service your gear

[freewillie]

I just got my BC back from the dive shop after a service. Now, I would like to think that I take good care of my gear. I always rinse and clean the gear after every dive, no exceptions. I don't "abuse" my gear, I dive within recreational limits, place it in a dive bag going to and from dive boats, I don't throw or drop it. I was surprised though that a zip tie on the inflator hose was missing and the inflator button itself was cracked. I don't service my own gear so the missing zip tie was not noticed by me, and the crack on the inflator button was not evident until you pried on the button. You never would have noticed just pushing on the button since it worked just fine.

So, even though it is a newish BC just over a year it does have at least 30+ dives on it. I protected it in a hard case and clothing when it was packed for travel. I didn't think it actually needed a service since it is new but I was wrong. I am glad it was serviced and the small problems fixed before they became big problems.

 

[KD8NPB]

Most common failure points I find on BCs:
1.) Pinholes in the BC hose
2.) Worn o-rings in the inflator mechanism
3.) Deteriorated diaphragms on the pull dumps
4.) Pinholes in the BC bladder (detectable by submersion or soapy spray only)

With that being said, be sure to inspect your gear WELL before every use.

I'm glad your shop treats you well! It's nice to hear a problem was caught before it became a major problem in the water.

 

[redacted]

You don't have to service your own gear to notice basic problems like leaks and missing zip ties. As far as the damaged inflator, If you dive from boats where the crew handles your gear, thing can get a little rough when 8 divers are trying to re-board.

 

[Mr Carcharodon]

So you noticed two problems after having your gear serviced? It sounds like the value of the service was somewhat less than zero. Yet another reason to stay far far away from the LDS.

 

[Aqua-Andy]

So you noticed two problems after having your gear serviced? It sounds like the value of the service was somewhat less than zero. Yet another reason to stay far far away from the LDS.

I think what he is saying is the service tech at the dive shop found these problems when he brought it in for service.

 

[freewillie]

So you noticed two problems after having your gear serviced? It sounds like the value of the service was somewhat less than zero. Yet another reason to stay far far away from the LDS.

Problems were not apparent until gear was serviced. They were corrected AFTER the gear was serviced.

 

[Pao]

It's probably due to handling on your trips. I don't think 30+ dives on a 1 year+ BC would do that. I personally check my gear at home prior to the trip where it is more relaxed and I can spend a bit more time as opposed to that few minutes spent on gearing up before a dive. I have a large plastic bin and my own tank so I can check my bladder and regs for leaks (you can do this on the post-dive soaking). An IP gauge is also handy to check your regs.

 

[Allan C Smith]

I do 30 dives every two weeks and don't have these problems. Rule of thumb. Rinse and handle your own stuff.

 

[buddhasummer]

I do 30 dives every two weeks and don't have these problems. Rule of thumb. Rinse and handle your own stuff.

totally agree, I don't like anyone touching my gear, swapping tanks on boats, rinsing, setting up, loading or unloading, nothing....