Identify/replace/repair steam trap

uptonst

Hi, I bought a 1920s house with steam heat and I suspect the traps haven't been changed for many years, if ever. They seem to be an Illinois disk type but are oriented vertically rather than horizontally, pls see pics. Should I just replace all the traps, and if so with what? Or can I get a kit to replace the inside parts? Also I read that it might not matter which way the trap is oriented - but it looks to me that if the disk was horizontal instead of vertical it would mean swapping over the inlet and outlets, can that be right? thanks! JR

Rod

Parts for Steam Traps

Hi- Those traps are oriented in the proper direction.You couldn't swap them over as the one end is threaded for the tailpiece that connects to the radiator. It's a lot less hassle to just rebuild them and surprisingly there are a parts available for most traps even the very old ones. you might also want to get an infrared thermosmeters as they are a great way to check traps to determine if they are operational.



Rebuild parts for Steam Traps (Thermostatic,  F&T)

Barnes & Jones

http://www.barnesandjones.com/



Tunstall

http://www.tunstall-inc.com/tunstallsteam.html



Source for complete traps & parts:



State Supply



http://www.statesupply.com/steamTraps.jsp



- Rod

uptonst

Which Illinois trap is it?

Hi, many thanks, much appreciated. Can you or anyone else identify this trap, so that I can get the right workings for it? I looked carefully on an unpainted one and all that's written is "illinois engineering co chicago" around the cover, with "patented May 8u 1912" on the nut of the cover. Nothing on the body, or on the inside (see additional pic). 

Also I bet I can't get all the covers off, so if I have to replace any of them do you know of another trap that fits so tight to the radiator as this? Other ones I've seen seem to have the outlet tube further away from the radiator.

Finally do you have any recommendation between the B&J kit and the Tunstall? Latter seems more expensive, is it worth it?

thanks again, James

Rod

Steam Trap

Hi- Sorry, I haven't worked with those traps so can't help you with numbers. I had a problem identifying a trap and the Tunstall people were very helpful. I imagine the Barnes and Jones people are too. You might email them and they should be able to help you. Take pictures of the trap from all sides as that seems to help and also pictures and measurements of the element like you were doing a blueprint of it.  Possibly one of the steam pros on here maybe able to identify it for you.

Opening traps - I had problem getting some of the covers off until Gerry Gill suggested using an impact wrench. That worked much better and doesn't need the room to swing big wrenches and also doesn't put as much strain on the trap and piping.

- Rod