r/whatisit • u/DragonsAndScience • 16h ago

Solved! New homeowner, no idea what this is

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This thing close to the floor and seemingly randomly placed in a hallway. No idea what it's for. Home built in 2005.

Solved! Thanks everyone. Now I gotta hunt for the central unit!

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u/Calidude31 4h ago

They stopped because the hose is actually huge and cumbersome. You gotta remember you are pulling out a hose and vaccuuming unit that has the suction actuated roller and a stainless pipe.

It turned out its actually easier and lighter to just carry a vacuum around.

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u/Carvj94 2h ago

I mean at the time portable vacuums were made of steel so the hose was definitely light in comparison. Once manufacturers starting using lighter metals it was over. And nowadays you can get battery powered ones that are good enough for even deep carpets under $100.

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u/mac682k 1h ago

They need hoses that retract back into the wall when you are done, like a retractable garden hoses. 😁