Installation of Pipes for a Central Vacuum

Decide where the vacuum power unit will sit, as you need to map out the path of your pipes from that central collection point.

Map out the places to put the vacuum's ports. Refer to your central vacuum's instructions to see how many ports you need for a house of your size. Often, you won't need too many, because a single port combined with a long hose may let you clean as much as 800 square feet of your home. Use the physical hose included with the kit to see how much area you can cover from a proposed port location.

Draw a diagram of the path the central vac lines must travel to get from the canister to the access ports. If you're installing the vacuum in a house where the walls are already closed in, try to find places such as attics, basements covered with suspended ceilings, or closets to run your pipes through. If the house is a new construction, you can simply install the pipes right into the wall cavities. This can also be done with existing walls, but requires more work than running the pipes through more accessible pathways.

Install the inlet ports at each specified location. Drill a test hole underneath the molding in existing construction so you can inspect for studs, wiring or other obstructions that might require that you move the inlet. Once clear, drill a hole to the size of your inlet pipes. Attach the low voltage wires to the marked connections on the back of the port. Usually, this means stripping the ends of the wires and wrapping them around a screw which is then tightened to form a connection. Glue a PVC elbow to the back of the inlet. Orient the elbow's open end in the direction that the main vacuum line will be coming from. Always read the instructions for your central vacuum and follow any specific directions for preparing the inlet ports. Ensure the mount is secured to studs if you're installing the port in the wall instead of the floor. Connect the low voltage wire to the port as you install it, as well.

Start running the trunk line back from the inlet port that's farthest from the power unit. The trunk line is the main line that travels directly from the farthest port back to the power unit. Dry connect all the pipes at first to ensure that the installation will fit as you intend. When it's time to start a branch line that goes to the next port, or when you have to install a bend to get around an obstruction, use 45-degree corners rather than 90-degree corners whenever possible. Branch lines are built with junctions into the primary trunk line. Each additional port will need its own branch leading from the trunk. Horizontal branch pipes should also be installed at 45-degree angles rather than with 90-degree junctions. Once you see that your pipe layout will work and you have the pipe in place, start connecting the sections with PVC glue.

Run the low-voltage wire along the length of the system. The wires should run along all the pipes and bends, so they reach every outlet port in the house. Splice the wires into the existing runs coming out of the ports until you have the entire system connected to the power unit. Use regular twist-on wire connectors to splice the wires together.