Who will service the regulator yourself? Any Pro can advise?

[hong32585]

It seems the inner structure is not too complicated and it look easy if only clean the salt inside and replacing O-ring.

 

[redacted]

You might want to spend some time looking through this forum: Repairing your own Gear

 

[scubajim 1]

You really want to DIY your life support system? Actually you should clean and inspect your 1st and 2nd stage and hoses after each dive...past that you really should let someone who has the training and the specs for your reg to do the annual overhaul.
Does it cost a bit more? Yes. Is it worth the money? This is your life support system....you make that call.

 

[DivemasterDennis]

If you purchase a regulator new, the price generally should include 2 years maintenance that will be done by the local shop where you purchased it. Once out of service warranty, the cost for a complete octo plus BC annual service, including replacement of all regularly replaced parts- (o-rings, stem valve, etc) is under $100.00. If you are going to do it your self, have a service manual on hand for the item you are servicing, or at the least get a spec list for replacement parts from the manufacturer. An equipment specialist class is also worthwhile. Over the years I have become competent enough to do some (but not all) on site repairs/replacements, but still pay for annual servicing by a reputable dive center. I always get the replaced parts back and keep them for spare parts.
DivemasterDennis

 

[redacted]

You really want to DIY your life support system? Actually you should clean and inspect your 1st and 2nd stage and hoses after each dive...past that you really should let someone who has the training and the specs for your reg to do the annual overhaul.
Does it cost a bit more? Yes. Is it worth the money? This is your life support system....you make that call.

Says the dive professional who wants to make sure divers keep paying the annual rent on THEIR regulators. Do you have any data on regulator failure related accidents as a function of "professional" service, DIY service and no service? How about information on qualifications and training required to become a regulator technician?

If you purchase a regulator new, the price generally should include 2 years maintenance that will be done by the local shop where you purchased it. Once out of service warranty, the cost for a complete octo plus BC annual service, including replacement of all regularly replaced parts- (o-rings, stem valve, etc) is under $100.00. If you are going to do it your self, have a service manual on hand for the item you are servicing, or at the least get a spec list for replacement parts from the manufacturer. An equipment specialist class is also worthwhile. Over the years I have become competent enough to do some (but not all) on site repairs/replacements, but still pay for annual servicing by a reputable dive center. I always get the replaced parts back and keep them for spare parts.
DivemasterDennis

I have seen only one LDS that offered free service (parts and labor) on regulators he sold; and that did not last long. So, what shops and/or manufacturers have you found that do not charge for service labor for the first 2 years?

 

[Soakedlontra]

post deleted

 

[aquaregia]

A few points:

* I have had professionally serviced gear fail on multiple occasions.
* I have had self-serviced gear "fail" on one occasion.
* If I don't feel like servicing my gear in that moment, I don't. There are no concerns about profits or deadlines.
* When I check out, I don't want it to be someone else's fault, and I definitely don't want to have paid for the privilege.
* In recreational diving, there is no "life-support" gear.

You'll notice cost isn't a factor.

 

[highdesert]

* In recreational diving, there is no "life-support" gear.

Huh ....?

 

[scubajim 1]

Says the dive professional who wants to make sure divers keep paying the annual rent on THEIR regulators. Do you have any data on regulator failure related accidents as a function of "professional" service, DIY service and no service? How about information on qualifications and training required to become a regulator technician?



I have seen only one LDS that offered free service (parts and labor) on regulators he sold; and that did not last long. So, what shops and/or manufacturers have you found that do not charge for service labor for the first 2 years?

I am a professional but I am an "indy". I only service my own gear after having taken the proper courses, so I am not trying to get anyone to spend money needlessly...as I said it is the OPs life support system, he can do as he pleases. But if he does his own service I hope he tells his buddies so they can be aware of it.
Regs are very robust and are designed to take a lot of abuse but why take a chance on DYI unless you have had the training and experience. After all the price of annual service is about one boat dive...well worth it.
And as for numbers I can only give anecdotal evidence that the 2nd stages I've had to work on, on boat or shore before a dive or the few that free flowed during the dive were either not serviced or had been serviced by the diver. But that is my experience and others may have some good numbers on this.

 

[JahJahwarrior]

Gear is life support, so take good care of it, and have backups. For example, I rarely use a single tank with a single first stage. I like redundancy.

I think gear servicing is typically pretty simple, but there are lots of people out there who just shouldn't ever try it, or think of trying it. With the proper training, it's pretty simple. However, if you only have one or two regulators, and don't dive all the time, then you should probably just take it to a shop for service.