When do you service your BCD?

[Scuba-dan]

So i know we service our Regs yearly, viz on tank and hydro. But when do one do a maintenance on your BCD? Mine is 1 yrs old with only 33 dives but plan to do a lot more this year. I've tested everything for our 1st dive and everything working fine.

 

[Griffo]

Personally i'd service it every year, and especially after a long stint in storage.

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/repairing-your-own-gear/279634-where-can-i-learn-service-my-bcd.html#post4345603

 

[g1138]

Unless you want to keep your warranty, there's really no need to send it in for service.
The only service that can be done is in the bladder and inflator.

The bladder can be self checked. Just fully inflate and let it sit overnight. If it is still fully inflated then it's not leaking; ergo it doesn't need service.

The inflator can be a bit more tricky, but basically if your Schrader valve connection with the hose is still solid and you hear no leaks in the inflator mechanism (both inflation and deflation), then it's probably alright.
Some techs and DIY-ers will take apart their inflator, replace all o-rings, and give everything a scrub down or ultrasonic clean. Others just replace the whole inflator assembly. And other's won't do anything to it until they notice something out of the ordinary.

I personally don't service my BC. But, I have my BC annually inspected by my sci dive program's tech. Between him and myself, if we notice anything with my inflator then I take it in for service or replacement. That's just my personal choice.

 

[bracko]

I service mine when i get my regs done. the LDS I use charge about $10 on top for the BCD for non instructing/DM staff, so in my mind it's money well spent.

 

[herman]

When it starts to show signs it needs it. As long as you properly rinse it, there is really not much to service. The only real things to "service" are the inflator and any dump/overpressure valves. The inflator starts showing signs of sticking or leaking long before it's a big problem and even then, you just detach it and keep diving. Leaking OP and dump valve show up as slow leaks - BC will slowly leak down and most of the time, it's just sand or other trash in them. A quick disassembly, cleaning and reassembly is all that’s needed. That said, a good once over before a dive trip is always a good idea but that should be part of you pre-dive planning anyway. Check the inflator, deflator, OP and dump valves and does it hold air for an hour or so, if it does, it's good to go.

 

[Wookie]

I learned to be properly weighted, so a BCD is really unnecessary unless you're doing weird stuff like spearfishing or bring up rocks. I use mine (actually a wing) until it fails, then I replace it. I don't service it at all unless it is repairable. Wings usually last 5-8 years, and since mine spend all of that time in the sun on the deck of a boat, they don't really owe me anything.

 

[fjpatrum]

So far I haven't bothered servicing any of mine except to repair or modify them initially. I bought them all used. If it holds air and the inflator button or dump valves aren't sticking there's no real issue. I inspect mine before every dive.

 

[Scuba-dan]

Thanks everyone for your feedback. Its still brand new I got last July. Its holding air pretty good since I inflated it for the winter and its still got the same amount of air. I've connected it to the LP and everything working like a charm.

 

[nolatom]

When something breaks.

Hasn't yet.

 

[spectrum]

Unless you have damage beyond your abilities I don't see much need.

1) Care for as follows after every dive day.

2) At the first sign of a sticking inflator valve service the valve, have it serviced or replace it as you are inclined.

Pete