How to Install a Central Vacuum System

Learn how to install a whole-house vacuum system; includes details on working with PVC pipe, and locating and installing the vacuum.

Once Ron began considering some of the advantages of a central vacuum system, like noise reduction, convenience and cleaner air, he decided to install one in his own home. Ron got the help of a local installer for Cyclone Home Systems, who is a dealer of Beam Central Vacuums. One of Ron's biggest concerns was that he did not want to open up any of his walls to install the system, so they searched the housMe for a way to do this. View the complete video segment.

1. The concept The concept behind the central vacuum is fairly straightforward. The motor and filter for the central vacuum system are located in an out-of-the-way place like the garage or basement. PVC plastic pipe is run from the power unit to outlets throughout the house. Outlets are needed in several convenient and centrally located places from the attic to the basement, which in Ron's house covered four floors. 2. Installation location Installers typically look for closets that line up from the first floor to the second floor, etc. These allow access to run a concealed pipe without requiring the walls to be opened. A laundry chute may also work well, which is what they decided to use for Ron's Installation.

3. Install PVC pipe They began by drilling a hole through the bottom of the laundry chute and into the basement. Ron centered a hole saw around the drilled hole and then made the larger hole up through the basement ceiling.

The laundry chute went up to the second floor, but they still needed to run the pipe into the partially finished attic above, so they cut out a portion of the attic floor to locate the top of the chute.

When they thought that they found it, they drilled a hole up through the top of the chute to be sure. Then they used the hole saw to drill the larger holes for the pipe. To make sure these holes were aligned, Ron dropped a plumb bob all the way from the attic into the basement.

4. Outlets They pushed a screwdriver through the wall in the exact location where they planned to locate the outlet. Note: All of the vacuum outlets should be located conveniently near electrical receptacles so that the cord for the power head can be plugged in.

They checked the alignment from above before marking and cutting out the opening for the outlet. To double check, Ron dropped a plumb bob down from above to make sure that it would sit right in the middle of the cutout.

5. Low voltage wire Next, Ron added a weight to the end of the wire and dropped it down. This low voltage wire runs all the way back to the power unit. When the hose is plugged into the outlet, the wire carries a signal back to the vacuum to turn it on. They connected an elbow to the back plate, inserted the plate into the wall, and then attached the cover with a couple of screws.

After the wiring was in place, they lowered the PVC pipe inside the laundry chute from the attic to the second floor, to the first floor and into the basement. They repeated this process for another outlet in a second floor hallway.

To install the first-floor outlets, they drilled holes from the basement up inside the walls, cut an opening and installed the low voltage wire and outlet fixture, attached the cover plate, and then fed the PVC pipe up from below to make the connection. In the end, they had installed a total of six outlets with each pipe run leading to the central vacuum power unit.

6. Connect power unit They returned down to the basement to hang the power unit on the wall. Then all that was left for them to do was to connect the piping. A central vacuum won't exactly turn housework into play, but a system like this can deliver a lot of suction very quietly and it can make navigating around a house large house a lot easier.