Central Vac

Since launch is snowed in (see 'blog title picture above with Short Divide in the distance!) - I might as well post something on the 'blog instead of dwelling on my acute airtime deficiency. So, you may find this posting a bit boring, but after all, my 'blog IS about my "Basic Life".

As a part-time second-job I install and repair central vacuum systems - mostly in new homes under construction. I come in after the plumbing, heating & electrical contractors have all done their work, but before the insulation and sheetrock. As a result I don't always have the best "runs" between floor joists and studs from which to choose, so I have to get creative to get my 2" c-vac tubing/pipe from point A to point B, C etc..

First I do a walk-through with the homeowner to determine the best locations (based on a 30' vacuum hose) for the wall inlets where the hose will eventually plug in. I then hang the boxes so the electrician can run 110 power to each one.

I also have to determine the best route for my main "trunk" line, which will allow for a "Y" branch to go to each inlet box. I have to maintain a certain distance from any bearing walls, and cannot go through any big structural beams. Once I have the general route the lines will take figured out in my head, I drill pilot holes followed by 2.25" holes and start running the pipe, gluing fittings, and making the connection to each inlet box.

Some of the large holes can be very difficult - especially if my hole saw or boring bit are getting dull. I've learned the hard way to keep my face & head on the right side of the power drill: If I happen to catch a nail or knot it can grab - causing the drill to swing uncontrollably and smack me silly, give me a black eye, a bloody lip - or at least bust a knuckle or two!

Most jobs begin in the garage, where the main vacuum power unit will hang.

After completing all of the runs, I pull the low voltage wire the entire length of the system, making the connection to each inlet box. Finally I put steel nail guards to protect my pipes at each stud,

and cover each inlet box face with a plaster guard. Believe it or not, some sheetrockers will just finish right over my inlet opening if I don't force them to cut a hole around my plaster guard! After the walls are finished and painted (which may be anywhere from a few weeks to a year) I return to finish the job.

Now I can install each inlet face/door, connecting the 110 volt wires and the low voltage wires as I go.

Then I hang the power unit in the garage and connect the trunk line and low voltage wire to it.

Finally I test out the entire system, checking for adequate suction, power, and continuity at each wall inlet.

Some homeowners opt for a toe-kick mounted "vac-pan" in the kitchen, bathroom, or pantry areas.

Then I demonstrate how to use the power head vacuum, hose and attachments with the customer. No two jobs are alike, and some can be very challenging or even downright frustrating. It can be hard work trying to coax, finesse and "persuade" the 2" pipe where I need it to go. Some fittings I end up crawling over cold air returns, squeezing between joists, and then blindly gluing a fitting that I can barely reach. Others are more straightforward. I seem to average up to about 1.5 hours per inlet, a smaller home having 4 or 5, and some larger homes having over 10! Some jobs - like those in the middle of winter - I'm just glad to be done with. Occasionally I will do an existing home installation, which can get very tricky and require crawling attics or foundations, and getting very creative! Some builders or owners try to do it themselves, but there is more to doing a good job than some realize.

Using the right fittings, in the right direction, with proper cutting and gluing can make all the difference between a system with moderate suction and one that really sucks!

An improper or sloppy fitting can be a plug waiting to happen - which can be very tough to fix once the walls are all finished. There is a certain amount of pride and satisfaction that comes from doing a good job. The work is not consistent and seems to come in waves, but that's OK. Our budget does not depend on it, so when I do get a job we can put most of what I get paid for it into savings.

So there you have it - everything you probably never really wanted to know about installing a central vacuum system - and then some! I warned you that it might not be very thrilling, but (thank goodness) it's a Free Country! Nobody forced you to read it - did they! :-)