Are worn valves affecting your compressor’s performance?

The role of valves in your compressed air system and when to replace them

Valves play an important role in the operation of a compressed air system. They control the movement of air and help maintain stable pressure, temperature, and overall compressor performance.

Like all mechanical components, valves experience wear over time. Regular servicing and valve replacement help maintain compressor efficiency and reduce the risk of unexpected faults or system downtime.

The valves in your compressor serve various functions:

Inlet valves

Control the intake of air into the compressor. Their operation directly influences compressor capacity and power consumption.

Minimum pressure valves

Maintain pressure inside the sump during startup. This helps ensure proper oil circulation and prevents backflow into the airend.

Solenoid valves

Control the flow of air within the compressor system and help regulate pressure within the air receiver.

Thermostatic valves

Regulate operating temperature by controlling oil flow, helping the compressor maintain stable operating conditions.

Over time, these valves can wear due to heat, pressure cycling and normal mechanical operation, which can reduce compressor efficiency and affect system performance.

Most compressor valves, including intake valves, thermostatic valves, solenoid valves and minimum pressure valves, have an average service life of around 8,000 operating hours. However, replacement should be based on the manufacturer’s recommendations for each valve.

During routine servicing, our technicians inspect these components and may recommend replacement based on operating hours, condition, and manufacturer guidelines.

Replacing valves at the recommended intervals helps maintain compressor performance and reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns or system failures.

Allowing worn valves to remain in service can lead to several operational issues.

Increased power consumption

Worn or sticking valves can cause compressors to run less efficiently, increasing energy usage.

Unexpected system downtime

Valve failures can lead to compressor faults or shutdowns, interrupting production.

Damage to other compressor components

Faulty valves can contribute to issues such as high operating temperatures, unstable pressure, or poor oil circulation, potentially affecting other parts of the compressor.

Maintaining a regular compressor servicing schedule helps keep valves operating as they should and allows potential issues to be identified before they lead to system problems.

Improved system efficiency

Properly functioning valves help compressors run at their intended performance levels.

Reduced risk of breakdowns

Proactive replacement lowers the chance of sudden valve failures.

Longer compressor lifespan

Regular servicing helps prevent issues that could damage other critical compressor components.

A few practical steps can help extend the lifespan of valves in your compressed air system.

• Schedule regular servicing: Routine compressor servicing helps identify valve wear early and prevent small issues from developing into larger system faults.
• Monitor system performance: Keep an eye on operating temperatures, pressure levels and power consumption, as changes can indicate developing valve or system issues.
• Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule: Adhering to recommended service intervals and replacement guidelines helps maintain reliable compressor operation.

Regular servicing and system monitoring help keep compressor valves operating reliably and reduce the risk of unexpected system faults.

For more information about valve servicing and replacement, or to schedule a compressor inspection, contact our service team at on 1300 290 638, email info@nesscopressure.com.au or head to our contact us page.

We provide access to technical bulletins on a wide range of compressed air topics, including our valve technical bulletin. The aim is to help customers understand the reasons behind our best practice advice.

These technical bulletins outline:

• The role of each compressor component
• Signs of deterioration
• Suggested replacement intervals
• Risks of failure or not replacing components on schedule

The resources we provide support our recommendations, help you understand why replacements have been recommended (even when they still seem to be working) and help you make more informed decisions.