How Float & Thermostatic Steam Traps Really Work (Operation + Troubleshooting Guide) - Weekly Tips

What does a Float & Thermostatic steam trap do? How do you troubleshoot one? Why is it ideal for kettles, heat exchangers, and drip legs?
In this week’s Boiler Tip, we begin our short series on steam trap types, starting with one of the most versatile and reliable designs in the boiler world — the Float & Thermostatic (F&T) trap.

You’ll learn:
• How the float mechanism maintains condensate level
• How the thermostatic element removes air (critical for startup loads)
• Where F&T traps should be installed
• How to diagnose a failed-closed vs failed-open trap
• How to use a temperature gun to confirm water level inside the trap
• Why steam traps can be hot and still failed, and cold and still working
• The ~30°F temperature difference that tells you if the trap is functioning properly

If you're running any start/stop equipment, kettles, low-pressure drip legs, or large-load systems, this is an episode you shouldn’t miss.

⏱ Chapters

00:00 — Intro: Steam Trap Series Begins
00:10 — What Is a Float & Thermostatic Trap?
00:23 — How the Float Opens the Valve Seat
00:35 — How the Thermostatic Element Removes Air
00:52 — Best Applications for F&T Traps
01:23 — Live Demo: F&T Trap in Operation
01:57 — Air Removal Demo: Sudden Capacity Increase
02:06 — Troubleshooting F&T Traps
02:30 — Failed Closed vs Failed Open
02:52 — Using a Temp Gun to Confirm Water Level
03:14 — The 30° Temperature Difference
03:35 — Undersized Trap Startup Behavior
03:47 — Final Notes on Correct Trap Operation

🔧 Need Steam Traps or Trap Parts?
You can source F&T steam traps, thermostatic elements, temperature guns, and boiler room tools at:
👉 https://www.BoilerWAREhouse.com

(Thousands of parts. Most ship same day.)


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