Friday, June 19, 2015

How to Handle the Central Vacuum Pipe System of a Central Vacuum Cleaner


Required tools for installationMany 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.

It is important to remember that anyone can handle their own central vacuum pipe installation if they make the right choices and according to specialists, the best pipe installation option for central vacuum cleaners is vacuum tubing, these pipes being specifically designed for use in the vacuuming industry.