How to Know When It's Time to Schedule a Seal Replacement
How do you know when it's time to replace a seal? Seals are designed to provide reliable protection against leaks and maintain equipment performance, but they eventually wear with use. Recognizing the warning signs early can help prevent unexpected equipment downtime, fluid loss, and more costly repairs.
Use the checklist below to determine whether your seal may need to be inspected or replaced.
| Warning Sign | What It May Indicate | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Visible Fluid Leakage | The seal may be worn, damaged, or no longer maintaining proper contact. | Inspect the seal and consider replacement. |
| Seal Cracking or Hardening | Material may have deteriorated due to age, temperature, chemicals, or operating conditions. | Replace the seal and verify material compatibility. |
| Visible Wear or Deformation | Excessive wear, extrusion, flattening, or deformation can reduce sealing performance. | Schedule a replacement and investigate the cause of the wear. |
| Reduced Equipment Performance | A failing seal can contribute to pressure loss, reduced efficiency, or inconsistent equipment operation. | Inspect the sealing system before performance problems become more serious. |
| Frequent Seal Adjustments | Repeated adjustments or maintenance may indicate that the seal is reaching the end of its service life. | Consider replacing the seal rather than continuing temporary repairs. |
| Seal Has Reached Its Service Interval | Even without visible failure, seals may require scheduled replacement based on the equipment manufacturer's recommendations. | Plan the replacement during routine maintenance to help avoid unexpected downtime. |
| Changed Operating Conditions | Higher temperatures, pressures, speeds, or chemical exposure can shorten seal life. | Review the seal material and design to make sure they are appropriate for the new conditions. |
DON'T WAIT UNTIL A SEAL FAILS
A worn or damaged seal can do more than cause a small leak. Ignoring the warning signs can lead to fluid loss, reduced equipment performance, contamination, component damage, and unexpected downtime. In demanding applications, a failed seal can bring equipment to a complete stop and turn a planned maintenance job into an emergency repair.
Don't wait for a small sealing problem to become a big equipment problem. If you notice leakage, unusual wear, performance changes, or a seal that has reached its recommended service interval, schedule an inspection or replacement before failure occurs.
Replace the seal. Protect your equipment. Avoid unnecessary downtime. EPM can help you find the right replacement seal for your application.
Should You Replace a Seal Before It Fails?
In many applications, replacing a seal as part of planned maintenance can help reduce the risk of unexpected leakage and equipment downtime. If a seal is showing signs of wear or operating in particularly demanding conditions, scheduling a replacement before failure may be worth considering.
What Information Does EPM Need for a Replacement Seal?
When ordering a replacement seal, providing as much information as possible can help EPM identify the right solution. Useful information includes the seal dimensions, material, equipment type, operating temperature, pressure, speed, fluid or chemical exposure, and any available drawings or samples.
Not sure if your seal needs to be replaced? Contact EPM with your application details or existing seal information. Our team can help you determine the appropriate replacement sealing solution.
Updated 9/28/2026
