What Do Steam Traps and PRVs Actually Do? Common Boiler Parts Explained - The Boiling Point

Revisiting a classic Boiling Point for a great end of year refresher - Steam traps and pressure reducing valves (PRVs) are everywhere in a boiler room — but do you really know what they do and where they belong?

In this episode of The Boiling Point, Ritchie Ware sits down with Brian Grandstaff, Parts Sales Manager and the driving force behind BoilerWAREhouse.com, to break down common steam system components you’ll find throughout industrial plants.

We cover:

What steam traps actually do in a steam system

Why condensate removal matters for efficiency and fuel savings

Where inverted bucket traps vs. float & thermostatic traps should be used

How pressure reducing valves (PRVs) protect downstream equipment

Why condensate recovery saves real BTUs — and real money

How Armstrong steam traps and PRVs fit into modern boiler rooms

Whether you’re maintaining a steam header, feeding a heat exchanger, or troubleshooting condensate issues, this episode gives you real-world context for parts you see every day.

👉 Need these parts fast?
Stocked steam traps, PRVs, and accessories are available at BoilerWAREhouse.com — backed by real boiler experts who know the applications.

⏱️ Timestamp Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to The Boiling Point
00:25 – Who Brian Grandstaff is & why parts matter
01:05 – What steam traps do in a steam system
01:45 – Why condensate is a problem (and an opportunity)
02:20 – Where steam traps are installed in a plant
02:45 – Inverted bucket traps: best applications
03:15 – Float & thermostatic traps and air elimination
03:40 – Recovering BTUs with condensate return
04:00 – Pressure reducing valves (PRVs) explained
04:40 – How pilot-operated PRVs work
05:20 – Why pressure reduction matters at equipment
05:45 – Why WARE partners with Armstrong
06:10 – Stocked steam traps & PRVs at BoilerWAREhouse
06:30 – Final thoughts & wrap-up

🔎 Related Search Questions

What does a steam trap do in a boiler system?

Where are steam traps installed in industrial plants?

Inverted bucket trap vs float and thermostatic trap


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