How to Open a SCUBA Regulator

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Performing regular maintenance on your SCUBA dive regulator is an essential practice as the dive regulator is the most important piece of equipment when you are underwater. The dive regulator is responsible for transporting oxygen from your tank to your mouthpiece and allows you to breathe while diving. There are two main components to the dive regulator, called stages. The first stage is connected to the tank and it takes pressurized oxygen from the air tank and converts it into breathable air. The second stage is within the mouthpiece and it transports the converted air into your mouth for breathing. If the regulator gets clogged or closed off, you'll need to open it to permit the free flow of air.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

SCUBA regulator Clean towel Clean water Silicone grease
SCUBA regulator
Clean towel
Clean water
Silicone grease

Step 1

Remove the second stage from the tank by twisting off the hose connection in a counter-clockwise direction.

Step 2

Detach the cover from the second stage. It should twist off in a counter-clockwise direction.

Step 3

Closely examine the second stage where the cover was affixed for objects that may obscure airflow. Often sand, kelp, salt build-ups or other debris may become lodged under the cover. Remove anything you detect by wiping the interior of the second stage with a clean towel.

Step 4

Remove the inner O-ring found within the central compartment of the second stage and lubricate the O-ring with silicone grease.

Step 5

Replace the inner O-ring in its original location, making certain that the O-ring is clean and devoid of any foreign objects.

Step 6

Replace the second stage cover, making certain that it is aligned correctly and that there are no foreign objects obscuring he threading of the second stage as you affix the cover.

Step 7

Remove the dust cap from the first stage and carefully examine it for any foreign objects.

Step 8

Wipe away any objects with a dry towel and ensure that the entire dust cap is free of moisture before replacing it on the first stage.

Step 9

Re-attach the regulator to the tank and check to ensure that the mechanism is operating correctly.

Tips & Warnings

Not all models of SCUBA tanks and regulators are identical. Be sure to review your owner's manual before performing maintenance for any specialized instructions. After performing maintenance on your SCUBA tank, you should always test to ensure that it is operating correctly by using the tank and regulator in a shallow pool of water before taking a deep dive.

Not all models of SCUBA tanks and regulators are identical. Be sure to review your owner's manual before performing maintenance for any specialized instructions.

After performing maintenance on your SCUBA tank, you should always test to ensure that it is operating correctly by using the tank and regulator in a shallow pool of water before taking a deep dive.

The regulator is one of the single most important pieces of equipment when SCUBA diving. If you are uncertain about any maintenance steps, consider taking the equipment to a professional for cleaning. You could also receive training and advice on how best to keep your equipment in optimal shape.

Article Written By Jason Spidle

Jason Spidle is a technology enthusiast and writer. His writing on computers, smartphones, Web design, Internet applications, sports and music has been published at a variety of websites including Salon, JunkMedia, Killed in Cars and The Columbia Free Times. Spidle maintains a number of blogs featuring poetry, short stories and other fiction.

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