The ultimate guide to acoustic soil pipe and waste pipe systems

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Drainpipe systems form the hidden backbone of any building, but when not properly designed, they can become a significant source of noise pollution. With rising expectations for indoor comfort and acoustic performance, soundproofing is no longer a luxury in modern construction — it is a necessity. This article explores the structure, function, and advantages of acoustic soil and waste pipe systems and introduces Pipelife Master3Plus — a market leader in silent drainage solutions.

What are soil and waste pipes?

Soil pipe and waste pipe systems take care of safely transporting wastewater and graywater from buildings to sewer networks and, ultimately, treatment facilities.

Every sink, bath, washing machine, dishwasher or toilet in a building is connected to a complex network of pipes. The horizontal pipes from sinks, showers, baths, washing machines and dishwashers that carry graywater are commonly called waste pipes, and the ones from toilets, urinals and bidets carrying blackwater – soil pipes.

Both soil and waste pipes are connected to a vertical pipe called stack or soil stack, which runs through the whole height of the building. The bottom of the soil stack extends underground, connecting a building’s drainage system to a septic tank or a public sewer network.

Soil pipe and waste pipe insulation: Soundproofing domestic drainage systems

Soundproofing has become a key aspect of today’s building design, as customer expectations for comfort and quality of life continue to rise. By minimizing noise from neighboring units, external sources and sanitary installations, effective sound insulation helps create quieter, more peaceful environments.

In modern buildings, soil and waste systems must do more than efficiently dispose of wastewater — they should also operate quietly. This is where acoustic soil and waste systems come into play. Acoustic or silent soil and waste pipes have enhanced soundproofing properties, absorbing wastewater discharge noise and helping to maintain a more pleasant indoor environment.

Noise pollution from water discharge: How loud is too loud?

Although noise from soil and waste systems is typically intermittent, it can significantly affect living comfort in adjacent rooms. Depending on the building’s construction, plumbing system properties and design, the water discharge noise in extreme cases can reach up to 85 dB(A) — equivalent to being in a heavy traffic or a busy restaurant.

While in most cases, the disruption is not that severe, comfortable noise levels in rooms intended for mental work or rest should not exceed 30-45 dB(A). Higher noise levels may disrupt sleep, recreation and contribute to concentration problems or reduced productivity. Depending on the building type and regional regulations, soil and waste systems may be subject to even more stringent acoustic requirements.

Drainpipe sound insulation in buildings: How does it work?

Acoustic soil pipe and waste pipe systems combine a range of technical solutions to reduce both structure-borne and airborne water discharge noise.

• Airborne noise is generated by the wastewater flow within the piping system.
• Structure-borne noise occurs when the mechanical vibrations from pipes are transferred to the building structure through direct contact points and fixtures.

Minimizing airborne sound

To reduce airborne noise, acoustic soil and waste systems use advanced materials with high soundproofing properties. Historically, these systems relied on a higher mass to dampen sound. However, modern materials now allow for optimizing soil pipe weight, which speeds up and simplifies installation without compromising acoustic performance.

• Some of the best acoustic soil pipe and waste pipe systems on the market rely on multilayer structure and specialized materials, such as mineral-filled PP, to deliver industry-leading sound insulation.
• Another key component of reducing airborne sound is minimizing flow turbulence within the system. This is achieved by smooth inner pipe surfaces and advanced fitting designs.
• Changes in flow direction — particularly from vertical to horizontal — are often the main sources of airborne noise. This typically occurs at the bottom of the soil stack where it connects to the sewer junction. Such noise can be effectively reduced using acoustic bottom bends or elbow fittings.

Minimizing structure-borne sound

To address structure-borne noise coming from soil and waste systems, it is essential to examine how these systems connect to the building structure. Since some construction materials transmit sound more easily than others, eliminating structure-borne noise can be especially challenging.

Designers should strive to limit direct contact between soil pipes and the building structure where possible. Using specially designed acoustic brackets, clamps and sleeves is also crucial to minimizing structure-borne noise.

The best acoustic soil and waste pipe system in Europe? Discover Master3Plus

Pipelife Master3Plus is recognized as one of Europe’s quietest soil pipe and waste pipe systems.

Tests conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany according to VDI 4100 have shown that Master3Plus reduces discharge noises below 10 dB(A) — a sound level that is nearly inaudible and as quiet as human breathing.

The Master3Plus system has been tested in accordance with EN 1451 standard and is widely used across Europe in both renovation and new construction, particularly in projects where high acoustic comfort is a priority.

Advantages of the Master3Plus Soil and Waste Pipe System

The Master3Plus soil pipe and waste pipe system has been designed not only to minimize water discharge noise but also to ensure top-level durability, exceptional service life, versatility for various installation scenarios, and straightforward handling throughout all construction stages.

• Suitability for subzero installation: The system has been tested at temperatures down to -10 °C (in accordance with EN 1451) and demonstrated excellent impact resistance. Installation of Master3Plus can be safely carried out even in harsh weather conditions, without risking project delays.
• Suitability for underground discharge systems: Master3Plus soil pipes in sizes ≥DN/OD 75 can be installed above and below ground. The system meets internal pressure test requirements in accordance with EN 1451-1, allowing the soil stack to be connected directly to the sewer junction.
• Comprehensive BIM library: A continuously updated BIM library, compatible with leading design software, enables easy optimization of any project. Customers can create virtual system setups for accurate calculations and clash detection.
• EPD availability: Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) provide standardized, verified data about the environmental impacts of a product across its lifecycle. This information enables easy comparison of the environmental impact of Master3Plus with possible alternatives and supports applications for sustainable construction certifications, such as DGNB, LEED and BREEAM.
• Optimized for prefabrication: With a wide range of all-socket fittings and reliable joints, Master3Plus is a popular choice for off-site construction and prefab projects, allowing for a reduction in the installation time of up to 80%.
• Suitability for ventilation systems: Emission analysis tests, conducted in accordance with the VDA 278 standard, confirm that the Master3Plus system is suitable for use in building ventilation systems.
• Full design service: Based on a customer’s digital layout, Pipelife can provide a complete design service of soil and waste pipe systems, including virtual simulations with measurements, calculations and estimated costs.
• Effortless maintenance: The high-quality raw materials and carefully designed fittings of the Master3Plus system ensure more than 50 years of service life with no maintenance. The white inner layer of Master3Plus pipes facilitates issue detection during camera inspections.

Advantages for designers

Achieving excellent soundproofing in buildings starts already at the design phase — and it is no easy feat. Balancing reliability, efficiency, sustainability and maintenance all must be taken into account. Modern construction often employs unconventional architectural solutions, whereas renovation projects come with their own limitations regarding soil and waste pipe system design and placement.

To support the design process even in highly complex projects, the Master3Plus soil and waste pipe system is available in sizes from DN/OD 32 to DN/OD 160 (DN/OD 200 available soon) and offers a market-leading portfolio of around 200 high-quality fittings and accessories. It is also possible to combine Master3Plus with other Pipelife sewage systems for diameters above DN/OD 200.

Master3Plus soil and waste pipe fittings portfolio

Ventilation branch

Soil and waste systems must be vented to regulate the air pressure in drainpipes. Reducing pressure fluctuations keeps potentially harmful sewer gases and bacteria within the plumbing system and prevents them from entering living spaces.

While separate vent pipe systems are one option, modern buildings often use space-saving single stack systems, where ventilation and wastewater disposal are handled by the same soil stack pipe. This can be achieved by using ventilation branch fittings that slow wastewater flow and prevent negative pressure buildup within the system.

The Master3Plus DN/OD 110 ventilation branch enables a maximum vertical drainage flow rate of 12 l/s, while the DN/OD 160 version supports a minimum of 18 l/s — making it an ideal, space-efficient venting solution for soil and waste systems in high-rise buildings.

Acoustic bottom bend 

Changes in the direction of wastewater flow — like when water moves from the vertical soil stack to the horizontal wastewater pipe — create most of the noise in soil and waste systems. Vibrations from flow transition points can travel up the soil stack, transmitting noise throughout the building.

The Master3Plus acoustic bottom bend is a specialized soil stack fitting engineered to absorb vibrations caused by directional flow change. Tests by the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany showed that the bottom bend can reduce noise in soil and waste systems by up to 7 dB(A). Unlike standard fittings, the bottom bend combines advanced acoustic performance with an optimized weight-performance ratio, making it easy to handle and install by a single person. The fitting is designed for use with DN/OD 110 Master3Plus pipes and represents a unique offering in the market.

Acoustic clamps

When it comes to soundproofing, the design of soil and waste system clamps is as important as the materials and insulation of the pipes themselves. By preventing the transmission of pipe vibrations into the building structure, acoustic clamps play a crucial role in minimizing structure-borne noise.

The Master3Plus portfolio includes both double and single clamp designs that outperform conventional alternatives on the market. In tests carried out by the Fraunhofer Institute, the single clamp reduced noise by up to 5 dB(A) compared to standard rubber-lined metal clamps, while the double clamp achieved reductions by up to 10 dB(A). Both acoustic clamp designs are available at DN/OD 110, DN/OD 125 and DN/OD 160.

Swept tee fittings

Swept tees are connection fittings with a curved branch, enabling smoother flow transition from horizontal waste pipes into the vertical stack. Hydraulically optimized fittings, such as swept tees, can improve the wastewater flow by as much as 30%, which also generates less noise.

Pipelife Master3Plus system offers swept tee fittings at DN/OD 90 and DN/OD 110 with different diameter branch inlets. Both socket-spigot and all-socket versions are available.

All-socket fittings

Fittings with an all-socket design reduce the need for pipe cutting, minimizing waste and saving installation time. All-socket fittings are also widely used in prefabricated soil pipe and waste systems.

Pipelife Master3Plus system offers over 40 all-socket fittings, bends and branches, ranging from DN/OD 40 to DN/OD 125.

Flow-optimized cleaning pipe

Cleaning pipe or inspection pipe accessories are used in soil and waste pipe systems to facilitate locating and clearing blockages, ensuring optimal system performance and longevity. However, openings in cleaning pipes can increase water flow turbulence in the system and, consequently, airborne noise levels.

Pipelife Master3Plus cleaning pipes feature specially designed plugs that perform like a solid pipe wall when inspection is not needed — ensuring smooth flow and contributing to the system’s overall soundproofing performance. Both standard and large-opening cleaning pipes are available, in sizes ranging from DN/OD 50 to DN/OD 160.

Advantages for installers

The Pipelife Master3Plus soil and waste pipe system was developed based on extensive research and feedback from plumbers and installers, ensuring the system is not only technically advanced but also efficient and easy to handle on-site.

Optimized system weight

Thanks to premium materials and market-leading design, the Master3Plus system balances excellent technical properties, high sound absorption, and a product weight that’s easy to handle. The optimized weight of soil pipes, fittings and accessories enables installers to complete tasks faster while minimizing physical strain and fatigue.

Failsafe design

The insertion markings on all Master3Plus fittings indicate whether the spigot end of a pipe or fitting has been pushed in fully and connected correctly. This prevents installation errors and minimizes leakage risks.

Proprietary sealing ring geometry

Master3Plus pipes and fittings feature a DD double-lip EPDM sealing ring with a uniquely engineered step-profile geometry. The design was created to significantly reduce insertion forces, making connections faster, easier and more reliable.

While most acoustic soil and waste pipe systems rely on standard BL rings, which can be difficult to insert and are prone to being pushed out, Pipelife’s custom-engineered solution minimizes installation effort and significantly lowers the risk of leakage.

Preassembly optimized

While the Master3Plus sealing ring is designed to stay securely in place during installation, it can be intentionally removed if needed. This is sometimes done in cases of system preassembly before the actual installation to save time. The symmetrical design of the Master3Plus sealing ring ensures that reinserting the ring is completely fail-proof.

Conclusion

With industry-leading soundproofing, robust technical features, and a thoughtful design that benefits both planners and installers, the Master3Plus soil and waste pipe system has become a sought-after choice in construction projects across Europe.

Backed by independent tests and optimized for real-world challenges, the system is recognized as a smart, sustainable choice for modern acoustic soil and waste solutions.

“Master3Plus was developed with the real needs of designers and installers in mind,” states Oliver Bannert, In-House Business Development Manager at Wienerberger AG. “Our goal was to create an acoustic soil and waste pipe system that fully supports today’s construction practices and trends — without compromising performance.”

For further information contact:

Mara Skredele
PIPELIFE International GmbH,
Wienerbergerplatz 1, 1100 Wien
T +371 2 5464286, E mara.skredele@wienerberger.com