[MF231]

Our house has a central vacuum that works but we don’t use. I’m in the middle of renovating the dining room and would like abandon one of the vacuum outlets.

question- if I abandon (cap/plug the pvc pipe)can I simply wire nut off the two wires and still use the rest of the vacuum outlets throughout the house?

I can safely put the wires in a J box in the basement ceilings so they are accessible.

 

[RodW]

Shouldn't be a problem. Easy to test before going final, too...

 

[MF231]

I don’t see an issue with doing this, just asking in case someone had more experience. Now trying to find a pvc plug for this piping. Turns out it’s “vacuum tubing” pvc and the walls/diameters are not the same as say schedule 20 or 40.

 

[RodW]

I don’t see an issue with doing this, just asking in case someone had more experience. Now trying to find a pvc plug for this piping. Turns out it’s “vacuum tubing” pvc and the walls/diameters are not the same as say schedule 20 or 40.

Agreed. Adapters are available. For example,
Imperium Central Vacuum 2x2 Vacuum Pipe to Schedule 40 Adaptor (1) (amazon.com)

(You could also wrap the pipe with duct tape to get a tight fit and fill the cap with a very thick adhesive since this is a vacuum line and it won't blow off. I would by an adapter, though.)

Back to wiring: Since there are only two wires, no other outlets can rely on the one you pictured. Cap them off and test the other outlets.

 

[Kennyd]

Here is a great source for parts, as mentioned regular pipe from the hardware store won't work.

Pipe / Pipe Fittings / Wire | CentralVacuumDirect.com

CentralVacuumDirect.com carries the largest selection of central vacuum installation parts on the web. Find the pipe, fittings, valves and wire you're looking for to install your central vacuum in your home today.

www.centralvacuumdirect.com

When I built my house, I used their adapters and plumbed everything with 2" S40 pipe, less clogs and fittings available locally.

It would be best if you can cut the pipe off closer to the source, as well as the wires. The wires don't really have voltage on them, but if you allow them to touch the system will startup so you have to insulate them.

 

[dixie460]

Yes, just wire nut them (not together) and seal up that vacuum pipe.

 

[MF231]

Thanks guys. “Tested” the wires together and they fire the unit up.
Will check these sources for adapters.

Kenny-i bought this house and they have a basement mounted vac and a hose for the second floor and main floor. Looking at the costs of these hoses and the vac is an older but solid Panasonic unit got to imagine that they spent a few grand on installing this system back in the day. My question to you is what made you put one in your house?
pros that I see- the vacuum works well
Cons - initial costs, and dragging heavy hoses around.
I do wish that it had the floor “dust pans” but maybe I can retrofit a few to that feature in the kitchen!

 

[Kennyd]

My question to you is what made you put one in your house?

Convenience. We have a powerhead on each floor, so there is no dragging a heavy vacuum up and down the stairs, I also thought it was cool to add since I had the opportunity.

I do wish that it had the floor “dust pans” but maybe I can retrofit a few to that feature in the kitchen!

I installed the VacPan in our kitchen island, it gets used a lot.

 

[MF231]

Definitely looking into the vac pan as I remodel!

 

[Kennyd]

Happy to help with any questions/info when you're ready.

 

[MF231]

It would be nice if there were some pull down hose reels for the vac hoses scattered throughout the house!

 

[Rex3032e]

I have and installed central vac systems for years. My parents had one installed when I was a kid, I am 61 now. It is still being used. All that was needed is a new hose every few years (ten or more). As far as installing a new system, there is many to choose from and many different attachments that can be purchase. In my current house, I have a system even though I do not have any carpet. I have a hardwood floor head I use with the floors I have. I installed a large unit and so I do not need to empty the container but about twice a year if that often. The best part about a central vac system is that it exhaust outside so it does not stir the dust up inside.

 

[Hagak]

So our house built in 2001 has a whole house vacuum system (we did not build it, so did not choose the system). We used it for a little bit and compared to traditional plug in vacuums it is nice. Quiet and clean. HOWEVER once we got a dyson battery vacuum we just dont use it anymore. The dyson is so much lighter and easier to maneuver around that going to grab it to do a quick vacuum often is much better then dragging the hose around.

Our house does have a vacuum port in the garage however I am not sure I would use that over the shopvac since if I accidentally suck up something i should not have it would be much harder to resolve.

 

[Drifterbike]

I installed one about 225 years ago and ran the pipe any where i thought i would need it. I have a vac pan in kitchen Wife loves it. I replaced the unit about 5 years ago.