Steam Traps Troubleshooting

Al Letellier_9

The absolutely best and cheapest way to troubleshoot a trap...is it working or not?...is to observe the discharge of the trap. You should ALWAYS install a union or valved drip tee at the outlet of the trap.simply break it open and observe.

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Zorian Pinsky

Steam Traps Troubleshooting

Please advice how to troubleshoot - for less than $100 - failed steam traps.

Thank you.

Blrmech65

Diagnosing steam traps

Observe inlet and outgoing temperature's there should be a slight decrease in temp through the trap. Also a engine mechanics stethoscope works well.. listen for the discharge of the trap (Gushing sound)
bucket traps will surge every several seconds, F&T traps do the same but also have a slight discharge between surges, No sound is a bad thermostatic element or a plugged line, steady blow is a failed trap as well.

Zorian Pinsky

Resedential Steam Heat Traps

Thank you for the reply. However, I failed to mention that my system is resedential, rather than commercial or industrial.
Can any of your suggestions be used with resedential type traps?
Would I be able to hear "Gushing sound" in such traps? For example, in old Trane B1 trap?

Thank you, again.

John_102

Mechanic's stethoscope

I don't claim to any expertise, but trust me, you can hear a working trap work & a failed trap not work. Go to the auto parts store, the things are cheap (even for me). Of course you look pretty goofy with your head down, poking at the trap. Your spouse/sigo will hoot.