How to Reduce Noise in a Room

How to Reduce Noise in a Room

Houses make sounds. Some of them are tough to diagnose or cure. But others are surprisingly easy to silence. Here are some simple solutions.

Appliance hum

Washers and dryers transfer vibrations to floors and telegraph noise throughout the house. The solution is to set their feet on rubber anti-vibration pads (available at some home centers and online).

Exhaust vent chatter

When the wind blows just right, the damper on a dryer or exhaust fan vent can slam open and closed. Add some weight to the damper to resist the wind. On a steel damper, stick on a magnet or two. Then run the fan or dryer to make sure the damper still opens. Add or remove magnets as needed. On a plastic or aluminum damper, use glue and steel washers. Note: Don’t try this fix on gas dryer vents; too much weight could keep the damper closed and prevent dangerous exhaust gases from exiting the house.

Sump-pump thump

The check valve above a sump pump prevents water from flowing back into the house. It also makes a huge thump when it slams shut. The solution is a check valve that’s designed to close quietly (available at some home centers and online). Installation is usually easy; just loosen and retighten a couple clamps.

Slamming toilet lid

A soft-close toilet seat (available at home centers) solves the slam-down problem. To prevent the seat from slamming up against the tank, stick a clear cabinet door bumper to the tank lid.

Creaking pipes

Pipes expand and contract as they heat up and cool down. That can mean ticks, creaks or groans as they slide against wood and the straps that secure them. One solution is to remove straps and wrap the pipe with felt before reinstalling the strap.

Garage door rumble

Nylon rollers are a whole lot quieter than metal rollers. You can buy them online or at garage door suppliers. Install them one at a time, removing each hinge, slipping the new roller into the hinge and then refastening the hinge before moving on to the next hinge. Be sure to unplug the garage door opener while you work.