What does BC Servicing Include?

[DandyDon]

I changed BCs after a couple of years - like my Oceanic Probe a lot better, then took it in to an LDS offering to pay him to service it since I didn't buy it there, but he didn't really do much. It's another year older, I do check all connections frequently and use BC disinfectant on the bladder after every trip.

But the BC is the second most important piece of my kit, I know - or second most included on DAN accident reports. I don't think I have an Oceanic dealer around now. What should I do...??

thanks!

 

[ShakaZulu]

If it floats, its fine.......I don't think you need to have it serviced (money making scam). Disasemble it occationally, rinse after every dive, and you should be fine. Make sure the LP attachment thingy on the inflator hose is not unscrewed. Check that the weight pockets attachment meganism works as required. Now, go diving my son.....

 

[reefugee]

Don,

What BC disinfectant do you use? When I store my BC, the bladder with mouthwash. I just pour it through the inflator hose. Then I swish it around, and just let it sit there.

Minh

 

[Damselfish]

As long as you take care of it, keep it rinsed, check over stuff sometimes like you say, I don't see a reason to have someone service your BC. You just did.

The only thing I might do is get a power inflator checked out every few years, or if it gives any hint of acting up.

 

[DandyDon]

Don,

What BC disinfectant do you use? When I store my BC, the bladder with mouthwash. I just pour it through the inflator hose. Then I swish it around, and just let it sit there.

Minh

I'd be afraid of mouthwash. The disinfectant there is alcohol, and I wonder what that does to the bladder.

I got some stuff at the LDS that recently sold out in Amarillo, but I think he said he uses water bed conditioner. Makes sense. Probly go to that when I run out of this.

 

[The Kraken]

I rinse my wings with a dilute solution of mouthwash and water then give it a clean water rinse.

If something is left in the bladder, I think I'd rather have the residue from mouthwash/water in my mouth than the residue from water bed conditioner.


the K

 

[reefugee]

Does water bed conditioner contain anything that is consider toxic? Just curious.

 

[DandyDon]

Does water bed conditioner contain anything that is consider toxic? Just curious.

Very. Just glanced at the warnings on a bottle and a couple of web sites. Bad idea.

 

[Torontonian]

Hmm, time to change the water in my waterbed.

Like the idea of using mouthwash. At least you know it was meant for the mouth.

Now, about using alcohol

 

[DandyDon]

I'm sure the water bed conditioner is fine for them, but I think I'll keep using the BC conditioner after all. Not that expensive for a $400 BC - biodegradable and all that.