Many homeowners are resistant to the idea of
installing their own central vacuum systems, but there is no reason to be
reluctant because this is a straightforward job anyone can manage to do. The
only thing they need to do is to pay attention to all the details related to
the installation procedure before making any cuts into their walls. This also
includes choosing the right location for the central vacuum pipe and avoiding
plumbing equipment and electrical wires.
Homeowners have three major choices when it comes to
central vacuum pipe installation, namely they can choose between plumbing pipe,
flexible hoses and vacuum tubing. In the former case, the pipe is the same as
the one used for carrying water around homes. Its standard diameter is set at
two inches and it is usually available in lengths of 10 or 20 feet. This type
of pipe is very easy to find, resistant for its walls are thick and very cheap
because of its wide application range. However, it has a number of
disadvantages, including a variable wall thickness and rough transition points
betw
een the plumbing pipe and the pipe fittings where stiff objects can easily
get stuck. This risk is also increased by the rough cuts at the ends.
Homeowners can also use flexible hoses to replace
the fittings and elbows, but this option is only recommended at the ends. There
are two types of flexible hoses used for pipe installation today, namely vinyl
hoses reinforced with wires and PVC hoses. This option is usually preferred by
those seeking to ease the installation process as much as possible for they
just need to cut pieces of flexible hose to fit them anytime bends are required.
However, the friction is much higher than with any of the other two pipe
installation options, which results in a lower number of air watts being
produced by the central vacuum cleaner, and the risk of sharp objects getting
stuck inside is also very high.
Finally, the third central vacuum pipe installation
option is vacuum tubing. This is actually the best recommendation for this type
of pipe is specifically designed to be used with vacuum cleaners. Compliant
with the American Standard of Testing and Materials regulations and use
d by the
majority of US municipalities, the wall thickness of this type of pipe is
consistent and so is the rigidity, which allows for a continuous and maximized
airflow circulation. The risk of clogging is very low with vacuum tubing
whereas the thickness is set so as to match that of the fitting hubs. Moreover,
a thinner pipe wall eliminates the need to use PVC primers. Unlike schedule 40
pipes which need special adapters, this pipe is suitable for all back up
plates, which is a major advantage in terms of convenience.
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