Big picture question

Brian_74

I've realized that I've been asking a lot of detail questions (and you've all been very kind with your replies). I never stopped to ask the bigger question, which is: am I right that I need to replace my traps?



Here's why I thought I need to replace them:



I have 10 traps total. 7 of them are the original Ideal traps from 1929. Three are Trane B-1 traps, which means that they are at least 20 years old. In the LAOSH, Dan explains how the trap elements move a lot in just a few years, and that's why they have relatively short useful lifespans.



There's hammering 6-7 minutes into the 17-20 minute cycles. I thought this might be due to broken traps.



The returns are within 2 degrees of the supplies. I'm not sure this means anything since I would think that both the incoming steam and the outgoing condensate would be 212°F eventually, but I measured it anyway.



I believe that the system is using an excessive amount of gas. It takes 32.5 second to use 2 cu. ft. gas. See <a href="http://www.heatinghelp.com/forum-thread/128784/Under-2-ounces-in2#p1182605">http://www.heatinghelp.com/forum-thread/128784/Under-2-ounces-in2#p1182605</a>



I know that one trap is broken. (<a href="http://www.heatinghelp.com/forum-thread/129166/opening-traps">http://www.heatinghelp.com/forum-thread/129166/opening-traps</a>) I thought that once one breaks, the others are in jeopardy.



So...am I doing the right thing by replacing the trap elements?

Jamie Hall

See my other comment on your other thread...

You may indeed have damaged trap elements; if so, they (obviously) should be replaced.  Except for the economic factor, there is no good reason not to replace all of them (except there may be a hassle factor, too).  You are quite correct, though, that if one trap is seriously leaking steam, it does threaten the other traps and may shorten their life considerably.



Condensate leaving a trap will approach, but never quite reach, 212 or thereabouts.  Very warm condensate is not a problem.  However, hot returns may signal a leaking trap.  They may also signal excess steam pressure, however.



I can't comment on the gas usage...

Brian_74

Low pressure here

Thanks, Jamie. My boiler doesn't go past 5 ounces/sq. inch on normal runs. When I've had to shut it down for a few hours while doing trap work, it does go as high as 24 oz/si. So I don't think I'm having a pressure problem. On the other hand, I've owned the house for about 10% of its life, so who knows what the other 90% was like.



I mentioned that gas usage in part because I thought that in the LAOSH Dan wrote something like: new traps don't cost you additional money; you're already paying for them in the form of higher fuel bills. (he obviously said it better).



As always, thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience!