Inverted Bucket Trap Problems? Here’s How to Diagnose & Fix Them

How does an inverted bucket steam trap work? Why does it lose prime? How do you troubleshoot one when temperature doesn’t help? In this Weekly Boiler Tip we continue our steam trap series by breaking down one of the most common trap designs in the field: the Inverted Bucket Trap. We cover how it operates, its biggest limitations, where it performs best, and how to properly troubleshoot it using sound, ultrasonic testing, and real-world failure clues. This is required knowledge for anyone working with steam distribution, drip legs, kettles, and start/stop applications. 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.