Brass Instrument Piston Valve Problems
1. Piston Valves move but are sluggish and stick occasionally.
Remove the valves and valve caps one at a time. Clean the valve casing with a valve case brush
or a soft cloth wrapped around a short cleaning rod. Clean the valve using a brush and a solution
of warm water and brass soap. Dry the valve thoroughly and allow to stand for some time.
Apply a few drops of appropriate valve oil and then replace.
2. Piston Valve keeps spinning in casing and doesn’t click into place.
Check each of the valve guides one at a time to make sure they are right side up and are not broken.
Use another valve as a model if you are not sure. If the guide is broken you need to take the instrument
to a professional instrument repairer.
3. The Piston Valve Instrument doesn’t play.
Starting with the third valve, remove each piston valve one at a time to make sure it is in the right
casing facing the right direction. The numbers usually face the mouthpiece. Reinstall the valves
correctly and try again.
4. Piston Valve is completely stuck.
Apply a few drops of oil to the valve through the valve slide. Leave for an hour or two and then try to release by hand.