one pipe steam -zone valves-f&t traps

one pipe steam- zone valves - F&T traps

Several months ago I got involved with a two zone one pipe steam heating system - I replaced the boiler - installed Burnham SIN 8 LNC - LE2 rated at 633 square feet radiation - the main zone of the house covers two stories and has 474.75 square feet of radiation - this zone is controlled by athermostat only,as the zone valve has failed in the open position and is not expected to be repaired - it has two f&t traps with 1 1/4" returns into the basement floor - the second zone is for an attached guest cottage[one story] which has 162 square feet of radiation - the zone valve for this zone is operating okay - it has one f&t trap with one 1 1/4'' - the condensate return pump was removed by others many years ago - the house heats comfortably - the problem is that there a major leak in a buried return - my intention is to repipe the returns around the perimeter of the basement. Question? - should I remove the traps - the 'A' measurement to the boiler water level surpasses the minimum - the lowest pipe I can find is 34" above the water level.Any advice would be appreciated'