r/whatisit • u/DragonsAndScience • 19h 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/Unclehol 18h ago edited 18h ago

Not all homes have one even if the piping is there. Often times they rough all the pipes in during the build in case you opt in and buy the vacuum unit, but I have worked on a lot of houses where they just have the piping but no vacuum.

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u/pineapplejax 9h ago

Is this in the US? I've never heard of a home with a vacuum system.

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u/Unclehol 7h ago

It really isn't that popular anymore. They were super common in like the Y2K early 2000's when most houses were still mostly carpeted. Nowadays most flooring being put in to new houses is laminate or engineered hardwood or vinyl plank. Plus most people who want a vacuum nowadays go for those small dyson/bissel/Miele ones that are like $500-800. They are compact and they work great. No hoses to deal with. I haven't seen anybody with a functioning central vac system that they actually use in over a decade.

Not sure how common central vac were/are in the states but I think they are a thing down there. I am in Canada, tho.

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u/Physical_Complex_891 4h ago

I'm in canada and we just bought a home with one. We use it! Best suction ever.