This piece is definitely there for a reason. The mesh is needed for the air release valve or the pressure coming out of a straight tube through the air release valve can crack the casing of the valve, it's too powerful of a flow without the mesh screen. I repeat, do not just takeoff this mesh screen and leave it off. Yes, it gets filthy and you have to clean it off, but it is essential to the proper operation of your filter.
Rating: [5 of 5 Stars!]