> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/more/service-and-support/annual-preventive-maintenance.md).
# Annual preventive maintenance
Annual service that renews the wear parts in your BactoBox® and verifies the unit.
{% columns %}
{% column %}
We put a Service check sticker on your BactoBox® after preventive maintenance.
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{% column %}
:label: Sales item `BB11`
:calendar: Recommended every **12 months**
:package: Shipping **included both ways**
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
{% columns %}
{% column width="40%" %} Contact SBT to purchase
{% endcolumn %}
{% column %} Service agreement
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
## Why your BactoBox® needs it
Your BactoBox® has parts that wear with use, mainly the pump tubing and the internal filter. Preventive maintenance renews those parts and confirms that the unit still performs.
Without it, the wear parts are never renewed and the setup slowly moves toward a failure. BactoBox® flags this early with the [Check engine light](/more/service-and-support/check-engine-light.md). If no maintenance follows, you risk a rising error rate, unplanned downtime, and repair costs.
## When to schedule it
* Every 12 months.
* Whenever the [Check engine light](/more/service-and-support/check-engine-light.md) shows.
{% hint style="info" %}
The date is not strict. Like a car service, a month or two late does no harm. We agree a date that suits your lab.
{% endhint %}
## How it works
1. [Contact us](https://sbtinstruments.com/contact), and we agree a date that suits you.
2. We send you a shipping label. Pack your BactoBox® as described in [Shipping and storage](/more/service-and-support/shipping-and-storage.md), and book the courier pickup for the label. Shipping is included both ways, so you do not need a separate purchase order for it.
3. Our technical team in Denmark services the unit, runs the checks, and applies the *Service check* sticker.
4. The unit ships back to you.
Your BactoBox® is typically away for 1 to 2 weeks, depending on where you are.
## What we do
Our technical team in Denmark works through the same written checklist on every unit. The technician records your serial number, signs the checklist, and dates it.
What we do, step by step
1. **Incoming check.** We run a deep clean, then a QC test and an electronics test, so we know how your unit performed when it reached us. We note its hardware version, configuration and software version.
2. **Hardware.** We inspect the unit for damage, and check that the keys move smoothly, every cable is seated, and all mountings are tight.
3. **Flow system.** We replace the pump tube, the internal filter and the [external filter](/item-register/individual-items/external-filter.md). We clean out any fluid residue inside the unit, check that all tubing is seated, and inspect your tubing kit.
4. **Testing.** We test the conductivity measurement, wash the unit out, and inspect for leaks while it runs.
5. **Quality control.** We run three consecutive QC tests.
6. **Wrap up.** We register the maintenance event on the device, apply the *Service check* sticker, and clean the unit.
If we find anything abnormal, or a part close to failing, we deal with it before the unit goes back to you.
{% hint style="info" %}
**We do not change your software**
An update can change how your unit behaves, so we leave that decision with you. We note the version your unit runs. If it is not the [latest release](/software/bactobox-r-software-changelog.md), we contact you.
{% endhint %}
## Buy one, or get two in the service agreement
`BB11` is a single preventive maintenance event, bought whenever you need it. The [service agreement](/item-register/service/service-agreement.md) packages two of them together with a 24-month warranty.
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