A central vacuuming system consists of a power unit, PVC tubing, inlet valves, and a hose with cleaning attachments. It is easiest to install this system in new construction but the system can be retrofitted to an existing house. A power unit is usually installed in a utility room, garage, or basement and the inlet valves are placed in wall or floor-mounted receptacles throughout the home. The hose is attached to the receptacle and turned on to activate the vacuum. The tubing that runs through the floors and walls carries the dirt to the collection bin in the power unit.

You will need:

• Central vacuum power unit
• PVC tubing
• PVC tube inlet valves
• Drill
• 2 ½-inch screws
• 90-degree PVC elbows
• PVC cement
• Low-voltage wires
• Stud finder
• Wire
• Pencil
• Saw
• Wallboard or keyhole saw
• Chisel
• Safety goggles

Step 1: Identify the location for the power unit. This component is usually mounted near or on an exterior wall for easy routing of the exhaust line to the outdoors. Use the stud finder to locate a wall stud in this area.

Step 2: Attach the power unit mounting plate to the wall stud, using the drill and screws.

Step 3: Hang the power unit on the mounting bracket. Hold up the exhaust line, including the elbows and muffler, and use the pencil to mark where this meets the wall.

Step 4: Use a saw to cut through the wall to the outside of the home. Mount the vacuum exhaust fan and exterior wall cap.

Step 5: Identify inlet valve locations throughout your home. The inlets should be spaced so the central vacuum hose can reach every spot in the house. If an electric cleaning head will be used on the vacuum hose, ensure that an electrical outlet is located within 6 feet of every inlet valve.

Step 6: Mark inlet valve positions on the wallboard with the pencil, placing them at the same height as the electrical outlets and using an inlet valve as your template. These receptacles should be mounted next to wall studs.

Step 7: Cut an inlet hole in the wallboard with a wallboard or keyhole saw, following the template drawn in Step 6.

Step 8: Drill a hole with a 1/8-inch diameter through the floor directly below the inlet hole. Drill in a location where the base molding or base shoe will cover the hole. Push some wire through the hole so you can easily find the spot when working under the floor.

Step 9: Go below this floor and find the wire. Use this as a reference point to measure the spot for the tubing that will extend through the center of this wall. Put on the safety goggles and use a hole saw to cut a hole with a 2-inch diameter up through the floor and also through the bottom 2×4 plate in the wall. You may need to alternate between cutting with the saw and using a chisel to pry out wood chunks.

Step 10: Run the required length of tubing into the wall cavity and to the inlet hole in the wall. Have an apprentice hold the tubing in place.

Step 11: Go up to the room and cement a 90-degree PVC elbow onto the tubing. Slip the mounting plate into the wall through the hole and attach it to the elbow. Pull it out and secure it to the wall with the drill and screws.

Step 12: Repeat Steps 7 through 11 for each inlet valve.

Step 13: Run low-voltage wiring from each valve to the vacuum power unit.

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