How to Care for Your Regulator

People swear they take excellent care of their regulators. Probably the most important piece of life support you have.  We pull them apart every day that are filled with salt and corrosion.

Keep it in top condition with these 5 easy tips to care for it.

1. First, make sure the dust cap is in place. Never, ever allow water to seep into the first stage’s inner workings.

2. Give the reg a quick rinse with a low-pressure water hose or quick dunk in a fresh water tank to wash away any salt or sand. Then soak the reg in fresh water for 10 to 20 minutes to loosen or dissolve any residual dirt struggling to hold on.

3. During the soak phase, give the second stage a couple of swishes (without depressing the purge button) to get water flowing through the mouthpiece and exhaust tee. Then remove the reg and give it a final rinse. Pull back the hose protectors so you can get at those connections.

4. Give both first and second stages a gentle shake to clear any excess water from the yoke and exhaust tee. If there’s a tank handy, run some air through the system to blow out any residual water. Then towel off the reg while inspecting for damage or wear, coil it loosely, and lay it (don’t hang it) out of direct sunlight

5. Remember, regs are made to get wet. Sitting in the closet for too long collects dust, dries out O-rings and stiffens user controls. Go diving often, both you and your reg will be happier for it.