What is a recommended method to eliminate noise in plumbing systems?

Maintaining a flow velocity under 8 feet per second (FPS) is a recommended method to eliminate noise in plumbing systems because higher velocities can lead to increased turbulence and vibrations within the pipes. This turbulence results in noise that can be transmitted through the piping and into the surrounding structure, creating unwanted sounds heard by occupants. By keeping the flow velocity below this threshold, you can reduce the likelihood of such turbulence, minimizing potential noise generation and promoting quieter operation.

The other methods might influence noise levels, but not as effectively or directly as regulating flow velocity. For instance, while shorter pipes might reduce the distance sound travels, they don’t necessarily address the noise generated by flow turbulence. Increasing the pipe diameter can impact flow rates but might not significantly reduce noise if the flow velocities exceed that threshold. Changing pipe material to plastic can help in reducing sound transmission because plastic tends to dampen sound better than metal pipes, but it isn’t primarily focused on controlling flow velocity's impact on noise.