US Scuba Center Equipment Service and Maintanace
Always rinse the BCD after each dive with fresh water, flushing both inside and out. Only rinse outside of BCD when outside of the US, most tap water contains some salt which is not good for the inside of the jacket.
Fresh water is all that is normally needed to clean your BCD, though you may use a BCD conditioner in the final rinse to inhibit the growth of mold or mildew and to keep the BCD fresh and odor-free.
If you are using your US Scuba purchased BCD in US Scuba's pool, you do NOT need to rinse it after use, since US Scuba's pool is bromine which does not harm your equipment.
But, cleaning is especially recommended immediately after use in a chlorinated pool, as chlorinated water will quickly break down rubbers and plastics. Most manufacturers also recommend regular an annual servicing consisting of cleaning, inspection and lubrication of specified parts. In fact, many manufacturers offer limited lifetime warranties that remain valid only if the BCD is serviced annually.
The best way to prevent the growth of harmful molds and bacteria is to use the BCD frequently in salt water. Salt water effectively inhibits the growth of fungus and molds, and most materials, a good excuse to go on a trip! However, once evaporated, salt water will leave salt crystals -- some large enough to act like pieces of glass and tear or rupture the bag. A good internal rinse using BCD Conditioner will eliminate this.
To clean BCD component parts, direct a stream of water into the mouthpiece of the oral inflator valve, and drain the water back thorough the mouthpiece. If your BCD so allows, remove the over pressure relief valve assembly and rinse all components. Because the over pressure valves are low-pressure valves, they have the potential of not completely reseating. It is important to run fresh water through the bladder after every dive and then inflate the unit with the valve positioned down so the water will flush the valve as the valve actuates.
To drain the water from the BCD, reinstall the over pressure relief valve, and orally inflate the vest. Turn the vest upside down so that the drain hose is at the lowest point. Depress the inflator button and squeeze the vest. The sudden rush of air should force the remaining water to exit from the interior of the vest through the inflator hose. Backs flush the auto inflator with clean fresh water by filling the BC (which has already been rinsed clean) and then flushing out the water though the mail quick disconnect fitting.
Buoyancy compensators should be stored partially inflated. For prolonged storage, a small amount of silicone lubricant may be applied to the rubber parts of the BCD, but do not spray silicone inside the bag itself or on to the oral or power inflator mouthpiece assemblies. Store the BCD with the hose on the downward side, so that residual moisture drains to the hose assembly. Then after a day or two, depress the inflator button to allow any residual water to drain.
Store your BCD on a BC Hanger, not in your dive bag. This allows any moisture to dry and allows for easy and compact storage.
Wetsuit Care And Maintenance
Wetsuit Care
After diving rinse thoroughly with fresh water and hang to dry. Once dry keep suit away from direct sunlight to prevent damage. When possible, soak your suit in a large tub, using an ounce of wetsuit shampoo, giving it several fresh water rinses. It is recommended that you wash and dry your suit right side out to prevent creasing.
While washing, check for leaks or tears, especially around the seams, knees and the seat. Fill different parts of the wetsuit with water to create a balloon effect and mark any spots where the water leaks out. Repairs should be made only after the suit is completely dry. While rinsing, work the zippers and twist locks to insure that all salt or sand particles are rinsed free.
After rinsing the suit, it is best to hang it up and let it air dry completely. Use very wide hangers to prevent creasing the rubber or stretching the suit. After the suit is dry, lubricate metal wetsuit zippers with silicone or beeswax to prevent corrosion and to ensure smooth operation for future dives.
Make sure the suit is completely dry before storage, and always store it at a constant temperature away from smog, heat and sunlight. If it is stored on a hanger, use an extra-wide, smooth hanger. Never fold or stuff a wetsuit into a diving bag for storage. You may also store your wetsuit in a large plastic bag, such as a trash bag, sealed tightly to protect it from exposure to ozone, smog or gas fumes from your garage that would attack the rubber. Just ensure that it is perfectly dry first.
Wetsuit Repairs
Wetsuits are susceptible to snags and tears from abrasive surfaces and sharp objects. Small tears and gouges can be easily repaired with a can of wetsuit cement, and large holes can be repaired with a neoprene patch. Commercial wetsuit cement easy to use and is available at US Scuba Center. When in doubt bring your suit in and we will help.
Regulator Maintenance
Regulator must be serviced by a trained technician at least once a year. If you use your regulator extensively, it should be serviced every six months or every 50 dives. This will entail bringing in your warranty in order to save money on parts and in some instances, labor (which is not included in the warranty). A competent inspection will usually reveal whether or not the regulator is in need of an overhaul or a simple cleaning or tune-up. No amount of washing or careful use can entirely prevent your regulator from becoming out of tune.
Cleaning
The most important maintenance procedure you can perform on your regulator is a complete, fresh water rinse immediately or within a few hours of your last dive. Even if you don't have a chance to rinse off your other equipment right away, try to see that your regulator gets a fresh water rinse as soon as possible, regardless of whether you have been diving in salt or fresh water.
If allowed to remain inside your regulator, dried salt crystals and sand particles can damage the precision parts inside. the chlorine and acids in swimming pools, as well as the mineral and alkaline deposits present in fresh water lakes and rivers can also cause corrosion and damage to many regulator components.
To properly rinse a regulator:
IMPORTANT NOTE: ATOMIC REGULATOR SECOND STAGES SHOULD NOT BE RINSED - when you purchase a regulator from US Scuba Center, as long as it has been overhauled within the year, you bring your regulator in after a salt water trip and let us do the salt water clean up at no cost to you...... Another reason to purchase your life support equipment from US Scuba Center, as this service is complimentary.
- Make sure the dust cap is securely in place on the first stage air inlet and that it has a watertight seal.
- Use warm (not hot) water to rinse or soak your regulator. This will dissolve any dried salt crystals that may have accumulated in the interior.
- Direct a low pressure stream of fresh water over the first stage, and allow it to run freely through any open ports. If your first stage uses a piston-type valve, pay attention to rinsing all salt and sand out of the water chamber, as sand particles or salt build-up can interfere with the operation of the piston by causing damage to the piston o-ring.
- Atomic Regulators – be very careful to cover both the mouthpieces. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT WATER NOT ENTER THE SECOND STAGES.
- All regulators, other than Atomic, rinse the second stage by directing a stream of fresh water into the mouthpiece and allowing it to exit through the exhaust tee. Flush water around and outside of the entire second stage, concentrating on the swivels, and LP and HP cracks and crevices. Do not push the purge button, unless you are holding the hose and first stage high above the second stage and away from the water, or unless the regulator is pressurized on the tank.
- Another option is to immerse the entire assembly in a tub of warm water, always ensuring that the watertight dust cap is securely in place. This would be advisable if a period of time has lapsed after your dive without rinsing the regulator. Allow the regulator to soak for five to ten minutes, sloshing it around to loosen any stubborn particles. Once again, remember that Atomic Regulator second stages should not be immersed in water.
- The purge button should never be pushed while the regulator is completely immersed in water. This opens the second stage valve, allowing water to flow through the hose and back into the interior of the first stage assembly. Remove the yoke screw and rinse the yoke and screw threads while holding the dust cap in place. After rinsing, lubricate lightly with silicone spray.
- Allow the regulator to dry thoroughly before storing it. Always dry it away from direct sunlight to protect the rubber parts.
- Storage: Store your regulator on a BCD and Regulator Hanger. When traveling, carry your regulator in a good quality regulator bag and carry it on the plane.
Telephone: (248) 650-9500 FAX: (248) 650-9565
515 S. Rochester Road Rochester, MI. 48307
General Information: usscuba@sbcglobal.net
Store Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday - 10:00am - 7:00pm
Saturday - 10:00am - 5:00pm CLOSED TUESDAYS AND SUNDAYS