Owning a pinball machine in Europe is a unique joy—but like any mechanical masterpiece, it requires regular maintenance to keep the lights flashing and the flippers flipping.
Whether you’ve bought your first used machine or invested in a brand-new model, knowing how to maintain it—and where to get parts and service in the EU—is critical.
At House of Pinball, we don’t just sell machines—we support owners long after the sale. This guide gives you everything you need to know about pinball machine maintenance in Europe, from parts sourcing to trusted service partners.
Let’s dive in.
🛠️ Why Maintenance Matters (Even for New Machines)
Pinball machines are a combination of electrical boards, mechanical parts, and software. Even if you bought a brand-new pinball machine for sale, you’ll still need basic upkeep, including:
- Cleaning the playfield
- Replacing rubbers
- Replacing bulbs or LEDs
- Checking flippers and coils
- Updating firmware (for modern machines)
Ignoring maintenance leads to:
- 🛑 Game malfunctions
- ⚠️ Electrical failures
- 💸 Reduced resale value
Routine care saves money and extends the life of your machine.
🔍 Common Replacement Parts (And When to Change Them)
Here are the parts most pinball owners in Europe will need to replace at some point:
| Part | When to Replace | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rubber Rings | Every 12–18 months | Improves ball action and protects playfield |
| Flipper Coils or Bats | When flippers weaken or stick | Easy to change; improves gameplay feel |
| Lamps / LEDs | When bulbs flicker or fail | Upgrade to LEDs for longer life |
| Balls | Every 6–12 months | Old balls can scratch the playfield |
| Switches / Slingshot Parts | If unresponsive or worn out | Affects scoring and gameplay response |
| Power Supply or Fuses | If machine won’t turn on | Always use the correct voltage & type |
💡 Pro tip: House of Pinball offers maintenance kits tailored to each machine.
🌍 Where to Find Pinball Parts in Europe
Looking for replacement parts in Europe? These are some of the most reliable sources:
1. House of Pinball Parts Shop 🏆
We stock high-quality original and aftermarket parts for most modern and classic machines.
✅ Fast EU shipping
✅ Support to match the right part
✅ Voltage-safe (220V/50Hz) compatible parts
2. Pinball Center (Germany) 🇩🇪
A solid supplier of rubbers, coils, and accessories for German and EU buyers.
3. Pinball Heaven (UK) 🇬🇧
Post-Brexit shipping to the EU can be slow, but still a good resource for Stern parts.
4. Marco Specialties (USA) 🇺🇸
Worldwide shipping, huge inventory, but import duties and delivery delays apply.
🧰 Can You Service a Pinball Machine Yourself?
Absolutely—basic maintenance is beginner-friendly. With a few tools and some patience, you can:
- Replace rubbers and bulbs
- Clean the playfield and plastics
- Swap out coils or switches
- Update ROM/software via USB or SD card (modern machines)
All you need:
- Screwdrivers
- Needle-nose pliers
- Soft cloths + isopropyl alcohol
- Rubber replacement kit
- LED tester (optional)
🎓 Bonus: Our customers receive a free maintenance guide with every machine sold.
🔧 When to Call a Professional (And Where to Find One)
Some issues require expert help, including:
- Board repair or battery damage
- Sound or display failure
- Power issues (fuses, PSUs)
- Software glitches
- Serious mechanical wear
Here’s where to find help in Europe:
| Country | Service Providers |
|---|---|
| Germany | RS-Pinball, Pinball Universe |
| France | Flipprojets, Bazar du Bizarre |
| Spain | Pinball Dreams, Maquinas Recreativas |
| Italy | Pinball.it, Arcade Vintage |
| Netherlands | Dutch Pinball, Arcade Solutions |
| EU-Wide | House of Pinball Remote Support + On-Site Technicians |
👉 Request Service from House of Pinball
💬 Common Maintenance Questions (FAQ)
Q: How often should I service my pinball machine?
A light clean every 2–3 months, and a full rubber + ball replacement once per year.
Q: What’s the biggest mistake new owners make?
Using old scratched balls that destroy the playfield. Replace them regularly.
Q: Is LED upgrading worth it?
Yes! LEDs last longer, use less energy, and reduce board stress. We offer plug-and-play LED kits for most models.
Q: I bought a machine from the US. Is it safe to run in the EU?
Not unless it’s professionally converted to 220V/50Hz. If unsure, get it checked before powering up.
✅ Why Maintenance-Ready Machines Matter
Buying from a trusted seller like House of Pinball means you’re getting a machine that’s:
- 💡 Fully tested & cleaned
- 🔌 EU voltage-ready
- 🔧 Pre-checked for worn parts
- 🛡️ Covered by a warranty
- 🧰 Backed by EU-wide service support