How Central Vacuum Pipework & Inlets Are Planned in a New Build
How Central Vacuum Pipework & Inlets Are Planned in a New Build
If you're considering a central vacuum system for a new-build home, the best time to plan it is before the walls, floors and ceilings are finished.
Unlike a portable vacuum cleaner, a central vacuum system becomes part of the property. A network of hidden vacuum pipework connects strategically positioned wall or floor inlets to a central power unit. When it's time to clean, you simply connect the vacuum hose to an inlet rather than carrying a complete vacuum cleaner from room to room.
The finished system is relatively discreet, but there is important planning happening behind the walls.
From deciding where the central vacuum unit will sit to making sure every room can be reached by the hose, here's how central vacuum pipework and inlet positions are planned in a new build.
How Does a Central Vacuum System Work?
A central vacuum system consists of three main parts:
- A central vacuum power unit
- A concealed network of vacuum pipework
- Vacuum inlet points positioned throughout the property
The central vacuum unit is normally located away from the main living areas. The pipe network then runs through walls, floors or ceiling voids to the individual inlet valves around the home.
When a hose is connected to an inlet, dust and debris travel through the concealed pipework to the central vacuum unit.
SACH describes its systems in the same way: strategically positioned inlet valves are connected through a network of PVC pipework to the main central vacuum unit.
You can explore BPC Ventilation's complete range of central vacuum systems, pipework, fittings and accessories.
Why Should a Central Vacuum System Be Planned During a New Build?
Although central vacuum systems can sometimes be retrofitted, a new build provides much more freedom when planning the installation.
Before walls and ceilings are closed, pipework can be routed through suitable voids and coordinated alongside other building services. Inlet mounting plates can also be positioned before the final wall finishes are installed.
This makes it possible to design the system around the layout of the property rather than trying to find routes through an already completed home.
Planning at an early stage can also help avoid conflicts with:
- Electrical cables
- Plumbing
- Heating pipework
- Ventilation ductwork
- Structural elements
- Built-in furniture
- Underfloor heating systems
- Other concealed services
SACH's own central vacuum planning guidance recommends considering the system alongside the construction plans and beginning the installation while partition walls are being constructed.
Step 1: Choosing the Central Vacuum Unit Location
One of the first decisions is where the central vacuum power unit will be installed.
Rather than being located in a living room or hallway, the central unit is generally positioned in a practical service area away from the main living spaces.
Depending on the layout of the house, possible locations could include:
- Garage
- Utility room
- Plant room
- Store room
- Basement
- Other suitable service area
The location needs to be considered alongside the proposed pipework routes, electrical requirements and any exhaust arrangement required by the selected system.
It should also remain accessible for routine maintenance such as emptying the dust container and servicing the unit.
The size and specification of the central vacuum unit will depend on factors including the size and layout of the property and the pipework network it needs to serve. SACH recommends selecting equipment with the overall area, number of floors, inlet locations and pipe network in mind.
Step 2: Working Out Where the Vacuum Inlets Need to Go
Once the central unit location has been considered, the next stage is deciding where the vacuum inlets should be positioned.
The goal isn't necessarily to put an inlet in every room.
Instead, the inlet positions should allow the selected vacuum hose to comfortably reach all of the areas that need to be cleaned.
This includes:
- Bedrooms
- Living rooms
- Kitchen and dining areas
- Hallways
- Landings
- Stairs
- Utility areas
- Home offices
- Other regularly cleaned spaces
One well-positioned inlet may be capable of serving several nearby rooms.
SACH describes inlet valves as being strategically located throughout the home, with the number and position determined by the area that needs to be covered and the reach of the chosen hose.
Where Are Central Vacuum Inlets Usually Positioned?
Central positions generally provide the most useful hose coverage.
Depending on the house layout, this could mean positioning an inlet in a hallway or landing where the hose can reach several adjoining rooms.
However, theoretical hose reach isn't the only consideration.
The planned furniture layout should also be taken into account.
An inlet that appears perfectly positioned on a floor plan may be much less useful if it eventually ends up:
- Behind a wardrobe
- Behind an open door
- Inside fitted furniture
- Behind a large sofa
- In an awkward corner
- Too close to another obstruction
Thinking about how the finished rooms will actually be used can make a significant difference to how convenient the central vacuum system is day to day.
Our current central vacuum range includes wall inlet valves, mounting components and even floor inlet options, allowing the layout to be adapted to different areas of the property.
Step 3: Check the Hose Reach
Before finalising each inlet position, the proposed cleaning radius should be checked against the hose that will actually be used with the system.
BPC offers central vacuum hoses and kits in different configurations, including longer hose options, so the exact coverage will depend on the system selected.
A simple way of checking a proposed layout is to imagine the inlet as the centre of a circle representing the hose reach.
Then ask:
Can the hose comfortably reach every corner, doorway and area that needs to be cleaned?
It's particularly important to check:
- Corners of larger rooms
- Around beds and furniture
- Staircases
- Long hallways
- Open-plan areas
- Areas around kitchen units
- Rooms positioned between two possible inlet locations
The aim is to achieve good coverage without installing unnecessary inlet points.
Step 4: Plan the Hidden Vacuum Pipework
Once the inlet positions are known, the concealed pipework can be planned back to the central vacuum unit.
Central vacuum pipework may pass through:
- Internal walls
- Floor zones
- Ceiling voids
- Service voids
- Vertical service routes
The most suitable route will depend on the construction of the property.
The layout should be planned specifically for the central vacuum system rather than simply fitting pipe wherever there happens to be space.
BPC stocks dedicated central vacuum PVC pipe and fittings, including pipe lengths, couplings, sweep bends, elbows and branch fittings as part of its central vacuum range.
Why Does the Pipework Route Matter?
The central vacuum unit needs to create airflow through the entire pipe network, so the way that network is designed matters.
Unnecessarily complicated routes can add additional resistance and make the installation harder to construct and maintain.
Where the building layout allows, the pipework should therefore be planned logically with suitable central vacuum fittings and a sensible route back towards the power unit.
Step 5: Plan Bends and Junctions Carefully
A central vacuum installation will rarely consist entirely of straight pipe.
Bends and junctions are needed to route the system through the property and connect individual inlets back into the main network.
However, the type and position of these fittings should be considered during the design.
BPC's central vacuum range includes several dedicated fittings for this purpose, including sweep elbows, long elbows, 45-degree bends, tees and wye fittings.
Using components designed for the vacuum pipe system helps create a proper continuous route between the inlet and central unit.
The pipe system should also be installed carefully to prevent construction debris entering the network before the installation is complete.
Step 6: Coordinate the Inlets With Wall Construction
The part of the central vacuum system you'll see after the house is finished is primarily the inlet valve.
Behind the finished inlet is a mounting arrangement connecting the valve to the concealed pipework.
This is why inlet positions need to be established before the walls are completely finished.
At first-fix stage, the installer can position the required pipework and mounting components.
Once the walls have been plastered and decorated, the visible inlet faceplate can then provide a neat finished connection for the vacuum hose.
Step 8: Don't Forget the System Controls
Depending on the central vacuum system and hose selected, the installation may also require control connections between the vacuum inlets and the central unit.
These allow the system to activate when required rather than having the central unit running continuously.
Any required control cabling should therefore be considered while the property is still at first-fix stage and coordinated with the rest of the installation.
The exact wiring and control arrangement will depend on the central vacuum unit, inlet and hose system selected, so the manufacturer's installation instructions should always be followed.
Standard Hose or Retractable Hose?
The type of hose system is another decision worth making early.
A conventional central vacuum system uses a separate hose that is plugged into the selected inlet when cleaning.
Another option is a retractable hose system, where the hose is stored within the central vacuum pipe network when it isn't being used.
If a retractable hose system is being considered, it should be decided during the planning stage because its pipework and inlet requirements need to be incorporated into the design.#
Is a Central Vacuum System Worth Considering for a New Build?
If you're already at the stage of planning services for a new home, it is an ideal opportunity to consider central vacuum.
Most of the system can be concealed within the construction, leaving only the vacuum inlets visible around the finished property.
Instead of carrying a conventional vacuum cleaner around the house, the user connects a hose to one of the strategically positioned inlet points and the central system does the rest.
If you're still deciding whether the system itself is right for your home, read our guide to why central vacuum systems are a smarter way to clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many central vacuum inlets does a house need?
There isn't a fixed number that applies to every home.
The number of inlets depends on the layout of the property, number of floors, hose length and where the inlets are positioned.
The objective is to ensure that the hose can comfortably reach every area that needs to be cleaned without adding unnecessary inlet points.
Does every room need a central vacuum inlet?
No. A suitably positioned inlet may be able to serve several nearby rooms.
For example, a centrally positioned hallway or landing inlet may provide access to multiple spaces depending on the layout and hose reach.
Where should the central vacuum unit be installed?
The exact location depends on the property and the selected unit.
Garages, utility rooms, plant rooms, basements and suitable storage or service areas may all be considered, provided the location meets the installation requirements of the chosen central vacuum system.
When should central vacuum pipework be installed in a new build?
The layout should ideally be considered during the design stage.
The concealed pipework and mounting components can then be coordinated with the other first-fix services before walls, floors and ceilings are fully closed.
Can a central vacuum system be retrofitted?
It may be possible to install a central vacuum system in an existing home, but available routes for concealed pipework can be more restricted.
A new build generally provides more flexibility because the pipe network can be incorporated while the property is being constructed.
Can central vacuum pipework run alongside other building services?
Different services can occupy the same general building zones, but they need to be properly coordinated.
Central vacuum pipework should be planned so that it doesn't interfere with structural elements, ventilation ductwork, electrical installations, plumbing, heating pipework or other services.
