Regulator Maintenance

By Bill

(1 ratings)

After each day of diving, your regulator must be cleaned, inspected and prepared for the next use or for storage.

  • As soon as the regulator is removed from the scuba cylinder, reinstall the dust cap over the regulator inlet port. The cap is attached to the regulator yoke which has been under water, be sure to blow out the water in this cap before securing it over the inlet port.
  • Verify that the O-ring is in place inside the dust cap.
  • Shortly after diving, soak your scuba regulator in warm (less than 120° F) tap water for a short period of time. This will remove salt and mineral deposits. Some prefer to do this with a different method:
    • Attach the regulator to a cylinder
    • Open the cylinder valve
    • Soak both the first and second stage regulators
    • Pay particular attention to directing water into the mainspring cavity of the first stage regulator, the second stage mouthpiece, and the holes in the second stage boxtop. Depress the purge button several times while the regulator is submerged in water.
    • If no tank is available, follow the above procedure, but be very careful NOT to depress the purge button, or leave the dust cap off when the regulator is submerged in water. Failure to do this will result in water entering both regulator stages, which could result in internal corrosion.
  • Shake dry and wipe the regulator's exterior with a clean cloth
  • Store the regulator in a cool, dry place with a large loop in the hoses. Do not store in a small regulator bag, as this will damage the hoses.


Last Updated: 1/27/2012


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