A system and method for more efficient cleaning and sterilizing of surgical handpieces by using a removable valve assembly. The valve assembly is removable to provide access to a first suction passageway and a second suction passageway for cleaning purposes. The valve assembly has a protrusion that engages with a handpiece to secure the assembly to the handpiece. The protrusion of the valve assembly may also be retracted into the valve assembly to allow the valve assembly to disengage the handpiece thereby allowing the valve assembly to be removed from the handpiece. The first suction passageway may also be removable.