Hoffman No. 8

Campo

My house has a 2-pipe steam heating system with steam traps on each radiator. They are the old Hoffman No. 8 traps and I would like to replace the thermostatic elements. From what I can find, Hoffman no longer makes elements for these and said that I should replace all of the traps with "their newest model". This sounds like a marketing ploy and could cost me quite allot of time and money. Dose anyone know of a replacement element available for these traps or am I SOL?

patrick linhardt

cage unit/capsules

Check with Tunstall Associates, Inc. @ 800-423-5578 or www.tunstall-inc.com. They list two capsules for Hoffman #8. Barnes & Jones lists their cage units for the same, I only have an old phone number for them @ 617-332-7100. Good luck with your search.
There are many qualified professionals at this site that could do the installation for you, and give your whole system a check up for best performance (efficiency and comfort).

Steamhead

Tunstall and Barnes & Jones

both make top-notch trap replacement parts. Both also have online catalogs. B&J's site is www.barnesandjones.com .

If you have Hoffman #8 traps, you likely have a Hoffman "Controlled Heat" Vapor system. Does it still have the Return Trap or Differential Loop? And the vent traps that cross over from the end of the steam main to the dry return?

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Campo

Yes. I do have the Hoffman "Controlled Heat" just like is described in the library on this site. The diffarential loop is still connected and there are traps bridging the steam main to the dry return. Is there any sort of maintainance that I should do to the diffarential loop? It just hangs there in the basement and looks kinda creepy.

Thanks Pat for recommending Tunstall Associates. I have already ordered the elements.

patrick linhardt

wetstock V

Hey steamhead, just wondering if you will be at wetstock in Providence. Sounds like this system is well preserved. I can't think of any maintenance to do on the diff loop, but I think he should get a pro in there to check over the boiler.

patrick linhardt

diff loop maintenance

Glad you found your elements. Tunstall is a good source for any brand of trap replacement parts. There are no moving parts to the differential loop, so no maintenance would be required. However, I do recommend that you have the boiler serviced by an experienced contractor who can check things like combustion, water condition, and operating pressure. All these play a big part in your overall system efficiency, and with the price of energy on the way up, you might save some money.

Campo

Thanks. I will have the boiler serviced, but I will have to find a new prefessional. Our old "provessional" cranked up the boiler pressure to 13 psi and put air vents on many of the radiators to get the place to heat. He paid no attention to the steam traps. We have cranked down the pressure and removed all the radiator vents! We also replaced the main vent in the basement.

patrick linhardt

\"provessional\"

Unfortunately, not all service techs are well informed about steam systems. I suggest you try to contact one through the "find a Professional" link at the top of the wall. If there are none nearby, pre-qualify the locals with a few simple steam system questions.
1) Typical steam pressure in a residence?
should be less than 2 psi
2) Is water hammer noise natural?
no, it can be eliminated
3) Do I need a main air vent?
yes
If they seem confused with any of these softballs, try another. Most towns will have at least one contractor who knows and enjoys working on steam systems. Contact a local wholesaler or trade organization for help in your search.
They usually can recommend the right contractor.

Steamhead

Unfortunately

I can't make that one. It's easier for me to get away in the spring and summer than in the fall, which is the start of the heating season!

But I'll be looking for the info on Wetstock VI.

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Steamhead

I think I'll try to corner the market

on 1/8-inch pipe plugs, for use in removing radiator vents from Vapor systems like yours ;-)

Campo, if you're in or near Baltimore, e-mail me.

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