be purchased in a pre-slit wrap for easy installation. It is commonly used in residential plumbing, HVAC pipes, and in apartments.

Mineral Wool or Rockwool Pipe Insulation – For fire-resistance and thermal insulation in addition to a bit of noise control, fibrous products made of dense materials can offer benefits, as these types of products deaden the echo and reverberation on the inside of a wall or ceiling cavity. Mineral wool and Rockwool are not water-resistant, however, so be sure to wrap them with an outer layer in wet or humid environments.

Additionally, sealing penetrations in walls or framing with acoustic caulk or expanding foam will keep pipes from banging on structural elements and prevent vibrations from transferring between the two. If water hammer is creating more noise than an acoustical wrap can handle, installing a water hammer arrestor is a highly effective water hammer fix for boilers that you can install yourself.

Placing the Boiler on an Anti-Vibration Mat or Spring Isolators

Vibrational energy produced through normal operation of the boiler can pass through the floor and into surrounding structures, creating a considerable amount of noise. Soundproofing a noisy boiler at the base is incredibly effective. Placing the boiler on an anti-vibration mat or onto spring vibration isolators will reduce the amount of boiler vibration noise that transfers into floors and walls. This solution is ideal for boilers in apartments and those located in upstairs rooms.

Checking for Mechanical Issues

Mechanical issues are a common source of noise in plumbing systems with boilers. An improperly functioning fan or pump can create a wide variety of annoying noises. Mechanical issues can also increase pressure in the system, leading to more unwanted boiler noise. Addressing these issues as soon as possible can help with boiler noise reduction and prevent a possible breakdown of your boiler system. If your equipment is not performing properly, it can also introduce vibrations into the pipes that lead to other parts of the building – much like a wire conducting electricity.

If you hear gurgling, sloshing, knocking, or banging, your boiler is likely experiencing pressure issues. Adjusting boiler pressure can stop banging pipes and ensure your hot water is being distributed evenly across the system.

If you hear any noises that sound particularly out of the ordinary, especially from the pump or fan areas, it is advisable to schedule professional maintenance so your boiler doesn’t fail entirely. This will save you from a much more expensive visit.

Recommended Soundproofing Materials

Effectively quieting a noisy boiler requires that you use the right materials for the problems you are experiencing. Here are some of the most effective soundproofing materials for a variety of issues.

Mass-Loaded Vinyl (MLV) – If your room is not yet drywalled, this is one of the most straightforward solutions for reducing airborne sound generated by pipes inside walls. Rolling out mass-loaded vinyl onto the studs before the drywall is installed will add mass and density to your wall assembly and help prevent noise from traveling from the wall cavity to inhabited areas of the home or office.

Foam Pipe Lagging – Foam pipe lagging is made of noise-dampening materials that can reduce rattling noises coming from pipes. The ability of this type of lagging to stop sound is directly related to the density of the foam, so make sure to choose professional products for the best performance.

Anti-Vibration Pads and Spring Isolators – The best insulation for boiler rooms experiencing structural noise from a vibrating boiler unit is an anti-vibration pad or properly rated spring isolators. Placing vibration isolators under the boiler will help to reduce vibrations from traveling into the surrounding structure and emanating throughout the inhabited spaces.

Acoustic Caulk – When looking at how to soundproof a boiler cabinet, one of the first steps should be sealing gaps around the doors and in any holes where sound could pass through or where pipes could impact the surrounding structure. It’s an easy and effective solution for a range of noise issues.

Enjoy a Quieter Home with Boiler Soundproofing

A noisy boiler doesn’t have to spoil your solitary time. Implementing key solutions like insulation, pipe lagging, vibration control products, and acoustic caulk will have a major impact on quieting everything from vibrational noise to water hammer to boiler humming sounds.

Learning how to reduce boiler noise and applying the appropriate solutions can have a significant impact on your health and happiness. The sooner you get on top of your noise problems, the sooner you can enjoy your favorite media and conversations with your friends and family. If you need help finding the right solutions for your project, reach out for a consultation.

Additional Resources

Creating Better-Sounding Rooms

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Solutions to Common Noise Problems

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