Understanding how long a ball valve can last and what influences its performance is essential for engineers, installers and maintenance professionals. In this article, we explore the key factors that determine ball valve life expectancy, including operating conditions, maintenance routines and material quality. We’ll also look at common signs of wear, practical maintenance tips from official RuB documentation and the rigorous testing and manufacturing standards that make Bonomi Industries and its RuB valves synonymous with long-term reliability. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of how to ensure your valve system delivers consistent performance over time.

 

What determines the ball valve life expectancy and overall durability?

The life expectancy of a ball valve is not a fixed number, but rather the result of several interdependent factors that influence performance over time. Although high-quality valves can operate effectively for decades, their durability is strongly affected by service conditions, the precision of installation and regular maintenance. According to technical guidance from Bonomi Industries and the RuB operating manuals, the materials used and the manufacturing process—particularly when involving forged brass and precision machining—play a decisive role in ensuring consistent functionality throughout the valve’s lifespan.

Key factors include:

• Frequency of operation: valves that are cycled frequently are subject to mechanical wear of the seals and ball surface, which can shorten operational life if lubrication or periodic maintenance is neglected.
• Working conditions: prolonged exposure to high pressure, fluctuating temperatures, or chemically aggressive fluids can lead to erosion or deformation of internal components, reducing sealing efficiency.
• Water quality: the presence of hard water, sediments, or impurities can cause scaling and deposit formation, which increase friction and accelerate seal deterioration over time.
• Installation environment: continuous vibration, excessive torque on fittings, or exposure to corrosive atmospheres can compromise the valve body and connections, potentially reducing both reliability and service life.

 

Signs your ball valve may need replacement

Even the most robust valves show signs of wear over time, particularly when subjected to demanding service conditions. Recognising these early is essential to avoid unplanned shutdowns, leaks or system inefficiencies. The operating instructions and maintenance guidance provided by Bonomi Industries (as outlined in documents such as IMO001.20) stress the importance of regular inspection to detect these early indicators of wear.

External leakage occurs when fluid escapes through the stem or body of the valve, indicating potential deterioration of sealing components such as O-rings or packing. According to the maintenance guidelines, this phenomenon is often linked to prolonged exposure to vibration, pressure fluctuations or aggressive media, and should be promptly addressed to prevent damage to surrounding components or system inefficiencies.

In contrast, internal leakage happens when, despite the valve being fully closed, the flow of fluid continues. This condition often points to compromised internal seals, worn ball surfaces or deformed seats. In pneumatic or hydraulic applications, internal leaks can cause significant energy loss or even affect system stability, making regular inspection critical.

Another symptom to monitor is low operating torque. If the handle or actuator moves too easily, it may indicate that internal seals are excessively worn or that deposits have altered the seat geometry. While high torque usually signals friction or build-up, abnormally low torque may reveal a loss of tightness, requiring prompt examination to ensure safe and efficient valve operation.

In such cases, operators should follow the inspection and maintenance schedules recommended in the official documentation, ensuring proper testing and timely replacement of worn components. This proactive approach aligns with Bonomi Industries’ commitment to product reliability and long-term valve performance.

 

Tips to extend ball valve service life

Maximising the ball valve life expectancy begins with careful installation, followed by consistent operation and preventive maintenance. According to the Bonomi Industries guidelines provided in the official documentation (IMO001.20), longevity depends not only on material quality but also on adherence to correct usage practices.

• Avoid water hammer: quick or sudden valve operations can cause water hammer—sudden pressure surges that may damage internal parts or even the surrounding piping system. Smooth, gradual movements during opening and closing help maintain mechanical integrity.
• Regular operation: valves that remain unused for extended periods may experience seat sticking or seal hardening. For installations using hard water, operating the valve monthly prevents mineral build-up; in cases of very hard water, it is advisable to operate the valve every two weeks to preserve mobility and sealing capacity.
• Periodic checks: valves working under severe operating conditions—such as high temperature, pressure variations, or mechanical vibrations—should be checked every three months. Testing the valve multiple times ensures proper closure, no internal or external leaks, and stable torque performance.
• Correct positioning: during installation, the valve should be fitted without strain or torsion on the pipework. Incorrect alignment can cause premature wear on the ball and seals, affecting both flow performance and sealing reliability.

These recommendations, extracted from the RuB maintenance manuals and reinforced by Bonomi Industries’ quality standards, help operators achieve long-lasting and consistent performance. Applying these maintenance practices ensures that the valve’s expected lifespan is maximised while maintaining safety and efficiency in all operational contexts.

 

How RuB valves by Bonomi Industries stand out

The RuB valves manufactured by Bonomi Industries are designed with an uncompromising focus on durability, precision and consistency. Each stage of production, from raw brass processing to the final assembly, adheres to rigorous quality controls that ensure long-term performance under demanding conditions. Every valve undergoes a 24-hour quality verification process and is subjected to multiple levels of testing, including leak detection and endurance assessments.

To validate their robustness, RuB valves are tested for up to 100,000 operating cycles for actuated configurations and 25,000 cycles for manual ones, maintaining a maximum allowable leakage rate of just 0.3 Ncc/min. These stringent standards exceed common industry requirements and demonstrate the company’s commitment to reliability and mechanical integrity.

In addition to testing, Bonomi Industries’ vertically integrated production model plays a key role in maintaining quality. Each valve component is fully traceable, ensuring control over materials, machining and assembly. This process not only guarantees compliance with international norms but also reinforces the brand’s reputation for precision engineering and long-term dependability.

Most RuB valves come with a lifetime warranty, a testament to the trust Bonomi Industries places in its products. While not all valves carry this guarantee, the majority do. Professionals are encouraged to refer to the product catalogue to verify which models qualify.

Offering a long ball valve life expectancy is not only a result of exceptional design and manufacturing—it's a promise of reliability over time.

Looking to maximise the life of your system? Contact Bonomi Industries to learn more about our high-quality RuB valves and discover the best solution for your application.