Big Mouth steam trap?

sandselz

So I have some very old main vents on my single pipe steam system and one is spitting water. I did some calculations, and bought a Gorton 1a for the short run, and needed 2 Gorton #2's for the long run, so opted to buy a Big Mouth. The old vents are stuck pretty good, and I'm afraid of cracking the pipes, so while I was having a tech do my boiler maintenance, I asked if he would replace the vents. He wouldn't install my vents (only hoffman 75's that they would provide), but he told me the Big Mouth wasn't a vent, but rather a steam trap, and wasn't appropriate for venting a single pipe main.

They seem like common recommendations here, so wanted to ask your opinions on what he said? thanks in advance.

ChrisJ

sandselz said:

So I have some very old main vents on my single pipe steam system and one is spitting water. I did some calculations, and bought a Gorton 1a for the short run, and needed 2 Gorton #2's for the long run, so opted to buy a Big Mouth. The old vents are stuck pretty good, and I'm afraid of cracking the pipes, so while I was having a tech do my boiler maintenance, I asked if he would replace the vents. He wouldn't install my vents (only hoffman 75's that they would provide), but he told me the Big Mouth wasn't a vent, but rather a steam trap, and wasn't appropriate for venting a single pipe main.

They seem like common recommendations here, so wanted to ask your opinions on what he said? thanks in advance.

The Big Mouth is a trap that was converted into a vent for steam systems, including single pipe systems.

It's intended purpose is to be used as an air vent on steam systems including single pipe systems.

ethicalpaul

I wouldn't let a tech like that back in my house.

STEAM DOCTOR

The big mouth is designed precisely for your application. There is a bit of debate here on the wall about their reliability.

109A_5

Hello @sandselz,
Works for me. I like that you can take it apart and repair it, if needed.

EBEBRATT-Ed

Some companies have a rule about only installing parts that they provide.

Neild5

I have had to replace the o-rings on 4 of mine when they started leaking.  They were all from early batches, the o-rings were not the same as what are on the more recent ones I added to the system. 

ethicalpaul

EBEBRATT-Ed said:

Some companies have a rule about only installing parts that they provide.

I’m sure they do! I have some rules too