P valve & condom catheter 101

[Michael Guerrero]

With an unbalanced P valve the diver needs to open and close the bolt each time they want to go:

My wife thinks I am a complete loon

I open my unbalanced valve at the start of a dive and close it after I flush it out at the end of the day. No issues.

And your wife sounds like a smart lady

 

[CamG]

I would suggest piping up out of water and testing the valve before you go on a dive.
If it is not functioning properly it can be intensely painful.
My unbalanced valve when the screw is tight it is very closed!
Intense discomfort results from trying to use it closed, very intense! Pins and needles with sharp pain!
It makes one very adept at opening the unbalanced screw!

The balanced counter part of which I have as well has rarely failed but sticks on occasion thus why I pre-prime the valve before I go on a dive.
My friends valve has been acting up and she has to clean it quite frequently.
The dives when everything has went with out a hitch are awesome.
It takes a few not so great dives to learn the ropes / valves ins and outs.
Be patient and safe it is so worth it!

CamG