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How to tell if Steam Trap is Bad?

Dairon421
Dairon421 Member Posts: 80
in Plumbing
Hey i was just wondering what are some ways to trouble shoot steam traps

Comments

  • JohnNY
    JohnNY Member Posts: 3,308
    Check temperature differential between inlet and outlet. It can be tricky at different points during the heating cycle but there should generally be a 10° difference.
    I use a sonic measuring tool that listens to the trap opening and closing. Or not.
    Contact John "JohnNY" Cataneo, NYC Master Plumber, Lic 1784
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  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,317
    The cheapest ($350) FLIR gun has been my best tool for this.
    Especially if you can follow the return pipe for a foot or 2 away from the trap.
    BTW, this is for rad traps not F&T.

    Has anyone tried the doctor stethoscope on the traps for the sound?
  • ariccio
    ariccio Member Posts: 81
    A mechanic's stethoscope seems to work as well as the super expensive ultrasonic sensor that I've read are used industrially.

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