2026-01-26

How often should valve assemblies be maintained?

When valves and actuators are part of a process plant, they are often such a natural part of the operation that they are easily forgotten – until something suddenly starts to run sluggishly, leaks or stops working. Regular maintenance is therefore one of the most important measures to avoid downtime and extend the life of both valves and actuators.

Recommended intervals – a good rule of thumb

Although each facility is unique, there are some general guidelines that work well as a starting point.

Visual inspection - every 3-6 months
Functional testing - at least 1 time per year
Full service - every 1-3 years depending on pressure, temperature and media type

What is important is not only the interval, but that the checks are actually carried out. A valve package with a pneumatic or electric actuator is best served by regular functional tests.

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Factors affecting the need for services

How often you should maintain valves assemblies is mainly determined by:

The medium - clean liquids require less service than, for example, sludge, gases or chemicals.
The environment - outdoor environments, vibrations, humidity or corrosive conditions increase the need for more frequent checks.
Duty cycles - valves that are operated frequently wear out faster than those that are mostly stationary.
Type of actuators - pneumatic actuators benefit from ensuring air quality, while electric actuators benefit from functional control.

Signs that it's time for service

There are some clear signals that should never be ignored:

The valve runs slower than usual
Unusual sounds from the diffuser
Leakage or moisture around the valve body
Delayed or incomplete opening/closing
Fault indications in the control system

If the problems are discovered early, they are often easy to fix. If you wait too long, both valve and diffuser can suffer extensive damage.

Create a sustainable maintenance plan

Start from a structured plan that is adapted to the facility. Do this by mapping out the types of valves and diffusers available, what processes they are involved in and how heavily they are loaded.

Then, determine reasonable intervals for inspection and document each functional test, adjustment, or component replacement. This makes it possible to quickly see when something deviates.

Ask our experts at Axel Larsson about valves with diffuser

Whether you want to know more about maintenance, function or what type of valve package is right for your facility, our experts at Axel Larsson can provide advice and guidance. Contact us today and we will help you find the right solution for your needs.