crazed_dolphin
Contributor
I was wondering how often should a BC be serviced. I know regulators should be annually, is it the same for BCs?
How often should a BC be serviced?
- Thread starter crazed_dolphin
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Charlie99
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I just do a periodic check myself. The power inflator might need some professional service, but otherwise just do some basic checks on your own.
The dump valve/overpressure valves unscrew easily. They are just a rubber faced disk that are held closed with a spring. Open them up, inspect the sealing surfaces, and clean out any crud or sand.
With the dump valve off, you can easily use a garden hose to rinse out the inside of the bladder, and maybe even use one of those commercial BC cleaner products to get the inside nice and clean.
Put everything back together and orally inflate as full as you can. Set the BC aside for a half hour or more, then come back and see if air has leaked out.
Check all your straps, buckles, etc for wear.
Really, really carefully inspect/clean/maintain any integrated weight system. If there is velcro, carefully clean with a toothbrush.
The moment that you detect ANY sticking or funny sort of operation in the power inflator, its time to get it looked at by your LDS. Others may recommend annual overhaul of the power inflators, but IMO, that is gross overkill.
Charlie
The dump valve/overpressure valves unscrew easily. They are just a rubber faced disk that are held closed with a spring. Open them up, inspect the sealing surfaces, and clean out any crud or sand.
With the dump valve off, you can easily use a garden hose to rinse out the inside of the bladder, and maybe even use one of those commercial BC cleaner products to get the inside nice and clean.
Put everything back together and orally inflate as full as you can. Set the BC aside for a half hour or more, then come back and see if air has leaked out.
Check all your straps, buckles, etc for wear.
Really, really carefully inspect/clean/maintain any integrated weight system. If there is velcro, carefully clean with a toothbrush.
The moment that you detect ANY sticking or funny sort of operation in the power inflator, its time to get it looked at by your LDS. Others may recommend annual overhaul of the power inflators, but IMO, that is gross overkill.
Charlie
I would be one of those.
Why wait for trouble, a yearly service or bi-yearly if you do more than 50 dives a year will stop most problems from occurring. There are several areas in the power inflator that should receive the same amount of care you give your regulator. Cleaning the interior of the bladder will increase it's life.
AS with all equipment, when it works properly your diving enjoyment is plentiful. Neglect leads to frustration and missed dives at best, and trouble underwater at worst. What happens after that is up to you.
Hallmac
There are a few simple O-rings and the Schrader valve inside the power inflater should be changed out annually. Your looking at about $1.50 in parts and whatever for the labor.
OP
crazed_dolphin
Contributor
Thanks, I'll have it serviced annually along with my regs.
Scubamedicjoe
Contributor
I will prombly get slamed hear !!!
but most divers do less than 30 dives a year and your BC should be ok , however I still suggest getting it looked at yearly .
most divers are not that active and tend to go diving once in awhile, while others love to dive and try to dive year around , this being said try to haveing your gear ie regulator , BC, Camera , anything needing looked at by a proffesional during your off season which is for allot of divers the winter months and most dive shops are in a slump so it helps them out too !!!!!
again my 2 cents .
but most divers do less than 30 dives a year and your BC should be ok , however I still suggest getting it looked at yearly .
most divers are not that active and tend to go diving once in awhile, while others love to dive and try to dive year around , this being said try to haveing your gear ie regulator , BC, Camera , anything needing looked at by a proffesional during your off season which is for allot of divers the winter months and most dive shops are in a slump so it helps them out too !!!!!
again my 2 cents .
Charlie99
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I see the Schrader valve on the end of the LPI hose that is attached to the regulator 1st stage and connects to the BC, but I didn't realize that there was a Schrader valve inside the power inflator.
Does the inflator pushbutton operate just a cheap Schrader valve? I was under the impression that on most BCs the actual control valve was a bit more rugged.
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