Choosing where to place the inlet valves:

Now that you’ve obtained the proper installation materials for your central vacuum systems installation, it is time to decide how many inlet valves you will need and where you will put them. Typically the rule of thumb in the central vacuum industry is to have at least one valve for every 675 sq. ft. in your household. If possible, you will want to try to install the valves in a place where there is no insulation. This will make it easier for you to install the pipe and low voltage wire.

The valves should be placed in convenient locations throughout the home. Think of the places that get dirty most (ex: the living room, the laundry room, kitchen, etc). Once you have found the places where you want to put the valves it is time to test whether or not you have all the floor area covered by the vacuum. The easiest way to do this is to get a measuring tape and pull out 35 ft. (assuming a 35 ft. hose). Put one end near the valve and have someone walk around with the other end. If you can reach all the places with the tape measure, you should be able to reach them with the central vacuum hose and your power head.

Recommended Valve Placement

Next you should plan where you want to install your vacpans. A vacpan is a convenient valve that is installed within the baseboard. There is a switch on the valve, and when turned on you can sweep whatever dust and debris you want into it. Typically homeowners want to install these in the kitchen for crumbs, and the laundry room for lint and other debris.

All of these different types of central vacuum parts make it easier to clean your home. The latest innovation besides the vacpan is the Doc-It system by canavac. Rather than have a valve the doc it system stores the entire hose within the wall, and is retractable and contractible at the push of a button.

Once you have located all the positions where you want to place the inlet valves and vacpans, take a permanent marker and make a note on the existing 2×4 stud. This way you will not forget where you mapped out the central vac system.

Thanks for reading,
– The Central Vac Guys

PROCEED TO STEP 3: Installing The Inlet Valves