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Installing a central vacuum system yourself is more achievable than most homeowners think. This guide walks you through how it works, what you'll need, and when to call us for help.
Installing a central vacuum yourself is a realistic project for a homeowner who's comfortable with basic construction work — drilling holes, running pipe through walls, and working in a crawl space, basement, or attic. If that describes you, a DIY rough-in can save significant money on labor.
The best time to install is during new construction before walls are closed — but retrofitting into an existing home is also very doable, particularly with two-story homes where you can run pipe through closets or utility chases.
Not sure if it's the right fit for your home? Call us at 801-298-3656 — we're happy to talk through your specific layout and give you an honest answer.
If your home has finished walls with no accessible chase or attic above, a professional installation may be more practical — our technicians minimize wall disruption and patch as they go.
Get a Free Professional BidA central vacuum system has four main components — the power unit, PVC pipe, inlet valves, and the hose. Here's how a typical rough-in installation comes together.
Determine how many inlet valves you need and where. A standard 30-foot hose covers about 700–900 sq ft per valve. Sketch your floor plan and mark valve locations — typically hallways, main living areas, and each floor level.
The power unit lives in the garage, basement, or utility room — anywhere out of the living space. It needs access to an exterior wall or existing pipe chase to exhaust air outside. A standard 120V outlet is all it requires.
2-inch schedule 40 PVC pipe runs from the power unit to each inlet valve location. In new construction this is straightforward — in existing homes you route through attic, crawl space, or interior wall cavities. Swiss Boy stocks all pipe, fittings, and stud brackets.
Inlet valves mount in the wall and connect to your pipe run. Low-voltage wire (18-gauge, two-conductor) runs alongside the pipe and connects each valve back to the power unit — this is what activates the system when you plug in the hose.
The power unit mounts on the wall and connects to your pipe network. Run the exhaust through an exterior wall or to an existing vent. Wire the low-voltage connections from each valve to the terminal block on the unit.
Plug in the hose and test each valve. Check for suction at every inlet and listen for air leaks at pipe joints. Glue any loose fittings, install cover plates, and you're done.
Swiss Boy stocks everything you need for a complete DIY installation. Stop by our Bountiful store or call us and we'll put together a parts list for your specific home layout.
The core items every installation needs:
Standard 2-inch central vacuum PVC:
Most homeowners already have these:
Our DIY rough-in kits include the pipe, fittings, inlet valves, mounting hardware, and low-voltage wire for a complete installation. Choose the kit sized for your home and add the power unit that fits your square footage.
2" schedule 40 PVC in 10-foot sections with all elbows, tees, and couplings
Low and dual-voltage options, white and almond finishes
Secure pipe runs between studs with minimal wall disruption
BEAM, Vacuflo, and Intervac units sized from small condos to large homes
A complete DIY installation — power unit, rough-in kit, and hose — typically runs $800–$1,500 depending on the power unit and home size. Professional installation adds $400–$800 in labor depending on wall access and number of inlets. Most homeowners who do the rough-in themselves save 30–50% compared to a fully installed system.
Yes — but it depends on your home's layout. Two-story homes with interior closets, homes with accessible attics above each floor, and homes with crawl spaces are all good candidates. Slab-on-grade single-story homes with no attic access are the most difficult. Call us and describe your layout — we'll give you an honest assessment.
In most Utah jurisdictions, central vacuum installation does not require a permit since it runs on low-voltage wiring and doesn't tie into your electrical panel. However, requirements vary by city and county — check with your local building department if you're unsure.
Call us at 801-298-3656 or stop by our Bountiful store. We've been installing central vacuum systems in Utah since 1963 and we're happy to answer questions, review your pipe layout plan, or recommend the right power unit for your home — no purchase required. We also offer professional installation if you get partway through and decide you'd rather have us finish it.
Browse our DIY rough-in kits and installation materials online, or call us — we'll help you figure out exactly what you need for your home.