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One of the most important components in a self contained underwater breathing apparatus is its air regulator. Scuba diving regulator allows the diver to comfortably breathe in air at ambient pressure while allowing used air to be expelled. This is why scuba diving regulators must be taken care of properly, otherwise, it might fail to function which could be fatal if such malfunction would happen several meters deep underwater.

Regular maintenance of this important breathing apparatus component must be performed. Aside from this, periodic examination of its main function should also be done, especially before you swim underwater with it, to assure you that it is still working properly. But how do you really properly care for your scuba diving regulator?

One of the most important steps in scuba diving regulator care is ensuring the dust-cap and the seal are dry before you rinse them off the tank. This is because you do not want any water to get into the second stage regulator otherwise, corrosion may result which could definitely damage your lungs. You may want to blow the water off the dust-cap with pressurized air from your cylinder or you can pat its surface with a clean and soft towel. Once it is properly dry, you can now put a tight seal on it so as to prevent any moisture or water droplets to get into the first stage.

Then soak the sealed scuba diving regulator in a rinse tank and swoosh it around a little bit so that loose particles will fall out. While it is still inside a rinse tank, try to move the levers back and forth to get rid of any particles which may have adhered to it while you were swimming underwater. However, take care not to push or move the purge button because if you do so, you run the risk of letting water into the regulator’s second stage which, in turn, might seep into the second stage and cause some corrosion to form. You definitely would not want that to happen.

After this, put the scuba diving regulator under a strong stream of water to take off any remaining particles which you were not able to dislodge in the rinsing tank. Before you do, however, make sure once again that the dust-cap is tightly in place and take care not to touch or push the purge button. Then, take off the excess water residue by carefully tapping it with a soft towel and let it dry in a warm and clean area but never under direct sunlight. Store your scuba diving regulator in a cool and dry place. Also make sure that the hoses are positioned in a way that there are no twisted or bent portions.

Habitually giving your scuba diving regulator proper care is a step in the right direction. By doing so, you will be assured that it will always be in good condition.