How to Remove Dried Salts From SCUBA Regulators
A regulator is a scuba diver's lifeline. After a dive or a series of dives, salt can accumulate in the knobs and purge mechanism. Proper cleaning and maintenance will preserve the function of the regulator for many years. If bubbling from the second stage occurs, this can be a sign of salt buildup. Extended soaking is required to dissolve this. Warm water expedites dissolving salt particles, and testing the moving parts helps to dislodge residue. The alternate air source (known as an octopus or octo) is also a regulator and should also be rinsed and checked.
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Instructions
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1
Fill the bucket with warm water hot enough to immerse your hand in comfortably.
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2
Secure the dust cap on the first stage of your regulator setup.
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3
Immerse your regulator in the warm water and let it soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
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4
Remove your regulator and place it on a towel. Turn any knobs on the second stage and feel and listen for resistance, indicating salt buildup; repeat steps 3 and 4 if you detect salt buildup.
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5
Connect your regulator to the scuba tank and turn on the air valve.
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6
Immerse the regulator in warm water and check whether bubbles emerge from the second stage.
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7
Depress the purge valve briefly and twist the knobs on the second stage two to three times while it's immersed. Check whether bubbles emerge from the second stage after you stop depressing the purge valve.
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8
Allow the regulator to soak for 10 to 15 minutes and repeat step 7 if you detect bubbles.
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9
Remove the regulator from the bucket, turn off the scuba tank and disassemble the regulator from the tank. Lay the regulator on a towel to dry thoroughly.
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Tips & Warnings
If you observe excessive salt buildup after step 4, pour hot water (not boiling) over the knobs on the second stage and use a towel to carefully turn the knobs.
If excessive bubbles are still present after this process, ask an equipment specialist to check the regulator for O-ring problems.
Avoid depressing the purge valve if the regulator is not connected to a scuba tank, to prevent water from entering the unit.
Make sure your dust cap is secured before immersing the regulator setup to preserve the air filter in the first stage.
