A scuba diving regulator is life support equipment and a piece of equipment that needs to be in perfect condition and monitored for performance regularly. Make sure you take care of your regulator by adequately preparing and checking it before a dive and cleaning it afterwards the dive. 

How to Care For A Scuba Regulator

Pre-Dive Checks.

1. Carefully check the hoses on your regulator for signs of wear or damage.
2. Check the fittings and filter for corrosion
3. Ensure the venturi and breathing adjustments to make sure they operate smoothly
4. Inspect the mouthpiece for damage or wear, and make sure it’s securely fastened
5. With the regulator  connected to a tank with the valve still closed, try to inhale through the mouthpiece; if you can draw air in, there’s a leak somewhere, most likely the exhaust diaphragm
6. Finally, connect your reg to a tank and open the valve fully, then exhale and take several deep breaths while watching the pressure gauge; the pressure shouldn’t drop; if it does, it’s a sign of a restriction or other problem that requires service

Post-Dive Dive Regulator Care

Soak your regulator thoroughly in clean fresh water for 10 to 15 minutes to remove any salt, sand or other debris. Keep the dust cap securely in place; the important thing is to keep water out of the first stage

Don't press the purge while soaking if the regulator isn’t connected to a tank, because that can let water into the first stage

While it’s soaking, slide back hose protectors to expose the fittings

Connect air to the first stage, operate the breathing adjustment and Venturi switch and let the water run through the second stage. Purge the second stage underwater and spar bath it for 5-10 seconds. Remove the second stage from the water and blow it dry before disconnecting the regulator from the tank.

Finally, dry your regulator out of the sun before replacing the hose protectors and storing it for your next dive.

Dive Regulator Storage

Adjustable models should be stored with the inhalation control knob, turned all the way out (counter-clockwise), away from the regulator body. Winding out the control knob will help to extend the life of the low-pressure seat.

When the regulator is completely dry, store it in the regulator bag, a clean box or sealed inside a plastic bag. Do not hang your regulator as this places stress on the hoses.

Never store the regulator while it is connected to the cylinder valve.

 If you would like to know more, then do a PADI Equipment Speciality Course: