Drysuits and pee valves

[formernuke]

@mac64 @Stoo

I will be doing the if I'm on a dive or location I need it it gets connected if not it doesn't.


I started this because in the other thread some were expressing that they would not try a drysuit or give it up etc just because of a pee valve. So I want to clearly state that you do not have to have one installed to dive dry.

 

[michael-fisch]

I used to do 2 hr dives without a P-Valve in cold water. That changed when my buddies started to discuss the dive in the water for an additional 20-30 minutes before finally exiting because they had P-Valves. Horrible buddies, now I use 1- 2 big boxes of Bard wide bands a year, have P-Valves on all of my 4 drysuits and don't have a problem drinking a soft drink before a dive.
Being cleanly shaven, like a porn star, feels pretty good too.

Michael

 

[Celt]

LOL.... A man of "faith" clearly!

I wish it was faith, It was my own fault but I got the worst UTI very sick.
Very wary since.

 

[Stoo]

I wish it was faith, It was my own fault but I got the worst UTI very sick.

And that's a real concern with these things. I've never had one, but I do know others that have. My understanding is that the likely cause of these is "blow-back" usually caused by a kink in the line. I try to "test pee" before I hit the water, but it isn't always possible.

 

[michael-fisch]

I wish it was faith, It was my own fault but I got the worst UTI very sick.
Very wary since.

If you don't rinse out the hose with a vinegar/water solution after each use, you got to enjoy the revenge. I religiously take a pint bottlle of vinegar/water solution with a small hose along on each dive and use it.
The last time I didn't I ended up visting the health center in Komiza Croatia. Since the female doctor on duty had a minimal understanding of english and german and my croatian doesn't exist explaining what I needed was difficult. After explaining what was troubling me as a diver she wanted to look in my ears. After I had to flash her I had my Rx for Amoxicillin and was pain free 36 hrs later.
Now Amoxicillin 20x 1000mg is an integral part of my save a dive kit.

Michael

 

[Celt]

And that's a real concern with these things. I've never had one, but I do know others that have. My understanding is that the likely cause of these is "blow-back" usually caused by a kink in the line. I try to "test pee" before I hit the water, but it isn't always possible.

Working long hours over a number off days and forgot to use it before I got in the water. Careless

 

[michael-fisch]

And that's a real concern with these things. I've never had one, but I do know others that have. My understanding is that the likely cause of these is "blow-back" usually caused by a kink in the line. I try to "test pee" before I hit the water, but it isn't always possible.

The only good hoses are noprene fuel hoses. They don't kink!

Michael

 

[formernuke]

Remember the idea is to NOT scare people.

Vinegar is a useful tip, I've been trying to decide what to use for the flush.

 

[Scuba Cobra]

I always wear a cathetor, 30 minute dive or 3 hour dive.

One deco hang about to piss myself was all it took, never again.

 

[michael-fisch]

Not trying to scare people, but if others can learn from my mistakes they'll be far ahead of the game.

1. Shave.
2. Use a thick walled hose and a double barbed fitting from your aquarium supply store.
3. Use Rochester/Bard Wide Bands, anything else is at your own risk.
4. Don't buy Wide Bands a size too small.
5. Wear the condom for at least 3 hours before taking it off.
6. Flush the hose and P-Valve with a strong vinegar solution every time you disconnect from it.

Follow those rules and you will be a happy pisser for many years.

;Michael