Inlet Valve & Kit

An inlet valve controls what enters a system—most commonly air into a screw air compressor or water into equipment and appliances. When it wears out or sticks, you may see low performance, unstable pressure/flow, or faults that stop the machine. This category includes complete inlet valve assemblies and service/repair kits, so you can fix the issue fast without replacing more than necessary.

What Is an Inlet Valve?

In screw air compressors (intake/unloading inlet valve)

The inlet (intake) valve regulates the amount of air entering the airend, helping the compressor load/unload smoothly. It directly impacts:

stable system pressure
energy efficiency (avoids running “loaded” when it shouldn’t)
reliable unloading and start/stop behavior

In water-fed equipment (water inlet valve)

A water inlet valve opens/closes to control water flow into machines like dishwashers, washers, and ice machines. It’s often a common fix for:

no-fill / slow-fill problems
leaking or overfilling
Inconsistent water supply during cycles

What Is an Inlet Valve Kit?

An inlet valve kit is a rebuild set that typically includes wear parts such as:

seals / O-rings
springs
diaphragms/valve elements (varies by design)
small internal components needed for service

Choose a kit when the valve body is still in good condition, but internal wear is causing leakage, sticking, or unstable control.

When Do You Need an Inlet Valve (or Kit)?

Common signs of screw air compressors

Compressor won’t unload, or stays “loaded” too long
Unstable pressure control or poor efficiency
Intake/unload-related alarms (model dependent)
Sluggish response when demand changes

Common signs on water inlet valves

No water filling, slow fill, or intermittent filling
Leaking/overfilling symptoms
Water supply issues that follow the valve (not the hose/filter)

Quick rule:

Kit = valve body is fine, but it’s sticking/leaking due to wear parts.
Full valve assembly = damaged body, severe corrosion, or repeated issues after servicing.

FridayParts helps you get the right Inlet Valve & Kit quickly with clear part-number matching and a wide selection of direct-replacement options across compressor and water-inlet applications. If you’re placing an order for maintenance, it’s also a good time to bundle related items from our other Pneumatic Parts section to reduce downtime and save on repeat shipping.