Pull
Extend the hose to reach the area you want to clean.
Chameleon and Hide-A-Hose
Retractable central vacuum hoses
Pull the hose from the wall, clean, then let the central vacuum’s suction draw it back into the tubing. Ask us about installation in a new or existing home.
New construction and suitable retrofitsStandard and retractable combinationsHose reach checked against your layout
PullExtend the hose from the inlet
LockSet the length you need
CleanUse your floor tool or attachment
RetractLet suction put the hose away
See it in use
Watch the hose return to the wall
Pull out the length you need, clean, then use the vacuum’s suction to put the hose away.
Vacuum
Use the floor tool or attachment for the surface.
Retract
Release the hose and let suction draw it into storage.
Good to know
How does a retractable central vacuum hose work?
A retractable hose stores inside a dedicated tubing run. You pull it through a wall inlet, lock it at the length you need, and use suction to return it after cleaning. Vac Shack installs Chameleon and Hide-A-Hose systems in new and suitable existing homes across the St. Louis area.
Explore Hide-A-Hose system information
Last updated October 8, 2026
Installation options
Plan for the access your home provides
New construction
Install the storage run before drywall
Open framing gives us access to plan tubing bends, inlet backing, and hose reach.
- Check coverage on every floor
- Allow room for hose-storage tubing
- Choose inlet positions around room use
- Combine standard and retractable inlets if needed
Existing home
Check the available tubing route
We inspect basement, attic, crawlspace, closet, and unfinished-area access before recommending an installation.
- Measure space for the storage run
- Confirm wall and inlet access
- Explain any openings needed
- Check the existing power unit
Hose length and compatibility
Match the hose to your rooms
Room layout, furniture, and stairs affect how far you can clean from one inlet. We check the reach against your floor plan and the route available for storage tubing.
We work with Chameleon and Hide-A-Hose and can discuss standard inlets in areas where a retractable hose does not fit.
- Hose length and cleaning coverage
- Inlet position and wall access
- Tubing bends and storage space
- Power-unit compatibility
Questions about retractable hoses
Can a retractable hose fit in my existing home?
It may, depending on the available tubing route and wall access. We check space for the hose-storage run, inlet placement, and compatibility with the power unit before recommending an installation.
Can one hose cover an entire floor?
Coverage depends on hose length, inlet placement, room layout, stairs, and furniture. We check the proposed reach against your floor plan.
Can I combine retractable and regular inlets?
A system can use both when the layout supports it. We can plan standard inlets for some areas and retractable hoses for others.
Retractable hose installation
Ask about a retractable hose for your home
Tell us about your home, any existing central vacuum, and the rooms you want to reach.
Call (636) 535-2359Mon-Fri 9:30-5 · Sat 9:30-3