Washing of your regulators....

[Crass3000]

I've got water in my first stages trying to wash them well before. Now I know to put a cork on the intake of the first stage so water isn't getting in there. I assume water won't get in the second stages if I soak them. What about the low pressure inflator hose? Assuming I block the intake of the first stage, is it safe to TOTALLY submerge your regulators including the low pressure inflators? Also is there any chance of getting water from the second stages into the first assuming the octo? I just had a regulator rebuilt because I was pretty sure that I got water in the first and don't want to repeat that for mine and my mom's regs. I value my regs and certainly don't want my mom to have any trouble because I didn't know what I was talking about. Thanks in advance for your wisdom.

 

[Dr. Lecter]

Used 6cf tank: ~$40
Used 200 BAR DIN H-valve with inserts for yoke regs: ~$40-50
Being able to soak the everloving out of any regs you own without fear of any water intrusion ever, two regs at a time: priceless

 

[spectrum]

Nothing trumps positive pressure. Mount them to cylinders to soak and rinse.

That being say a good dust cap (which means it's more than the name implies) should work.

Nothing trumps positive pressure. Mount them to cylinders to soak and rinse.

In any case the inflater is not a concern and it will appreciate the soaking.

2nd stage purge buttons do not want to be pressed while submerged unless pressurized.



Pete

 

[TMHeimer]

I just use the dust cap, rinse with hose, and store lying down but with 1st stage higher up than 2nd stages. Only problem in 8 years with this (used when bought) reg was when I got sand in it.

 

[Crass3000]

Thanks for all your replies. I have a 19cf sitting around that hasn't been used ever since I decided to go with 40s. Sounds like I'll be getting a couple 6cf with the proper valves for a couple DINs and Yokes. Sounds cheaper and will bring me more peace than if I didn't. Thanks again for the ideas.

 

[Dr. Lecter]

Just use the 19...that and a transfill whip is what I use. Haven't VIPed or hydroed the 19 in forever, but then again, it never sees more than 1500 or so. The H valve would be easy enough to add.

 

[redacted]

I routinely soak my regulators for ~8 hours after salt water dives using the "protective cap" to keep water out of the 1st stage. Don't hit the purges and do take special precautions (see mfgr instructions) if your 2nd has a seat saver feature. I keep an elevated bow in the LP hoses as an added precaution. The LPI connector is sealed by a small valve (as used in a tire) when not connected to the inflator. a little fresh water in a 1st stage is undesirable but not cause for excessive alarm. Salt water is another case.

Soaking under pressure is a sure way to avoid water intrusion. I have plenty of tanks including pony tanks but usually do not bother as a good protective cap and extra caution work just fine.

 

[Quero]

You can also rinse off the first stage to get the salt residue off the outside of and through any parts meant to be open to water, and then prop them up out of the water on the edge of the tank while you leave the second stages submerged. That way, even if the purge button gets bumped and water enters the hose leading to the first stage, it won't run uphill and actually enter.

 

[tracydr]

I've got water in my first stages trying to wash them well before. Now I know to put a cork on the intake of the first stage so water isn't getting in there. I assume water won't get in the second stages if I soak them. What about the low pressure inflator hose? Assuming I block the intake of the first stage, is it safe to TOTALLY submerge your regulators including the low pressure inflators? Also is there any chance of getting water from the second stages into the first assuming the octo? I just had a regulator rebuilt because I was pretty sure that I got water in the first and don't want to repeat that for mine and my mom's regs. I value my regs and certainly don't want my mom to have any trouble because I didn't know what I was talking about. Thanks in advance for your wisdom.

I always wash my regulators while attached to a tank with the air on. I soak it in the tub with a tank attached.

 

[TMHeimer]

I have never soaked anything. I guess it doesn't hurt since many do it. I assume there is no concern that the salt that comes off the reg (or whatever) and goes into the water is still around the gear, though very diluted. I also assume that since the gear doesn't dry with salt on it, soaking is good. Is this reasoning correct? If so, what is the advantage of soaking over just a good rinsing with a hose?