The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 15% to 30% of steam traps fail in systems that aren’t regularly maintained.* Functioning steam traps are crucial to preventing issues that can hurt your facility, like cold plugging, fail opens or pressure surges.

Well-maintained steam traps are also key to avoiding steam leaks, which waste both energy and water. By performing regular steam trap maintenance, you can save on both energy and costly repairs to downstream equipment.

Steam traps play a vital role in removing condensate to protect pipes and facilities from damage. Installing new steam traps can lower the need for frequent maintenance and repairs, as well as reduce strain on boilers—which may help you save money today and over time.

 Here’s how to develop a steam trap maintenance routine in five easy steps:

1. Take advantage of Washington Gas incentives—up to $300 for each unit installed—when replacing leaky or failed steam traps.
2. List everyone involved in steam trap maintenance, including the commissioning agent (if applicable), building engineer and HVAC maintenance personnel.
3. Conduct a thorough walk-through of your facility to log the type and location of every steam trap. Share this document with the relevant personnel.
4. Run an assessment using one (or all) of the methods outlined in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Federal Technology Alert: Steam Trap Performance Assessment.
   1. Visual inspection: Observe fluid flow downstream of trap after discharge. “Flash” steam (lazy, billowy plume) = proper function. “Live” steam (sharper, higher velocity plume) = trap failure. Look for steam plumes at condensate tank and flash tank vent discharges.
   2. Acoustic method: Use a listening device to differentiate normal operation sounds from trap failures. These can range from a screwdriver or mechanic’s stethoscope to an ultrasonic listening device.
   3. Temperature technique: Check if your trap is cooler than your boiler steam, which could indicate condensate flooding. If downstream temperature matches trap temperature, this could indicate a steam leak. For better accuracy, consider using a thermal imaging camera.
   4. Conductivity method: Integrate a conductivity probe with the steam trap (or just upstream in a sensing chamber) to measure the difference between normal steam conductivity and steam conductivity in leak or blowout conditions.
5. Finally, use assessment data to mark steam traps that need to be repaired or replaced. While regular care can prolong their life span, steam traps will wear out over time.

By maintaining and replacing your steam traps, you’ll gain savings through increased energy efficiency, avoid potential facility damage, and extend the overall life span of your equipment.

*U.S. Department of Energy