Question P-valve or "adult" diaper

[Thrutch]

P-valves are the best. Do it and don't look back. You'll want one in your car after a couple dives. Pro tip: you can buy condom caths with an HSA/FSA card.

 

[Badger7]

Pro tip: you can buy condom caths with an HSA/FSA card.

Solid tip, I didn't even think of tossing a copy of the reciept in my HSA folder. My future self thanks you for the tax benefit!

 

[ofg-1]

"When drysuit diving in the cold, cold, sea;
You need a valve that will let you pee".

I. P. Freely, noted watersports enthusiast.

 

[bletso]

Normally closed. Never a probrem.

 

[Tracy]

How in the world did you come up with that? I have over 700 dives with my bolt type unbalanced P-valve at depths to 60+mfw and have never had any indication my member was being sucked through the hose? Really? I never do any prep other than donning the equipment and dive, nothing more complicated.

And as far as others recommending carrying repair kits? Sometimes simpler is just better.

Combination of personal experience, others experiences, and physics. That is what pressure and vacuum do.

 

[bletso]

So sorry to have questioned your wisdom and hurt your feelings. Things are rarely as simple as they seem.

 

[uwo]

question: I'm about to have a P valve installed on drysuit. Question about its use: after using it underwater (peeing), is urine left in the tube (ie, not forced out because pressure of more pee stops)? If so, does it just drain out once on land, or is there any management of that when one goes to disconnect when doffing suit?

 

[passedoutwookie]

question: I'm about to have a P valve installed on drysuit. Question about its use: after using it underwater (peeing), is urine left in the tube (ie, not forced out because pressure of more pee stops)? If so, does it just drain out once on land, or is there any management of that when one goes to disconnect when doffing suit?

Invest in a quick disconnect. You can buy them from Light Monkey or directly from McMaster-Carr for cheaper. When it disconnects it shuts the valve and prevents anything from running out. Once I am out of my suit I take the other end of the quick disconnect off of the cath, plug it back into the suit, and at that time everything will drain. I then use a squirt bottle to flush with a 50/50 listerine/water solution and then straight water.

 

[rob.mwpropane]

question: I'm about to have a P valve installed on drysuit. Question about its use: after using it underwater (peeing), is urine left in the tube (ie, not forced out because pressure of more pee stops)? If so, does it just drain out once on land, or is there any management of that when one goes to disconnect when doffing suit?

I try to clean it often.. that turns into every few dives. Im sure its funky sometimes. I use another quick connect and sometimes just water. Sometimes alcohol and water, like 50/50.

Once disconnected if you keep the quick connect on and just pull it out of the catheter it will dribble out. I always be mindful and do it at the back of the boat.

 

[Wibble]

Rinse the pipe after every dive. Simply blow a bottle fresh water through the tube once you’ve disconnected the catheter (condom). Do this whilst still wearing the suit.