Anyone know what this is?

[ccp79]

I removed my old (ancient) pump last weekend and replaced it with an intelliflo. One part of the plumbing removed was this inline gadget. Inside of it appear to be magnets (with some attached metal shavings). Is that what it is? Is it worth putting back in?

 

[Jimrahbe]

79,

I suspect that it is some type of device that removes metals from the water.. Sound like magic to me...

Let's see if @JamesW knows..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[JamesW]

Can you confirm that there are magnets inside?

 

[ccp79]

Can you confirm that there are magnets inside?

Yes. I stuck a kitchen knife blade inside and they are magnets. Five rows to be exact

 

[JamesW]

Just a gimmick to make money. No reason to keep it.

 

[Randrx2]

Are the magnets on the inside or outside? Is this active or passive (Is there wiring going to it? It doesn’t look like it.) There are some products out there that remove metal particles from water to help reduce the hardness of water. I am not sure of the effectiveness of them though. Is your fill water hard? It is probably not needed.

 

[ccp79]

The magnets are on the inside. No apparent wiring. While our water is hard in terms of Calcium (60 ppm out the tap) I don't believe we have a particulate or dissolved iron problem (which magnets wouldn't help with anyway). I'm inclined to agree with James that it is a gimmick.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts everyone!