Is this a steam trap?

bReeze512

2 pipe steam radiator. Of the 6 radiators in my house, 4 of them have one of these on the outflow pipe. Is it a steam trap? Could it go bad? Radiator is the last one on the line, second floor, and at the end of a heating cycle radiator starts making some banging noises and then a "whoosh" sound like a bunch of water is running out of it all at once.

EdTheHeaterMan

Minimal but yes. There is a water trap in there with a small orifice. No moving parts, just a trap like the old J bend you might find under very old sinks. Just a lot smaller.

Just guessing but if you remove it, you might find that is looks something like this inside.

Steamhead

That's an "O-E" Vapor system. If you have @DanHolohan "s book "The Lost Art of Steam Heating", you can read about it in chapter 15.

Where are you located?

bReeze512

I'm in northwest NJ, Belvidere. A qualified steam guy could make a killing here, a ton of ancient houses.

I have Dan's book "We Got Steam Heat", and read it from cover to cover the first night I got it. Just ordered "The Lost Art of Steam Heating", it'll be here Monday.

Thanks!

Steamhead

bReeze512 said:

I'm in northwest NJ, Belvidere. A qualified steam guy could make a killing here, a ton of ancient houses.

Get in touch with @clammy , @EzzyT or @JohnNY - they are three of the best, and not far from you.

bReeze512

Thanks @Steamhead!

EzzyT

Hi @bReeze51 the best way to reach me is at 2018878856