An expansion chamber for a rotary vane vacuum pump is provided. The expansion chamber is in fluid communication with the discharge side of the rotary vane vacuum pump, such that the expansion chamber attenuates sound as a Helmholtz resonator. The expansion chamber includes an internal volume of between 80 cubic centimeters and 100 cubic centimeters, inclusive, and includes a curved sidewall that extends partially around, and generally conforms to, the exterior of the rotary vane vacuum pump. The expansion chamber also includes a downward extending port, open to the atmosphere, for attachment to a hose in applications in which the expansion chamber is below a water line.