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F&T trap diagnosis

Steamhead (in transit)
Steamhead (in transit) Member Posts: 6,688
in THE MAIN WALL
you'd notice sluggish steam distribution on that main if the thermostat had failed closed. If you have a hard time getting heat to the end of that main, have the trap rebuilt. If this doesn't help and you know the dry return is not pressurized, add main vents prior to the trap.

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Comments

  • William Faust
    William Faust Member Posts: 168
    F&T trap diagnosis

    Consider pg. 153 of The Lost Art - isn't it true that lack of live steam coming out of the ball joint wouldn't necessarily confirm that the F&T trap's thermostatic element is okay and that the lack of live steam could instead mean that the element had failed in the closed position?

    If it fails in the open position, the return is pressurized by steam. If it fails in the closed position, the mains can't vent air through the F&T's. And the radiator steam traps can't manage the lost venting capacity to the effect that short-cycling ensues?
  • William Faust
    William Faust Member Posts: 168


    Can I put main vents on a 2-pipe system?

    One of my F&T traps is a Trane 55AL. If it was yours, would you install repair parts or would you instead install a replacement F&T trap? I'm asking because I'm going to be doing the work myself and I'm wondering how much of a hassle installing repair parts is going to be.
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