How To's
How to take care of your regulator
A few typical comments from a regulator owner upon receiving
the regulator and service report back from a shop is:
“Why was it so expensive?”
"oh, you use original parts and not the O-rings from Quiapo"
"ok, I didn't know that there are different o-ring
materials, grades and qualities"
“Why did all the parts need to be changed?”
"yes, I think it is a good idea to follow manufacturers
maintenance plans instead of waiting for parts to fail"
“Why was it so corroded? - I always rinse my gear after
every dive / or weekend...”
FACT: There seem to be still some people out there
who dump the gear including the regulator in the rinsing tub
for half an hour, pack up and go home... -
What few people know:
By submerging a reg underwater without a tank, water can
easily enter the high pressure and intermediate pressure
parts of the regulator which are not supposed to get wet -
ever! Water enters through the (not watertight) dust cap on
the first stage or through the second stage if the purge
button is pressed manually or by moving the regulator
through the water in a rinse tub.
This water causes corrosion inside the regulator and the
water remains in there until it is removed by attaching a
scuba tank and purging it out. This happens most likely
during your next dive a week or so later...
If you follow this routine regularly the regulator corrodes
practically the whole year - non stop...
Not even the corrosion resistant chrome plated brass is
capable to withstand a permanent humid and salty environment
and the next service will be on the expensive side when we
clean and change all parts and change the interior of the
reg that was ruined by corrosion...
Now, how do you do it right???
You need to rinse your regulator and you need to do it
properly.
You have to prevent water from entering the regulator
pneumatic parts that need to stay dry. To do this correctly,
as you rinse your regulator you should not submerge the
regulator in the rinsing tub no matter how tempting it is to
do so. Replace the dry dust cover on the regulator first
stage so water doesn’t accidentally drip into it.
1st stage:
Best is to put your finger over the opening of the first
stage and let water from a faucet run over all parts, under
all covers and under all hose protectors to rinse the salt
out.
2nd stages:
Let water from a faucet run in the holes of the membrane
cover, exhaust cover and through the mouthpiece into the 2nd
stage. Do not press the purge button while rinsing the reg.
You risk flooding the 2nd stage...
If your reg has knobs to regulate the airflow, let the water
flow over the joints between the housing and knob and turn
the knob(s) them several times to flush salt out.
Air2:
Make sure to cover the inflator hose opening, follow 2nd
stage instructions.
Gauges and computer:
Rubber mounted gauges, consoles and computer usually have a
hole on the back of the rubber cover. Place the stream of
water directly on this opening and make sure that water is
coming out on the front side or hose connection.
After rinsing shake off the water and dry in a shaded place.
Do not leave a regulator in the sun. If you pack the gear
for the trip home use a regulator bag to protect it during
transport. At home unpack the regulator and remove the dust
cap. Place it in a well ventilated or AC room to dry it
completely before storing it in the regulator bag for the
next dive trip.
PS:
The zipper of regulator bags also needs some attention as it
is likely to come in contact with wet wet-suits and salt.
rinse the zipper and apply silicon spray or zipper lube to
keep it in good shape. If it got stuck you may try to get it
going by soaking it in Coke...
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What is the difference between a regulator function check
and overhaul/service?
The function check is performed to make sure it works well
during the season and before heading for big trips or if
there is any indicator that it doesn't work as expected. It
includes a visual inspection and measuring of the
intermediate pressure and breathing resistance.
The service or overhaul includes a complete disassembly of
the reg and change of all damaged parts plus manufacturer
recommended parts. The regulator is reassembled, updated and
adjusted to manufacturer recommendations.
Your regulator needs a function check:
- if you stored the regulator for a long time during the
season but is not due for annual service
- to make sure it works well especially before going on a
liveaboard or long dive vacation
- if it doesn't perform as you expect
Your regulator needs service:
- when you get water in while breathing
- when the regulator knobs are stuck
- when you detect leaks at any stage or along the hoses
- when there is any damage that might cause malfunction
- if the (hopefully) shiny filter at the Yoke adapter of the
1st stage is mat, greenish or de-colorized and doesn't look
like new
- if you made 100+ dives with it
- if your reg wasn't serviced in the last 12 months
The best time to have your reg serviced is after the last
dive of the season to remove any corrosion and have it ready
for the next diving season.
If you didn't use it for a long time but it is not yet due
for the next service we offer a function check for free to
make sure it works perfectly.
We have precision instruments to measure breathing
resistance and intermediate pressure.
We don't guess, we measure...!!!
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