How to care for your dive regulator?

After your dive, remove your regulator once the tank valve is closed and pressure is released. To prevent moisture buildup, dry the dust cap using a short blast of air from the tank before securely placing it back. This simple step helps protect the internal components and extends the life of your dive regulator.

The best time to rinse your dive regulator is as soon as possible after your dive. A thorough freshwater rinse will help prevent salt buildup, corrosion, and stiffened moving parts.

‎

Ideally, you would hook your regulator up to a pressurized tank before rinsing. This prevents water from entering the mechanism. If pressurizing isn't an option, take extra precautions to keep water out of the first stage.

‎

First stage cleaning:‎

1. Ensure the dust cap is completely dry and firmly in place before rinsing. Pro tip: If your dive regulator features Auto-Closure Device (ACD) technology, you'll have added protection here, as the ACD automatically seals the inlet when the regulator is not connected to a tank.

‎

2. Rinse with fresh water, covering all external surfaces

‎

3. If your regulator has hose protectors, pull them back slightly to rinse the connectors.

‎

4. Rinse the inflator hose, connector, and pressure gauge to remove any salt accumulation.

‎

What NOT to do:

• Never soak the first stage in water! This can cause internal corrosion, degrade the hoses and ruin your SPG.

‎

Second stage cleaning:

1. Soak in lukewarm water to dissolve any salt or sand particles

‎

2. Gently rotate adjustment knobs, such as the Venturi switch or Cracking Effort adjustment, to remove debris.

‎

3. Swish the second stage in water without pressing the purge button to allow water to flow through the mouthpiece and exhaust tee.

‎

What NOT to do:

• Never press the purge button unless the regulator is connected to a pressurized tank, as this can let water into the internal system.

‎

• Avoid spraying high-pressure water directly onto the second stage to prevent damage to the internal diaphragm and valve.

‎

Extra tips:

• Avoid cleaning products containing hydrocarbons, as they can degrade plastic and rubber components.

‎

• Do not use solvents, propellants, or aerosol sprays, as these can weaken essential regulator materials.

‎

• Never use abrasive brushes or tools, as they can scratch and damage delicate parts.

Do not dry your scuba regulator in direct sunlight, as UV rays can degrade the rubber. Instead, place it in a shaded, well-ventilated area and hang it to allow excess water to drain. Make sure to loosely coil the hoses to prevent kinks or stress points. Always ensure your dive regulator is completely dry before storing it to prevent mold and material deterioration.

For optimal dive regulator storage, lay it flat to keep the hoses free of unnecessary tension. Never leave your regulator mounted on a scuba tank, as this can cause premature wear.

‎

To preserve its components, always store your dive regulator in a dry, room-temperature environment. Exposure to heat, sunlight, and chemical vapors can weaken materials, cause discoloration, or lead to cracked hoses.

When traveling with your scuba regulator, pack it in a protective bag to prevent impact damage. Many airlines recommend carrying it in hand luggage to avoid mishandling. Keep it away from heavy dive gear to prevent crushing, and ensure it’s stored in a dry, temperature-regulated space. For more scuba travel tips, check out our guide on How to pack your dive gear.

Never lift your scuba tank by the first stage of your dive regulator. While it may seem like a convenient grip, this can cause serious damage to both the regulator and the tank valve.

‎

Always carry essential spare parts, like a mouthpiece and a set of O-rings in your dive kit. These backup accessories can save a dive by allowing you to quickly fix minor problems without cutting your underwater adventure short.

Pre-dive equipment checks:

A month before your dive trip, inspect your scuba diving regulator to ensure it’s in good condition. This should allow enough time for servicing if necessary. If you don’t use your diving gear frequently, take it out of storage and inspect it every couple of months to prevent unexpected issues.

‎

Routine visual inspection:

• First stage: look for any external corrosion or visible damage.

‎

• Regulator hoses: check for cracks, bulges, or wear, and be sure to inspect under the hose protectors.

‎

• Hose connections: ensure all hoses are securely tightened to avoid air leaks during dives.

‎

• Mouthpiece: inspect for tears, holes, or wear that could compromise comfort and safety underwater.

‎

Functional testing:

• Second stage: connect your dive regulator to a tank and take several deep breaths. Ensure smooth airflow, without unusual sounds or breathing resistance. Check that the purge button functions correctly.

‎

• Pressure gauge: verify that it starts at zero and give accurate pressure readings when pressurized.

A visual inspection of your scuba regulator should be conducted annually, while a full regulator servicing is recommended every two years to maintain optimal performance.

‎

Always trust an Aqualung fully authorized and certified scuba technician to service your regulator. This ensures your dive gear meets the highest safety standards. To find a certified service center near you, check our Store Locator.

If you diveregularly, weekly or monthly for example, or in a pool, schedule a scubaregulator check every six months. This proactive maintenance helps detect earlywear and ensures peak performance.