Pressure Loss BCD Hose Leaking (Please Advise)

[scubadude223]

Hi,

Thanks for the help ahead of time.


Today when I was diving I was checking my First and Second Stage Regulator Setup for leaks. I did this by Pressure filling all of this hoses and then turning off the Tank Valve. I noticed that there is a very minor drop, every minute or so it drops by 100 PSI or so.

Because of this I decided to look into why this is happening. I was looking at the hoses and noticed small bubbles on the hose. This is most likely the cause of the pressure drop.

I am very concerned about two things. Have I compromised the internal parts of the first stage due to water entering where the bubbles are coming out. I realise under pressure water cant enter due to the gas pressure exerting on it, but is there a risk that after taking the pressure off of the hoses that water may enter, such as during cleaning. Similar to what happens if you depress the purge button.

I am also concerned that having a leak on the hose is something that I will always have to deal with. Is this a common thing for divers to have, and if so, is it something that I should just ignore.

Also is there a concern that there may be a critical failure with the hose when I am underwater

I have attached a picture of the hose and where the issue is.


Thanks so much for the help

 

[spectrum]

The small bubbles warrant some explanation first. Some inflater hoses have a pattern of perforations in the outer jacket. This layer provides physical protection for the layers that contain the air pressure. They often run a series of perforations in this outer layer. The propose being so in the event of a pressure leak it will not form a big blister that subsequently leaks, call it an early warning system. Based on all of this you could surmise that your hose is failing. However (there is often a however in these tales) it is normal for some air to get in between these layers. When you pressurize the system the inner hose expands and the layer of air is expelled through these little holes making it appear to leak. Of course in this case the leak will stop after a few minutes and all is good. Never the less it can be disarming to pressurize your rig and see the hose foaming.

You have observed a pressure drop that is worth tracking down. If you happen to have a traditional Sherwood 1st stage it could be the normal function of the dry bleed. It could also simply be the cylinder valve O-ring. The best course of action is to get the whole thing into the water to see where it's leaking on a continuous basis. The cylinder can go upside down so your normal rinse vessel will probably suffice. Lacking a big dunk tank this could be as simple as having an observant buddy giving you a once over on the next dive.

Risk to your first stage is highly unlikely. Lacking root cause of the pressure drop I hesitate to say impossible but you get the picture.

Pete

 

[scubadude223]

Thanks Spectrum,

I will do that before my dive tomorrow.

I appreciate the help. I do realise that most of you have more experience than I do with this stuff. Its good to get honest help.

Thanks again

 

[Centrals]

You are using Apeks 2nd stage.
A properly tuned Apeks 2nd stage with the adjusting screw fully open will leak slightly. Turn the srew in couple of turn should stop it.

 

[yle]

As for your original question, OP: I'm assuming the bubble is on your high pressure hose (to your gauge.) It needs to be replaced, whether or not it's the cause of your leak. So replace it and run your leak test again.

 

[scubadude223]

I'm not sure why he said that.

I understand and appreciate that I don't have as much knowledge as others on here.
I have not taken an equipment course, nor do I have any experience as others here with diagnosing Problems with my gear

I am in my early 30's and have about 200 Dives. I however will never give up trying to learn and to be safe underwater. I plan to dive for 50 more years and advance myself as far as I can in the dive world.

I have to start somewhere and I appreciate the help from others here.