BC Maintenance Question

[scubagrrl]

Hi, all! I'm a relatively new diver and I need some advice. I know I'm supposed to take off my inflator hose and rinse out the bladder of my BC every time I use it. My question is--what's the most effective way to get all the water OUT of the BC after rinsing it? It's been hanging upside down all day, and STILL when I shake it, more water comes out! Any ideas? Also . . . if it isn't completely dry on the inside, will the moisture cause damage? Thanks in advance! Cheers!

 

[jonnythan]

It's not really that big a deal. You can unscrew the dump valve if there is one, but my BC's have water in them pretty much all of the time. If it's going to be hanging up for a long time, try to unscrew the inflator hose from the bladder or the dump valve if you have one just to give an opening but... in the end it's not a big concern.

 

[Doc Intrepid]

Easiest way to get most of the water out is to first inflate your BC fully then hang it upside down so that the water collects in the corregated hose (or the adjacent shoulder area). Roll the inflated BC to the point that the hose is hanging straight down. Fill the hose with whatever water remains in the BC. Then open the oral inflator. The pressure in the BC will blast out whatever water has collected in the corregated hose. The air in your scuba tank is pretty dry, so if you repeat this a few times and then leave your BC inflated, whatever moisture remains in your BC will generally be absorbed over time. From time to time you might want to put some diluted antibacterial mouthwash, like Listerine, into your BC bladder and swish it around to kill whatever otherwise might be, umm, growing in there. Its a good idea, particularly if you dive in saltwater, to rinse your BC out after diving...so you're on the right track.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

I would not remove anything to rinse the bladder as it is not necessary and poses additional risks. You can add water to the BC by depressing the oral inflate button while holding it under a faucet, garden hose, etc.

Most corrogated inflator hoses are attached via plastic fittings that have the potential to get cross threaded and are prone to cracking if over tightened. A failure of this joint during a dive is a very bad thing as it will result in losing all of the lift in the BC.

So add water, swish it around and then drain the BC in the manner doc describes.

With regard to residual moisture in the BC, the biggest problem is the potential for the sides of the bladder to stick together. So leave a little air in the bladder to hold things apart.

Be careful with the mouthwash thing for disinfecting and if you do it, keep it very well diluted. Many mouthwashes use alcohol and alcohol is not kind to some types of rubber and adhesives so what your bladder is made of/sealed with can be very important.

 

[scubagrrl]

Thank you so much to everyone for your help! This is such a great group--so generous with time and information. Cheers, Brianna Stevens