How to Stop Trumpet Valves from Sticking

Keep valves in working order to ensure your trumpet will play beautifully.

Sticky valves prevent a trumpet from playing properly. Trumpeters use valve oil to prevent valves from sticking and to keep them functioning at peak level.

Things You'll Need

• Trumpet
• Valve oil
• Paper towels

Instructions

Before Oiling

1. Check the valve casings on the trumpet for dents. If there is a dent in casing (the cylinders that hold the valves), consult a professional instrument technician because oiling will not fix the problem.

2. Lay paper towels on your work surface to absorb extra valve oil.

3. Thoroughly empty all water keys by opening each key and blowing gently through the mouthpiece.

Oiling the Valves

1. Use your fingers to unscrew the valve closest to the mouthpiece at the top of the valve casing. Without twisting, pull the valve straight upward about halfway out of the casing. Place three or four drops of piston valve oil on the valve itself (the silver part), return the valve to its casing and screw the top back down.

2. Repeat Step 1 with the second, third and (if you have one) fourth valves.

3. Press the valve pistons up and down repeatedly for about 30 seconds. The valves should move easily. If they do not, consult a professional repair technician.

Tips & Warnings

• Many music stores that rent instruments have a repair technician on staff. If oiling the valves is unsuccessful, bringing your trumpet to a repair technician is your next option.

• Oil only one valve at a time. This keeps the valves from getting mixed up, which will cause the trumpet work improperly.

• Before playing the trumpet, always make sure that your mouth is clean by brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth out thoroughly. This can help prevent valves from sticking, but will not keep them from needing regular oiling.

• Valves will click into place on most trumpets, ensuring that you correctly placed them back into the casing.

• Make sure that you are using plain valve oil and not rotor valve oil. Mixing oils can cause valves to seize.

• It is not necessary to take a valve completely out of its casing to oil it.

References

• "Guide to Teaching Brass: Sixth Edition"; Dan Bachelder and Norman Hunt; 2002