Steam traps consist of three basic functions. Allow condensate to be discharged when necessary, to discharge air and other non-condensable gases, and to prevent the loss of steam. The larger the size of the steam trap the better, as they will discharge condensate whenever present and close when only steam is present. The only problem with larger steam traps is that they tend to wear out very quickly compared to smaller traps. Large steam traps also wastes more energy/steam than smaller ones. There are several kinds of steam traps to choose from, but generally there are four major types, they are mechanical traps, temperature traps, thermodynamic traps, and orifice traps.

Mechanical steam traps are pressure based traps. Relying on a simple principle of physics, as the steam rises inside the trap, the pressure that builds forces the Bellows Seal valve at the bottom of the trap shut. When enough condensate becomes present, the water floats and opens an escape valve for the water to drip out. Some examples of mechanical traps are Inverted buckets and float traps.

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