Central Vacuum System Installation Guide

A built-in vacuum cleaner system basically consists of a network of pipes and a power unit located somewhere inside the house — in the basement, in the garage, inside a closet or wardrobe, or even under the staircase. This power unit is connected to inlet valves through a network of PVC pipes mostly hidden inside the walls.

Planning the Installation

Note: Small to medium size homes (with 2,000 sq. ft. or less per floor) generally require only 1 inlet valve per level or floor. Choose your vacuum hose length according to the distance between the furthest point to clean and the inlet valve. Larger homes may require more than 1 valve per floor depending on square footage and architecture.

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  1. Find the best location to install the central vacuum unit, taking into consideration that you have to run a 2" PVC pipe to the different inlet valve locations, Vacpans, Vacusweeps, Wallyflex cleaning stations, etc.
  2. Choose the type of installation:
    • Standard central vacuum installation with low voltage 24 volts
    • Super Valves (Direct Connect) — built-in 120 volts and 24 volts inlet valves
    • Wet and Dry installation with low voltage 24 volts
    • Retraflex, Hide-a-Hose, Rapidflex retractable hose systems
  3. Order the parts online from vacuumsonline.net

New Constructions

Every new home should be built with an integrated central vacuum system simply because it is more convenient, more powerful, and so much easier to use on a daily basis than a regular vacuum cleaner. If you are planning on building a house in the coming years, make sure it includes the best central vacuum — you will not regret it.

Existing Homes

For older houses without a central vacuum roughed in, it is always possible to retrofit a built-in vacuum cleaner. If you have access to the ceilings in the basement (suspended ceilings, unfinished basements), this will clearly make your job easier.

Do-It-Yourself

Hiring a professional to install your central vacuum system is not necessary. All you need is someone a little bit handy and some basic tools. We share on this website a complete set of guidelines to help you achieve the installation yourself in a couple of hours. You can also buy online all the parts and tools that professionals use every day on the job. Follow our step-by-step instructions — installing a central vac has never been easier.

Standard Installation (low voltage 24 volts only)

This kind of installation is the most frequent and popular, and also the most affordable setup. It consists of a 2" PVC pipe running alongside a low voltage wire from the power unit to the inlet valves. The low voltage wire connects the two small metal contacts in the inlet hole to the low voltage output located on the side of the central vacuum unit.

Super Valves Direct Connect Installation (120 volts + 24 volts)

This setup is perfect for carpet owners using a powered motorized carpet beater. The 120 volts receptacle is built directly inside the inlet valves. Instead of using a pigtail dual voltage hose, you can purchase a Super Valve Direct Connect compatible hose designed specifically for this system.

Wet and Dry Installation Setup

This installation requires an extra looping to prevent liquids from backflowing into the power unit. See the diagram below for details.

Retraflex, Hide-a-Hose, Rapidflex — Retractable Hose Systems

The most important innovation and revolution in home cleaning systems is the retractable hose. Hiding inside the walls and always ready to use, these central vacuum hoses are a complete must-have feature in every new home. With a retractable hose system, you will start to love vacuuming the house!