Old steam trap ID

Petemcl

I live in the Detroit suburbs and my house was built in 1928. My system has always had some steam hammering but lately it has been getting worse. It only happens for a few minutes on startup and according to Dan's YouTube videos that is an indication that some of the steam traps are not working properly. The capsules look fairly easy to replace but I can't seem to find out what type of steam traps are on the system so I can buy the right replacements. They are brass. Can anyone identify them from these pictures?





Thanks for the help.

Steamhead

The insides look like Hoffman, but I can't read the lettering on the cap to verify that. Can we get a close-up?

Mad Dog_2

Looks like maybe a first generation 17 C. Mad Dog

JUGHNE

A little wire brush work on the cap will usually tell all.

EBEBRATT-Ed

Some sandpaper on the cap or on the trap should reveal a name or #

Mad Dog_2

Sometimes..the real old ones don't always have a raised bossing.  Mad Dog

Petemcl

OK. Thanks for the help. After cleaning off years of baked on lead based paint I found that it is a Hoffman #18. Now the question is how does it work as there are no bellows and more importantyly where can I find a replacement capsule for the best price (I have 17 of these to replace).

mattmia2

Is that a carbon post type trap? Tunstall or Barnes and Jones should have modern guts that fit it.

Mad Dog_2

B & J OR Tunstall.  Can't go wrong. Mad Dog

Gordo

Here's a video on the Hoffman #18 trap

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBwuK7iznUY

Steamhead

Petemcl said:

OK. Thanks for the help. After cleaning off years of baked on lead based paint I found that it is a Hoffman #18. Now the question is how does it work as there are no bellows and more importantyly where can I find a replacement capsule for the best price (I have 17 of these to replace).

Thought so. This is a Hoffman Vapor system. Is there, by chance, a Differential Loop in the basement near the boiler?

ISTR the Tunstall repair kit may require replacing the cap on each trap. Their website was not specific though. The Barnes & Jones one can use the existing cap, which would not incur the extra cost of the cap. You'll want to check with Tunstall to be sure.

Petemcl

Steamhead said:

Thought so. This is a Hoffman Vapor system. Is there, by chance, a Differential Loop in the basement near the boiler?

ISTR the Tunstall repair kit may require replacing the cap on each trap. Their website was not specific though. The Barnes & Jones one can use the existing cap, which would not incur the extra cost of the cap. You'll want to check with Tunstall to be sure.

Thanks. Yes, I ordered a Tunstall capsule and cap from Athena in Chicago today. I didn’t order their install tool. Will I need it?

There is a trap in the basement that looks like it joins the steam side to the water drain side of the system. It looks different than the Hoffman 18 but it is in an awkward spot so it will take a bit of gymnastics to get to it.

Thanks again to everyone for the help.

mattmia2

If it was a hoffman differential system there is, or at least was, a deep u bend type of trap somewhere near the boiler that would equalize the supply and return pressure if the supply pressure got too high.

Steamhead

Petemcl said:

.......There is a trap in the basement that looks like it joins the steam side to the water drain side of the system. It looks different than the Hoffman 18 but it is in an awkward spot so it will take a bit of gymnastics to get to it.

That's a "Crossover Trap". Its job is to let the air from the main vent out quickly, which reduces the system's heating-up time, saving fuel. The air is routed into the dry (overhead) return and vented near the boiler. If the system has a Differential Loop, the vent is on top of it.