Reconditioning a vacuum pump is usually worth it when the pump body and motor are sound and the fault is wear-related — worn vanes, seals or bearings. A professionally reconditioned pump costs far less than a new one, comes fully tested to its original ultimate vacuum, and keeps a proven pump in service. It’s usually better to replace when the pump is undersized, obsolete beyond spares, or the casing is damaged.
What reconditioning actually involves
A proper reconditioning is not just an oil change. At Girovac the pump is stripped down, inspected, and rebuilt with new wear parts — vanes, seals, bearings and gaskets — then run and tested to its rated ultimate vacuum before it goes back to you. Done well, a reconditioned pump performs like new.
When reconditioning makes sense
- The fault is wear-related and the core casting and motor are undamaged.
- Spares are still available for the model.
- The pump is the right size and type for the job.
- You want to minimise cost and lead time versus buying new.
When to buy new (or exchange) instead
- The pump is undersized or the wrong type for the application.
- The model is obsolete and spares are no longer available.
- The casing, rotor or motor is damaged beyond economic repair.
- You need a warranty-backed new unit for a critical duty.
If replacement is the right call, we can advise on the best current equivalent — see our guide to vacuum pump types.
Reconditioned vs new: cost and lead time
A reconditioned pump is typically a fraction of the price of new, often with a shorter lead time because it’s rebuilt from proven stock rather than manufactured to order. For many industrial and laboratory users it’s the most cost-effective way to keep production running — and it’s more sustainable than scrapping a repairable pump.
What Girovac reconditions
We recondition rotary vane, rotary piston and other industrial and laboratory pumps across the major brands — Edwards, Leybold, MIL’S, Alcatel, DVP and more. Browse our reconditioned stock or read about our repairs and servicing. If a pump won’t pull down, start with our guide on why a vacuum pump won’t reach ultimate vacuum.
Thinking of reconditioning a pump?
Send us the make, model and symptoms and we’ll tell you honestly whether to recondition or replace. Email [email protected] or request a quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much does reconditioning a vacuum pump cost compared with new?
A professionally reconditioned pump is typically a fraction of the cost of an equivalent new pump, and often has a shorter lead time. The exact figure depends on the model and parts required – send us the details for a quote.
How long does a reconditioned vacuum pump last?
A properly reconditioned pump – stripped, rebuilt with new wear parts and tested to its rated vacuum – performs like new and, with correct maintenance, can give many years of service.
Which vacuum pumps can be reconditioned?
Most rotary vane, rotary piston and industrial/laboratory pumps can be reconditioned if the body and motor are sound and spares are available – including Edwards, Leybold, MIL’S, Alcatel and DVP pumps.
Written by the Girovac technical team. Girovac Ltd has supplied and serviced industrial and laboratory vacuum equipment from its North Walsham workshop since 1983. Last updated: July 2026.