Hot Tip #12 – Mud Legs

Dirt pockets, (mud legs) provide a low-flow area where dirt and scale can settle out of the steam and condensate stream. Dirt pockets must be cleaned out periodically and, therefore, should be part of a regularly scheduled maintenance program.

Some traps are more susceptible to dirt than others. Strainers should be installed before any trap that may experience problems. Some traps are available with strainers that are built in. If you use a strainer, (highly recommended) it must be blown down periodically. As with the cleaning of dirt pockets, this process should also be a part of a regularly scheduled maintenance program. For ease of blow down, a globe or ball valve can be connected to the blow-down port of the strainer.