How to Replace a Bite Valve
Bite valves wear out with normal use. If yours leaks or feels worn, you can usually replace just the soft silicone cover (the sheath) in under 30 seconds.
Reservoir: replace the sheath
- Hold the hard plastic valve body in one hand and the soft sheath in the other. Pull them apart.
- Push the new sheath onto the valve body until it's fully seated.
Reservoir: replace the whole bite valve
Do this if the hard plastic body is cracked or the valve still leaks with a new sheath.
- Hold the tube in one hand and the valve body in the other. Pull firmly to remove it.
- Press the new bite valve into the tube.
SoftFlask: replace the sheath
- Pull the old sheath straight off the flask, wiggling it if needed.
- Press the new sheath on.
Tip: stuck valve or tight fit? Fill a mug with hot water (170°F / 77°C). Dip the end of the tube in for 30 seconds to soften it, then pull or press. The plastic will be hot, so grip it with a towel.
Shop replacement bite valves. Questions? Email info@hydrapak.com or call (303) 440-0358.
Reservoir Bite Valve, Sheath Replacement
Replacing the sheath is easy and takes less than 30 seconds.
1. Remove the sheath - Grasp the hard plastic part of the valve and in one hand and the sheath in the other and pull apart.
2. Install new sheath by pushing it onto the valve body. The hard plastic center goes inside the bite valve, and the soft plastic surface will slide on the outside.
Reservoir Bite Valve, Complete Replacement
Depending on the original problem with the bite valve, it is sometimes necessary to replace the entire bite valve. We define the bite valve as the complete assembly located at the end of the tube. This includes the hard plastic body and the soft biting material (known as a sheath).
1. Remove the bite valve from the tube
The bite valve assembly needs to be removed from the tube. There are barbs that hold the bite valve inside of the tube. Grasp the tube in one hand and grab the bite valve plastic body in the other hand and pull firmly. The bite valve will pull out of the tube.
Sometimes bite valves can be difficult to remove. If this is the case, heat water up to 170 F / 77 C and place into a coffee cup. Place the bite valve and end of the tube into the cup and let it sit for 30 seconds.
Once the hose is heated up, the bite valve can be pulled out of the tube. Be careful, as the plastic will be hot. We recommend covering the end with a towel and then grasping the bite valve assembly firmly and then pulling it out of the tube.
2. Install the bite valve. Normally, you can press the new bite valve into the tube without any problem. If you find it is difficult to press into the tube, use the hot water method above to heat up the tube and then press the bite valve into the tube.
Softflask Bite Valve, Sheath Replacement
Much like a sheath replacement on a reservoir, the sheath replacement on a flask is quick and easy.
1. Remove the old sheath by pulling it straight off of the flask. You may need to wiggle it back and forth.
2. Install the new sheath by pressing it onto the softflask.