Question 1:Bubble check?

[mgersch@cox.net]

I cave dive so I already have totally redundant equipment.

Before each dive we generally do a bubble check to make sure there are no leaks. Twice I did find small leaks and went back to the truck to fix them before the dive. I think this is a pretty good idea.

So my question is for those of you that solo dive, what do you do about the bubble check?

I carry a small bottle of soapy water in a spray bottle that I use to help be sure that a leak is fixed (without carrying everything back down to the water). But I never throught about spraying down my whole rig with the bottle before th dive.

So what do you guys do?

-mike

 

[Corigan]

I would just remove my gear on the surface ,dunk it real quick, and do a bubble check myself.

Matt

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Check in the water. if there are any bubbles gear comes off to verify location and then back to the truck to fix it. Then for me it's back into the water. If I should miss the spot with the bottle of soapy stuff or concentrate on that spot another could be missed. I don't take any chances on leaks. Full immersion is the only way for me to test and feel secure. Remember nobody is gonna pull your butt out if you miss something. I'm anal about my gear anyway, but when solo it might as well be healed shut! BTW my fiance just ordered Von Maier's book on solo for me. As for spraying down before the dive, again, what if you miss a spot?

 

[Diver0001]

So what do you guys do?

-mike

1- listen

2- feel with you hands if you can

3- invert and look. In my case what I find easiest to do is to go head down and look up between my legs for signs of trouble.

R..

 

[Charlie99]

At 15' I just do a barrel roll and look. There may still be a few bubbles coming out of gear, so don't freak if you see some small stuff. I'll roll over and do a more complete check a minute or two later. By that time you should only be seeing your exhaust bubbles.

As with any dive, I check for leaks in the yoke to tank connection while setting up before the dive by pressuring the system, shutting valves, bleeding down to about 2000psi (to make it less likely I'll forget to open them again later), and then checking pressure a few minutes later.

 

[matt_unique]

If I am doing a deco dive, I will roll upside down and look for bubbles.

--Matt

 

[mgersch@cox.net]

OK roll on my back and look up for bubbles
that makes sense
thanks guys
-mike

 

[scubafool]

Isn't there the possibility of a small stream of bubbles collecting somewhere and not showing up when you do a bubble check this way?

 

[Nemrod]

It depends, for one thing, so what if there is a small stream of bubbles? I would dunk the gear and usually do beforehand so I can access such things. Since I dive double hose and they have a phenolic gasket which may sometimes bubble I do not worry. If it gets bad enough I fix it. These do not generally fail in such a manner as might an O-ring thus the superior reliablity of the double hose regulator. Fewer parts, fewer moving parts, fewer O-rings.
Before a trip, I usually dive the equipment I am planning on bringing in the pool to test the function and readiness for the dive. That way it is ready to go when I get on the boat or to the site.
I tell you this, a shallow dive--say less than 60 feet--a trail of little bubbles--I am diving anyways--I will fix it latter--nothing to freak over especially if I have dual regs or my pony along. N

 

[Diver0001]

Isn't there the possibility of a small stream of bubbles collecting somewhere and not showing up when you do a bubble check this way?

That's why I try it hanging upside down. But the fact of the matter is you should be able to hear any leak worth investigating.

R..