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Is this a steam trap?

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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.

Comments

  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 7,834
    edited March 2023
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    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.
    Edward F Young. Retired HVAC ContractorSpecialized in Residential Oil Burner and Hydronics
    bReeze512
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,835
    edited March 2023
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    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?
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    bReeze512
  • bReeze512
    bReeze512 Member Posts: 3
    edited March 2023
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    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
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,835
    edited March 2023
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    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.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    bReeze512mattmia2pecmsg
  • bReeze512
    bReeze512 Member Posts: 3
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    Thanks @Steamhead!
  • EzzyT
    EzzyT Member Posts: 1,295
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    Hi @bReeze51 the best way to reach me is at 2018878856
    E-Travis Mechanical LLC
    Etravismechanical@gmail.com
    201-887-8856
    bReeze512