SCUBA regulator issues, please help

[indie_chick5]

Hi, I recently purchased some regulators as I am learning to dive. However when I went to use them, the main regulator just let in water so when Ibreathed in I got a mouthful of water. I had to use my altrnative regulator in the end. I couldn't see anything wrong with it, someone said it might have a punctured diapragm? Is anyone able to help as I need to go back to the guys I bought it from but don't want to seem a proper ameateur. Thanks.

[Toureman]

You need to join a club that gives lessons before you kill yourself !

Whatever you say to the Guys you bought it from they will probably think you are an amatuer from what you have told us.

[jake-the-peg]

There's a mushroom valve that lets you exhale air out but stops water from flooding in.

If you hold the regulator in your mouth underwater and press the purge button and it still fills fill up the chances are that this is missing or damaged.

[Zeuhl]

Agree with above

But in the meantime, take it to your local scuba shop and ask the technician (or someone who knows their way around a regulator) and ask them for their opinion.

I imagine it will take just a minute and they won't charge you.

[jake-the-peg]

Other test

Put it in your mouth with the air turned o at the cylinder and try and suck through it. You shouldn't be able to - if you can there's a leak.

Before diving

inspect filter (if present) at high pressure stage - is there any debris or rust?

place contents guage face to cyinder and open tank check contents - is it as full as it should be.

Turn off tank - guage should stay at the same pressure.

Breathe down the contents - pressure indicator should drop smoothly - *and indicate 0!*

Suck on the regulator at 0 - you should not be able to get any air through (as above)


Do this before every dive an you will not repeat the experience you just had of getting a mouthfull of water!

[naomi24]

As Zeuhl said, take it to a technician who knows what he's doing. Safety is paramount and your equipment needs to be right.

If you're learning to dive, never worry about appearing to be an amateur. You are an amateur - and no one minds you being an amateur - or teaching you what you need to know. Even the most expert were learners once - and they know it. You'll find the diving fraternity is generally very friendly and helpful.