Is Asbestos Lurking In Steam Traps?
Many homes and apartment buildings still contain asbestos incorporated in various construction materials. The toxic mineral has been used in almost every building item since the early 1940s because it was cheap and versatile, making it a popular choice for public buildings, including schools. Generally, there's rarely a construction product without asbestos in homes and public buildings built before the 1980s.
On the residential side, asbestos-containing materials were favored due to their excellent insulating properties, but their fire-retardant quality also came in handy. It is why asbestos is lurking in older homes even today, and families may discover hazardous items in their houses daily.
Steam traps in older systems of homes or public buildings are one of the devices potentially containing asbestos, as they incorporate gaskets made with asbestos. Because the hazardous mineral withstands heat and pressure, it was indispensable in gasket manufacturing. The key function of a steam trap is to prevent steam from backing up into the return lines, allowing air and condensate to be expelled from the steam pipe. They're present in locations equipped with a low-pressure heating system, such as:
- apartment buildings
- large homes
- schools
- commercial spaces
- churches
Steam traps are vital for home steam systems because they help maintain efficiency and safety, and their strategic placement at the end of each heating emitter facilitates maintenance of appliances such as:
- cast iron radiators
- cast iron or copper recessed convectors adorned with fins
- blower-type units commonly found in large school classrooms or gymnasiums
These devices are also critical components of systems such as:
- boiler systems
- heat exchangers
- heat emitters
- steam lines
- return pipes
Regular inspection of systems with steam traps reduces energy costs and prevents any issues, malfunctions, or failures due to:
- water supply contaminants
- corrosion
- sudden pressure changes
If your home's systems contain steam traps and show signs of aging, it is advisable to have them inspected and repaired by a licensed professional. Safety measures regarding the family's health and well-being can never be underestimated, so even if there is little chance of asbestos exposure from these devices, properly handling them prevents any risk.
DIY Fixing or Replacing Old Asbestos Items Increases the Chances of Asbestos Exposure
While inspecting or repairing a malfunctioning steam trap, you should verify the presence of asbestos in the existing insulation before removing it. Insulation with asbestos cloth was a common practice and can contain up to 85% asbestos, while most gaskets have an asbestos content of up to 80%. If these items are forcefully removed with power tools, a significant amount of asbestos could be released into the air.
Identifying asbestos insulation can be challenging for anyone, as it may resemble other types of asbestos-free insulation. For an accurate visual identification, the insulation's color often needs to be visible, and old insulation rarely keeps its original color. Ultimately, laboratory testing is the only surefire method to determine if the insulation around steam traps contains asbestos.