I am putting shower head on a wall where i have ac/heat duct (6" apart). Will duct carry noise if shower used

Question

2 Questions:

1) I am building a very small bathroom, with a small 32"x32" standing shower. On the shower's side wall, there is a metal rectangular duct for ac/heat, going ceiling to floor. I heard that if I put a shower head, control manifold on this side, it will transfer the noise to the duct and eventually to other rooms in the house. True?

2) If yes, I have to put shower head on the shower's back wall (I can not put it in the right hand side shower wall for high work effort reason). Is it against any code to put shower head which would face the shower door?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Check your local building code enforcement office.  Building codes can vary from one city, state, or county to another.

But putting it facing the door means you won't be able to turn it on to let it warm up.  You'll have to be inside the shower to do that, and that will be cold!  I would go with the side wall location, and accept any noise you might get.  You might be able to minimize the noise by putting insulation on the pipes.  Perhaps several layers of the foam sleeve-type insulation would work?  That should be resistant to any moisture you would get from condensation.  Fiberglass insulation would eventually absorb moisture and get soggy, and could lead to mold problems.

Answer 2

yes.