How Often Do You Change Enteral Feeding Tubing? A Guide

November 17, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that some long-term percutaneous gastrostomy (PG) tubes can last up to one or two years before replacement, while certain balloon-type tubes may require a change every 3-6 months? Knowing how often do you change enteral feeding tubing is crucial for preventing infection and ensuring the continued effectiveness of nutritional support.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines the recommended schedules for changing enteral feeding tubes and associated administration sets. It explains the different frequencies based on tube type, material, and usage, while emphasizing best practices for infection control and safety.

Key Points

Administration Sets: Feeding bags and tubing are changed frequently, typically every 24 hours for open systems or up to 48 hours for closed systems, to minimize bacterial contamination.
Short-Term Tubes: Nasogastric and nasojejunal tubes, especially those made from PVC, have a short lifespan and must be replaced frequently, often every 7 to 30 days.
Long-Term Tubes: Permanent gastrostomy tubes, particularly balloon-retained types, can last for months, with replacement typically occurring every 3 to 6 months.
Emergency Replacement: Tubes that fall out, clog, or show signs of deterioration should be replaced immediately, regardless of their scheduled change date.
Crucial Role of Professionals: A healthcare provider or trained professional should always oversee tube replacements, especially the first change, to ensure correct placement and procedure.
Infection Control: Daily flushing and site care, alongside regular equipment replacement, are vital for preventing infection and maintaining a clean system.

The Essentials of Enteral Feeding Tube Replacement

Enteral feeding involves delivering nutrition directly into the stomach or small intestine, bypassing oral intake. This process relies on two main components: the indwelling feeding tube itself (which goes into the body) and the external administration set (which connects to the food source). The replacement schedule for each component differs significantly, and strict adherence to guidelines is necessary to prevent contamination, clogging, and other complications. Always follow the specific instructions from your healthcare provider and the manufacturer.

How Often to Change Enteral Feeding Administration Sets

Administration sets include the feeding bag and the attached tubing that carries the formula. The frequency for changing these disposable items is based primarily on infection control best practices, with schedules varying based on the type of feeding and system used.

Continuous Feeding (Open System): When using an open system where formula is poured into a bag, the feeding bag and tubing should be replaced every 24 hours. This reduces the risk of bacterial growth, which increases with prolonged 'hang time' of the formula.
Continuous Feeding (Closed System): With a closed system, a pre-filled, sterile container of formula is connected directly to the pump tubing. Some guidelines state these closed system administration sets can be changed every 48 hours.
Intermittent Feeding: The administration set should be replaced every 24 hours. After each intermittent use, the set should be rinsed with warm water, stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, and labeled.
Free Water Administration: Bags and tubing used solely for flushing or administering water should be changed every 24 hours.

Factors Influencing Administration Set Changes

While general guidelines exist, several factors can necessitate a change sooner:

Signs of contamination or discoloration in the bag or tubing.
Cracks, leaks, or damage to the set.
Facility-specific policies, which may vary and should always be prioritized.

How Often to Change Indwelling Feeding Tubes

This is a more complex question, as the replacement frequency for the actual tube inserted into the patient's body depends on its type, material, and manufacturer specifications. The following table provides a general overview, but always consult with a healthcare professional for a specific replacement schedule.


Tube Type	Material	Replacement Frequency	Key Considerations
Nasogastric (NG) / Nasojejunal (NJ)	Polyvinylchloride (PVC)	Every 7-10 days	Designed for short-term use; material becomes brittle over time.
Nasogastric (NG) / Nasojejunal (NJ)	Polyurethane (PUR) / Silicone	Every 28-30 days	Longer-term option; remains flexible over time.
Percutaneous Gastrostomy (PEG)	Pull-type	1-2 years initially	Often replaced with a low-profile balloon device after the tract matures.
Balloon-Retained Gastrostomy (e.g., MIC-KEY)	Silicone	Every 3-6 months	Replacement intervals can vary based on manufacturer guidelines and patient condition.

It is critical to note that unplanned removal, clogging, or signs of deterioration require immediate tube replacement, regardless of the planned schedule. For balloon-retained tubes, checking the balloon volume regularly is essential; any loss of volume indicates a leak and necessitates a change. The first replacement of a gastrostomy tube is often performed by a healthcare professional.

The Importance of Regular Tube and Site Care

Beyond replacement, proper maintenance is vital for extending the life of the tube and preventing complications. Daily flushing with water helps prevent clogs from formula or medication residue. For gastrostomy sites, daily cleaning with mild soap and water is necessary to prevent skin irritation and infection. Additionally, for button-style gastrostomy tubes, gently rotating the tube and checking the fit weekly helps prevent tissue adherence and complications. Having a spare tube on hand is a crucial safety measure for those with balloon-retained devices.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety and Adherence

Knowing how often do you change enteral feeding tubing and its associated equipment is a foundational element of effective enteral nutrition. The replacement schedules are not arbitrary but are based on material degradation, infection control, and patient safety protocols. By diligently following manufacturer recommendations, consulting with healthcare providers, and maintaining a strict hygiene regimen, patients can minimize risks and ensure their nutritional needs are met consistently. In all cases, if there is any doubt about the integrity of a tube or an administration set, it should be replaced immediately. For more detailed clinical guidelines, consult resources from organizations like the National Nurses Nutrition Group.

Best Practices to Remember

Always follow the specific instructions provided by your medical team and the equipment manufacturer.
When in doubt, replace the equipment to err on the side of safety and infection prevention.
Flush tubes regularly as instructed to prevent clogging.
Perform daily site care for indwelling tubes to prevent skin irritation and infection.
Keep a spare tube on hand for emergency replacement, especially for balloon-type tubes.

Key Factors for Tubing Replacement

Tube Type: The material and construction (e.g., PVC vs. polyurethane, pull vs. balloon) of the indwelling tube dictate its lifespan. System Type: The administration set's change frequency depends on whether you are using a closed or open system. Infection Risk: High risk of bacterial contamination in feeding formula necessitates strict, routine replacement of administration sets, typically every 24-48 hours. Physical Damage: Any signs of cracking, leaking, or deterioration in any component, from the feeding bag to the indwelling tube, require immediate replacement. Manufacturer Guidelines: Adhering to manufacturer recommendations is crucial for ensuring the device's integrity and safety. Patient Condition: A patient's clinical status and potential for dislodgement or clogging may influence the frequency of tube inspection and replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

For open feeding systems, the feeding bag and tubing should be replaced every 24 hours. For pre-filled, sterile closed systems, some guidelines allow for replacement every 48 hours. Sets used for free water should also be changed every 24 hours.

The lifespan of a nasogastric (NG) or nasojejunal (NJ) tube depends on its material. Short-term tubes made of PVC may be changed every 7-10 days, while longer-term polyurethane tubes can last up to 28-30 days before needing replacement.

The replacement schedule for a gastrostomy (G-tube) or button varies. Balloon-retained devices (e.g., MIC-KEY) are typically changed every 3 to 6 months. Pull-type PEG tubes may last longer, sometimes over a year, and are often replaced with a balloon device later.

Delaying a tube change can lead to several complications, including increased risk of infection from bacterial buildup, tube clogging from formula residue, or device deterioration, which can cause cracking or breakage.

Disposable administration sets (bags and tubing) should not be reused. While intermittent feeding sets can be rinsed and stored in the refrigerator between uses within a 24-hour period, a new set must be used every day to prevent infection. Always follow professional guidance.

A dislodged feeding tube is a medical emergency, especially if the stoma tract is newly formed (within 6-8 weeks). Cover the site with a clean dressing and seek immediate medical attention. For established tracts, a new tube should be inserted as soon as possible to prevent the opening from closing.

Yes, once a healthcare provider has trained the patient or caregiver on the correct procedure, some feeding tubes, particularly button-style G-tubes, can be safely replaced at home. The first change is often performed in a clinical setting.

The main reasons for routine tube changes are to prevent infection, avoid material degradation, and maintain the integrity and functionality of the device. Even without visible issues, the material can weaken over time, increasing the risk of complications.