Posted by Tony Conner on October 17, 2001 at 07:24:54:
In Reply to: LOW PRESSURE STEAM TRAPS posted by MIKE on October 16, 2001 at 17:30:10:
: HOW WOULD I KNOW IF A TRAP IS NOT WORKING RIGHT WITH STEAM @10 PSI
Unless it's been specifically manufactered as a "pumping trap", all a steam trap is, is an automatic valve. It opens when it senses water or air, and closes when it senses steam. That's it.
If you're not getting heat, the trap is failed closed, the strainer or condensate line could be plugged, or the steam valve is not open.
If you're getting a lot of steam from a condensate tank vent, or there's hammering in the return lines, the trap is failed open. You'll still have heat, but the amount of steam you're using will be very high compared to what it should be.
Make sure you have the right type & size trap for your application, and that it's installed correctly. Check for the easy things like plugged strainers and closed valves before tearing stuff apart.