Thermostatic Trap Explained: When to Use Them & How to Diagnose Problems

Thermostatic steam traps are some of the most common—but most misunderstood—trap types in industrial steam systems. In this Weekly Boiler Tip, we break down exactly how thermostatic traps work, the difference between balanced pressure and bimetallic designs, how they react to temperature and pressure shifts, and how to troubleshoot them when they modulate instead of cycling like other traps. Whether you’re operating food service lines, domestic water heaters, drip legs, separators, or industrial heating equipment, thermostatic traps can be a powerful tool—if you know when and how to use them. Safety notice: Always consult experts for complex repairs. Weekly Boiler Tips are compiled by the knowledgeable and remarkably prolific content creators at WARE, a family owned, third-generation, 69-year-old commercial and industrial boiler rental and service firm based in Louisville KY. You can learn all about this and more at WARE’s Boiler University.