Hydro Testing -- Question

[k-valve]

John,

Your LDS is probably paying $15-$20 to get the tank hydro'ed and then it takes a good 5 minutes to VIP one. The sticker is another buck. So they're charging you triple what it costs them. Seems a little steep to me.

My advice is get them hydro'ed yourself. If the facility isn't backlogged or is well-equipped you should get them back in a day or two. Then you just need a VIP and a possible O2 clean if you want that. Don't you have a buddy in the metroplex who is certified to VIP and O2 clean tanks? You have one in Austin. ...and NJDiver07866 is right, none of it is rocket science.

I will say that some shops around here refuse to fill tanks that aren't VIP'ed and O2 cleaned by their guys. Total BS IMHO. 1/2 of those guys aren't nearly as thorough as you would be with your own tanks. Of course, I do think anyone doing either of those jobs should be certified.

I do mine myself and ocassionally for a friend. I put my cert numbers on them and sign the sticker. That's usually enough for the shops around here, except one which shall remain nameless only because I was raised with at least some manners. LOL!

Good luck with it!!

Now I understand!

It was all just a big misunderstanding between me and my LDS.
They are not charging $169 for a hydro test. They are charging $69 for a hydro test.
Now it is all clear. That's a MUCH better price.

Can you guys hear the sarcasm here? Just askin'.

 

[richerso]

Thanks John! Your opinons are much appreciated and valued -- by me anyway.

I do have a buddy certified to O2 clean and VIP tanks. And he told me which hydro facility to use directly. Cut out the middleman.

I don't mind supporting my LDS. Heck, I want to support my LDS. I want to see them succeed and stay in business. But sometimes, they make it really difficult. I have already made some consumer decisions here; but those are my own and I won't disparage anyone.

 

[Hawkeye Mark]

Wow, that is fast. Do you know anything about the operation and how they do things?

There was a bunch of scuba tanks on their dock brought there by a dive shop. I just eliminated the middleman. It was a big testing facility so they wouldnt let me go back and watch(safety rules).