Radiator Traps - for the home owner

DuggieFresh5

Hello again,

I'm looking to continue my steam education, specifically system maintenance. My question today is about radiator traps. I have a 2-pipe system. Dan Holohan mentions a sort of wax crayon that melts at a specific temperature and I know others like thermal imaging devices. As a home owner, I have an infrared thermometer to work with. That seems like a reasonable tool to troubleshoot a trap. Any thoughts on their use?

Second - in reading TLAoSH, Dan mentions traps have a typical life of 3-5 years, with some traps being rated 10 years. Would anyone mind dropping some mfg names and their opinion on the cost:benefit ratio? I'm sure "10 Year" traps are more costly, but I don't even know how to tell what kind of trap I'm looking at when shopping. I do know that many of the traps in my house will not accept a drop-in replacement.

I have traps that are very old, Haines Vento brand. Gerry Gill was good enough to research that for me on a site assessment. The paperwork is from 1937. Is it unusual for traps to last longer in residential applications vs. larger apartment building installations?

Based on the existing traps and the condition of the radiator I just added a trap to, it seems like I may have had a vapor system. Does that sound right? I'm not 100% clear on the difference between a vapor system and what I have today.

Thanks!

Steamhead

You definitely have a Vapor system. Unfortunately, as far as I know you can't get parts for those traps, so if they die you have to completely replace them.

Keep in mind that the traps only operate when the radiator fills with steam. On milder days if may not fill completely, so the trap would not operate.

Any good steam radiator trap should do. You might want to check out Gerry Gill and Steve Pajek's venting guide- it will tell you how fast each trap will vent air.

DuggieFresh5

Thanks Steamhead. I just so happen to have that guide and will check it out. -Doug