Old timer told me to run hot water through my drysuit valves

Guy named Pete with 30 years offshore told me to always flush my drysuit valves with hot water after every dive. Said salt crystals wreck the seats. I blew him off for six months. Then my inflator valve started leaking during a 10AM bell dive off Port Fourchon. Had to abort because I was getting wet and cold. Took the valve apart that night and sure enough, salt crust all over the seat. Replaced the O-ring and now I flush everything every single time. Anyone else learn a simple habit the hard way?

2 comments

2 Comments

carter.thea9d ago

Learned that one with my regulator first stage. Got lazy with the freshwater soak after a week of boat dives. Started breathing wet on the next trip. Took it apart and found salt crust in the dry side. Now I flush everything in the shower with hot water for at least ten minutes after saltwater use. Simple five minute habit saves a hundred bucks in parts.

fionaa358d ago

Yeah @carter.thea that hot water rinse is a game changer, saves so much hassle.