Categories: Pumping, Working Mamas
February 25, 2026
Last updated on February 25, 2026
Breast pumps rely on more than just the motor to work well. Over time, pump parts experience normal wear from frequent use, washing, and sterilizing. Replacing these parts on a regular schedule is important for maintaining suction, comfort, milk output, and hygiene throughout your pumping journey. If pumping feels harder than it used to, or something feels “off,” worn pump parts are often the reason.
Why Replacing Breast Pump Parts Is Important
Better Suction and Performance
Pump parts, especially silicone components, stretch and lose elasticity over time. Even small changes, like a valve that no longer seals properly, can reduce suction and make pumping sessions longer and less effective.
Hygiene
Parts that come into contact with breast milk should be cleaned and fully dried after every use. Still, residue and moisture can build up over time. Replacing worn parts helps support safe milk handling and reduce contamination risks.
Which Breast Pump Parts Need Regular Replacement?
While pump designs vary, most use the same core components. Replacement timing depends on how often you pump.
Duckbill Vales
These small silicone parts help control milk flow and play a major role in suction. They’re often the first parts to wear out, especially if you notice a decrease in suction.
General guideline:
- Around every 1–3 months, depending on frequency of pumping and settings used
Replace as soon as possible if you notice
- Loss of suction
- Valves are not closing or moving properly
- Visible crack, stretching, or warping
- Discoloration or stiffness
If pumping exclusively or multiple times per day, having an extra set on hand can help prevent interruptions with your schedule if replacement is needed sooner than expected.
Backflow Protectors / Diaphragms
These help maintain suction and protect the tubing and pump motor from moisture. Not all pumps use separate backflow protectors.
General guideline:
- Every 3–6 months, depending on frequency of use
Flanges (Breast Shields) & Connectors
Flanges, often cone shaped cups with a tunnel, create the seal around the breast and directly affect comfort and milk removal.
General guideline:
- About every 6 months
- Replace sooner if cracked, warped, discolored, or uncomfortable
Tip: It’s important to pump with the correct size flange for optimal stimulation, comfort, and expression. Not sure you’re using the right size? Check out our flange size blog here.
Tubing
Tubing carries suction from the motor to the pump parts (if applicable).
General guideline:
- Replace if tubing becomes internally soiled with breast milk, mold, or debris
- Replace if it becomes cracked, moldy, or no longer fits securely
- Follow your manufacturer’s instructions if milk enters the tubing, as cleaning and replacement guidance may vary by pump model
- Otherwise, replace as needed based on wear
Bottles
Milk collection bottles should be inspected regularly.
General guideline:
Replace as needed if cracked, damaged, or showing signs of contamination.
Light cloudiness alone does not always require replacement. Some cosmetic changes may occur with high heat, sanitizing, or hard water exposure.
Replace if you notice:
- Sticky film that won’t wash off
- Black, green, or pink spots (possible mold)
Traditional Pumps vs. Wearable Pumps
Both traditional and wearable pumps use replaceable parts. Even though designs differ, silicone parts in both types wear out at similar rates, especially with frequent use.
- Traditional pumps may include flanges, tubing, backflow protectors/diaphragms, valves, and bottles.
- Wearable pumps use enclosed systems which may include flanges, valves, diaphragms, and collection cups.
Brand-Specific Replacement Guidance
Each pump manufacturer provides its own recommendations, which may vary by model and usage. Because replacement timelines can differ, always check your pump’s user manual and follow manufacturer guidance for your specific model.
Keeping Backup Parts on Hand
Having at least one extra set of replacement parts can make pumping more flexible and less stressful, especially if:
- A part breaks unexpectedly
- You pump at work or on the go
- You want to rotate parts to reduce daily washing
Many families keep one set at home and another in a work or travel bag. Just make sure anything traveling is in a sealed bag to keep them clean on the go.
Understanding the Cost of Replacement Parts
Replacement parts are small, but over time, out-of-pocket costs can add up, especially for frequent or exclusive pumpers.
The good news: many insurance plans help cover replacement breast pump parts.
Insurance Coverage for Breast Pump Replacement Parts
Under the Affordable Care Act, most health insurance plans are required to cover breastfeeding support and supplies. Depending on your plan, this may include replacement breast pump parts at no cost. Coverage frequency and included items vary by plan, but may include:
- Valves and membranes
- Tubing
- Flanges (breast shields)
- Milk collection bottles
How to Get Replacement Parts Through Insurance
You may be eligible to request breast pump replacement parts through insurance, even if you received your original pump from a different provider.
To determine eligibility:
- Submit a Breast Pump Replacement Parts Request Form
- Our customer care team reviews your insurance benefits
- If approved, replacement parts can be shipped directly to you
A prescription may be required depending on your plan. Coverage is not guaranteed and varies by insurer, but checking eligibility is often the easiest first step. This option is available to help families stay on track with pump maintenance.
Breast pump parts do a lot of behind-the-scenes work. Knowing what to replace, when to replace it, and how insurance may help can make pump maintenance feel more manageable. Support and education are available to help you navigate replacement timelines, brand differences, and coverage, so you can focus on pumping with confidence.