Power Inflate Valve Service - Scuba Tech Tips: S11E09

What can a diver do to prevent the Power Inflate Valve (PIV) from sticking? Alec shares service tips to keep your important PIV clean and working properly.
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[@PROSTO4Tabal]

Hi Alec, keep those tech tips comming. You are my scuba guru, I love to learn from you. Thanks for another useful tech tips

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

More to come!

[@rickkinney2544]

I really love these kinds of tips. Thanks Alec.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

My pleasure Rick. Thanks for watching buddy.

[@nicoscuba]

Thanks Alec. Indeed only on Alec Tech Tips. Gold!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Happy to help you pick up something new.

[@Str8Flossin]

Killer tip!! Thank you!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

You're welcome Judson.

[@vonchef14]

Thanks for the awesome tip Alec.👍

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Any time Larry.

[@pompieralain]

thank you Alec, so nice to learn from your video

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

My pleasure Alain. More coming.

[@DigginwithSeven]

Thanks for another great tip.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

No problem!

[@jonnieinbangkok]

That's a cool little trick with the silicone spray; another is to build your own plate & wing BCD out of generic parts bought offline. I have built several of my own for about $300-$350 each. If I ever need to replace a generic "k" inflator valve, it costs $15-$20 vs. $70 or more for the valve used in brand name BCD makers.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for the info! A

[@diveinstructordaniel1095]

That’s a very nice tip. Thanks Alec 😊

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Happy to help!

[@timz8527]

Wow. Great tip with the lube spray. As always, you’re the best Alec!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Happy to help!

[@TheBigEasy1100]

Thank for this great hint Alec :)

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

My pleasure!

[@johnc1848]

Well done, this one in particular because my dive buddy's valve failed on dive 1 of our trip in June. He had to keep the hose disconnected the whole trip because something in there, probably a Schrader valve, was locked open and he couldn't deflate. Fortunately he was a good enough diver where he easily can control himself with his breathing alone. And to add the fun, he was finishing his masters certification while all this was going on.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thats a story with a happy ending. Have him watch Tech Tip S06E05 Service Your Inflator Hose on schraeder valve replacement. May want to take one with you on the next trip.

[@johnc1848]

Problem solved, he replaced the whole valve for 20 bucks. Must have been the Schaefer valve

[@luikriaco]

Wonderful teaching ...Thank's

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad you liked it Lou.

[@Caderic]

Great video!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks Erikk.

[@paulbaratta1566]

This was a great tip,

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad to share it Paul.

[@graynadalin]

Thanks Alec

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Welcome my friend.

[@KevinandLizGrogan]

Thanks Alan! I always have our BC’s/Inflator/Air 2 serviced every year at the LDS, but I must admit I do a better job of post dive rinsing the regs than I do Liz’s inflator and my Air 2. This video is a great reminder to not skimp on any piece of gear.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Good call Kevin. Even these small, not thought of items could stop a dive or dive trip.

[@wallybrown9509]

Thx Alec.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

You're welcome Wally.

[@timbartlett4898]

Thank you sir!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching Tim.

[@Sherif_Hamdy]

Thank you very much!! God bless.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

You are so welcome

[@jacquespoirier9071]

The " schrader " valve is typically a standard tire valve so inexpensive to replace, I've often disassembled this type of valve cleaned and reassembled with a new valve. I appreciate this type of video as you give tips for the average diver. I don't promote everyone to fiddle with life support apparetus as something done wrong can result in a death however, I admit that the design of this type of equipment is very simple in comparizon of most mechanical devices.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Good point Jacques. Have him watch Tech Tip S06E05 Service Your Inflator Hose on schraeder valve replacement for ideas.

[@troop1026]

Awesome as always my friend. Montana getting Smokey from the forest fires this year. Could you do a video on the remove and install of the clips of a Aqua-Master two hose regulator and the funny clamps that hold the mouth piece to the hoses. I picked up museum quality aqua-master and a 50 fathom and want to service them myself. Thanks again. Mike

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Hi Mike. They are on my list for the next Vintage Scuba series (probably over winter). The clips are called Tinnerman named after man who patented them.

[@darrylblondel4154]

Hi Alec great tip. Mine is an AP diving auto air so basically an inflator and octo in one. Not sure really if I should put silicone through it as it's a breathing valve. But will ask AP diving in Cornwall. Cheers Darryl.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

That's why I use food grade silicone spray which is non-toxic and safe around food. Spray, and rinse and rinse if concerned about breathing it in.

[@mcfly6174]

Glad I found this. I now have that auto inflate problem, would it help to try these first before getting a replacement? Thank you Mr Peirce.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It the PIV is self inflating when the air, soak it in warm water for an hour or so then try the food grade silicone. Pump the valve on/off to see if it cleans up the PIV and stops the auto fill. Otherwise its a service by a local dive shop or replacement.

[@OttO88800]

A life saver vid.. you never know when will that inflator valve get stuck underwater rocketing you to the surface.. Thanks sir

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad it helped!

[@user-iv7tx7kn6k]

Thanks again and again and again. learnt so much. Btw, may I ask if the wd-40 silicone does the job too? Thanks :)

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It could BUT any wd40 in your mouth would be bad and its hard to wash out as its call Water Displacement (WD) for a reason. A.

[@user-iv7tx7kn6k]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter thanks again! I ll get a food grade with water based one :)

[@davedonati206]

Hi Alec, great tech tip. I always use the bc flush hose after diving. Would you recommend using an o2 compatible spray if available? Thank you. Dave

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

No need for any O2 care for inside the BC except for cleaning and conditioning. Look for the next video for a good cleaning solution. A

[@davedonati206]

Ok, thank you!

[@williamgauthier9294]

Good information, I learned something! Alec, have you done any diving this crazy year? I was suppose to go to Bonaire this November but it's not looking so good. I don't think they're going to be opening their borders for US folks! Can't say as I blame them. Bummed about this.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Not yet Will. Been focusing on At The Ranch and Tech Tips so not planned any diving (other than the Scuba 2000 pool).

[@kingchan9100]

Hi Alec, my BCD inflator button is stuck so I can't press it easily, I guess the spring inside inflator has been corroded, do you think this method can help to remove the rust or does it need to be replaced?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It will help to a point but not if the internals are badly rusted or filled with gunk. Give it a try and test it. If still stuck take it to a pro for service to ensure its working perfectly before diving.

[@UNgineering]

do you use the silicone spray after rinsing the valve with water or instead of it?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Water to clean and food grade silicone spray to keep the insides lubricated and moving. A

[@johnobrien6629]

Hi Alex, Great video. Can you you the garden hose adapter to flush out an AIR2 on a ScubaPro Hydros BCD?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Watch video S09E17 "17. Do's And Don't Of BCD Service". I show the adapter that connects to a garden hose to flush the BC out. Hope it helps and thanks for watching John.

[@johnobrien6629]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Hey Alec, thank you for the prompt response. My concern is caused by a number of buddies stating you should not run pressurized water thru a ScubaPro Air 2, as it is not just a power inflator but also a safe second/second stage regulator. I like to flush out my Hydros BCD but it always creates a mess when trying to feed water into the mouthpiece with a garden hose. That's why I thought the flush adapter was a great idea, as long as it does not cause any harm. Keep up the great work! Enjoy all you videos!!

[@jiml1729]

I've been using the same BC since 2002. Regular service is important. But these things are expensive and it needs to last.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Good point and congratulations on the BC longevity.

[@toriless]

I have several of those devices so there is always one around for rinsing it. Mine have yellow hoses. Thanks for the silicone lubricant tip!! I do not think I have been doing that. How often should you do that?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

After a dive trip (whenever you go again), or before storing for a long time are the two best times.

[@toriless]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter OK

[@hearsejr]

Gosh dern it... I got the non spray silicone lube! Oh well I guess it's time to hit the dive shop tomorrow... again. Lol.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Look around the shop and see what is new. Scuba is always changing and tell them you learned this from Alec Peirce Scuba.

[@hearsejr]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter I most definitely will mention y'all.. even Kevin the video guy. Lol. the kids at the diveshop were picking on me, because I was useing a 35 year old regulator and BCD... Till one of them had to get their "impossible to find locally" battery replaced, or rent a regulator or cancel his diving for about 7 business days. They ended up renting and got to use a regulator that was very near like mine. He was talking about going back to the basics being he hasn't gone below 25' in two years.

[@Vasilis_Chatzis]

Hi Alec I am not a professional diver but I whont to buy a scrubs compressor. Could you make a video about how to choose the perfect compressor from my needs and if it's used what I see before I make a deal with the owner? Thank you Safe driving!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Look back at my video S09E01 Portable Air Compressors. There are points in there that show the key differences between personal vs multi-tank fillers. I'll add that to my future ideas list.

[@Leon-os1uk]

Hi Alec which would you recommend a hot dipped steel tank vs a painted one for saltwater diving.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Totally up to you Len. The outside of both will corrode if not cleaned/washed especially the boot. I like painted so I can find my buddy quick (Kevin dives a pink tank you know!!!).

[@toriless]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter I like a bright yellow tank but I know someone who uses fluorescent pink. That is bit much for me.

[@jamesarneson7569]

Hi Alex I have enjoyed your tech tips for years. I purchased a new BCD last year, the Atomic Aquatic BC 1. Any tips for me on the care needed for this BCD.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Absolutely, read the owners manual, twice! Each manufacturer specifies the best service for their gear but few divers read it. The manual states how to drain, fill, open all pockets and put air into the BC while drying plus how all the dumps. Each point prevents a future problem if repeated as recommended. Nice BC pick James.

[@jamesarneson7569]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter thanks for the advice Alec

[@jamesarneson7569]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter thanks for the compliment on the bc..I have over the years used many different bc's and have found this to be the most comfortable and easiest to maintain neutral bouyancy with

[@jamesarneson7569]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter as an instructor one of the best pieces of information I have gotten from you is the advice about safe seconds and how the practice of building the safe second into the inflator is not a good idea and how it is more comfortable and safe to give the safe second to your buddy rather than your primary second stage

[@hearsejr]

I got a hose question I have not ran into till recently.. are all scuba low pressure 2nd stage hoses the same same size at the 2nd stage fitting? I recent bought a new octopus, that I am replacing the old Dacor Pacer with, and it comes with a 27" LP hose.. I want a little longer hose. The dive shop sells a 34" hose, but I'm not willing to take a chance on buying a non returnable hose that I'm not sure will fit my brand new almost stat of the art 2nd stage that appears to be a copy of the old 1989 vintage sea elite regulator that you could buy about $130 back then... Which just happens to look very similar to an old U.S. Divers 2nd stage.. lol So do I have to wait for my new 2nd stages to come in the mail.. hopefully Tuesday maybe... so I can walk in the dive shop to see if the hose will fit or are the hoses standards the same?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

First off every good dive shop should install and test it for you and if it does not fit, find a hose or 2nd stage adapter to make it work right. That is what pro's do, amateurs just sell and get you out and not accepting a return is bad business. Second, LP ports on 1st stages are standard across the majority of brands but the 2nd stage may be different. Best to take your 1st and new 2nd stage to the store for a longer hose. Ask questions if they don't explain what is going on and ask to watch so you know what is done. Get them to adjust the breathing effort on the new reg. If you walk out happy and maybe even smarter, that's a good store. Thanks for watching.

[@hearsejr]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter thanks. I will ask.

[@user-jy6vd3uw1m]

Alec, zeagle refused to even comment on the use of pure food grade silicone. I find this absurd. They instead recommend a shop service for this simple preventative maintence task, taking this from a 15 dollar expense for a bottle of food grade silicone to a 50 dollar a year expense. Is this anti-consumer friendly, or are they just worried about people using WD40? Does zeagle know something I don't about food grade silicone? What do you think about all this? Great video and thanks!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Manufacturers are primarily concerned with legal issues from anyone not 'approved' servicing their gear. I think its mostly lawyers and lawsuits not logic. A.

[@TheJoeyboots]

Is there a video where you rebuild completely a low pressure inflator?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Sorry but no Joe. I thought about doing that but most LPI have manufacturer specific steps and showing how one works may influence someone to take their different model apart and damage it. I want to give helpful information not destructive ideas to viewers. Appreciate you feedback Joe.

[@dtt3426]

i bought wd40 specialist water resistant silicone lubricant for my zippers on my wetsuit and boots. it says it contains petroleum distillates. would it be good on my power inflator valve as well. as shown in your vid

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Let me ask you this, would you spray WD40 on your hamburger and eat it? No way because it has petroleum distillates in it. WD40 stands for Water Displacement formulate 40. Use only "food grade silicone spray" as it is safe on food and to breath because it is inert inside the body. Be safe Duane.

[@dtt3426]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter i'm just trying to understand. the power inflator hose has nothing to do with breathing any substance would go into the bcd, is it the manual inflation part that's the problem . ps i wouldn't eat water soluble silicone i guess its just me 😁

[@chiranagheorghitaeugeniuth98]

we use a different method. we take off the inflator , we unscrew the spigot, put it in ultrsasonic, assemble back, run some vinegar throu it with the spigot adaptor, and after that we blow air to dry it and at the end rin that silicone. But sometimes we dissasemble the badic ones and change orings. And we never put nitrox throu it, always air or argon.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Do be careful with the ultrasonic cleaner as if left too long will erode the finish and speed up rust and pitting. Let me suggest video S08D07 Cleaning your Gear - Ultrasonic, for ideas and precautions when using an ultrasonic cleaner.

[@HhhHhhh-pe8qt]

👍

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks.

[@pricediver]

Hi Alec. I have an oceanreef full face mask. The first stage has a tik-tak sound every time I inhale. When I inhale fast and strong the sound disappears. But the click sound only last about 10mins. I finished the dive without any sound. It could be even from the second stage. Any ideas :))

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I'll offer a suggestion as I don't have the model of the 1st and 2nd stage. My thought is its in the 1st stage as the 2nd has a diaphragm and level to open/close the valve to the 1st. It may be your 1st stage is a diaphragm model needing a service as the internals are stiff when starting a dive then settle down after 10 minutes of breathing. Also check if there a anything loose on the FFM connection. If breathing is as easy as ever, may be ok to dive but if the noise increases or last longer each dive, get it checked by a pro. Enjoy the FFM they are nice.

[@pricediver]

Alec Peirce Scuba thank you so much!! This really helped

[@ts440s]

Hi Alec, if bubbles come from the power inflate valve while in water does that mean water has entered the first stage? Thanks

[@ts440s]

@Fluffy Hamster Yes but if a regulator hose is loose or a bad o ring and leaks bubbles i was told that water is entering the first stage so I thought it would be the same with a connected power inflator that is leaking at the connector.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

The PIV is a complicated device hidden from all divers for their own protection. A bubbling PIV could be many thinks such as; a cracked housing, damaged inflate/deflate button, or leaking out the oral inflate mouthpiece. Since it should never bubble best get it serviced as a failure during a dive, open or closed, is very unsafe.

[@ts440s]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Thanks, nice to see the GOAT still putting out videos. Once you stop Scuba online videos will never be the same.

[@seikibrian8641]

@@ts440s "if a regulator hose is loose or a bad o ring and leaks bubbles i was told that water is entering the first stage" That's very unlikely. Since the first stage is moving compressed air from the tank to the second stage, the bubbles are just compressed air being released the wrong way. But air going out does not mean water is going in.

[@omidn2876]

Where can I buy lube spray for my scuba equipment

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Check out Trident Scuba at www.tridentdive.com. Look for silicone food grade spray part # LP27

[@toriless]

My sounds effects are just as bad but I do a better bubbles noise.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I'll work on my sound effects.

[@markushesse3970]

Did this silicone thing twice (using a standard silicone spray), each time afterwards the power inflator was kind of blocked. On the first try, I thought it was related to the service which had been done immediately before, but it happened again last weekend. However, the inflator seems to "recover" but slowly, delivering some air again meanwhile. Weird, no? Inexplicable to me... anyone who had the same issue?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

If it was serviced properly and did a cleaning and it's still not 100%, try replacing the LPI hose (try a replacement in the store to see if it works before buying). May be contaminates inside the hose or try your hose on another BCD, do several inflate deflates to test. Still not right, retry the silicone cleaning 1 to 2 times and re test. Still not right, take it back to the shop for a checkup and try it in front of the technician. Suggest putting an IP gauge on it to check the pressure to the PIV. Hope these ideas help.

[@markushesse3970]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Thanks a lot Alec for this detailled answer, will follow that step by step. Stuff isn't old enough for simply throwin' away and replacing, so many thanks again!

[@piotrkubiec5549]

I wouldn't say the BCDs are not made to last long. We have in our voluntary fire department BCDs that are more than 10, 15 or even 25 years old and they all work like a charm. The thing is to take good care of the gear and it should last *minimum* 10 years easily when used for rec diving.

[@diematte1]

Agreed, I’ve seen many Buddy BCD’s from the 90s that still run nicely. The model took a long time to change, so the only way to tell the age is how washed out the colour is!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Let me update that with this addendum; 'for the average diver'. Fire departments and many public services are very budget restricted so they take superb care of what they have. However, having serviced thousands of BC's from average divers who do one pass under a tap is good enough after a weeks salt water diving then toss it in the garage till next year. I still have my wetsuit from 1968 and a lot of my first dive gear because I also take excellent care of it like you do. Thanks for watching Piotr.

[@piotrkubiec5549]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter in USA - yes, I can imagine that the US gov is spending a lot on rescue equipment. But not here in Poland - in our fire dept there's a lot of equipment that came from other countries, where it was meant to be retired. That's also why we have to take good care of what we have. The BCDs I mentioned are most basic Seemann sub BCDs from early 90s, maybe that's the key? There's really not much to break. But another thing You mentioned may also be crucial - we don't dive in salt water much, 99% dives are freshwater.

[@toriless]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Personally, I always rinse my BCD using the attachment you showed. I just found out about it while looking t other equipment an thought is was a good idea if it works and it did so I got extra ones. I keep one in each equipment case so I do not have to guess which one it is in.

[@ChaosTheory666]

After every dive?

[@Skunkiboi]

I'm diving in sweet water mostly. I'll add it to my "scuba gear maintenance calendar". Once every 5 years.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Not every dive but after a weeks diving or is storing for the winter it will keep the insides lubricated.

[@ChaosTheory666]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Thanks. I'll definitely consider adding this to the routine!

[@toriless]

@@Skunkiboi I would rinse everything after every dive. I have no idea about the lubrication. It is usually the drying that is pain not the rinsing.

[@ripman3616]

Can you use wd40?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Not recommended to use WD40. The silicone spray shown is non-toxic and safe to use around food and insert to the body. If any were to be inhaled, no problems. Breathing in WD40 fumes is bad (read the label for specifics if inhaled).

[@ripman3616]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter thank you. Keep the tech tips coming.

[@vpraczynski9013]

More proof that AP is the best.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Not sure what you mean by AP but thanks for watching.

[@vpraczynski9013]

Alec Peirce Scuba , AP=Alec Peirce.

[@toriless]

Introduction music is a bit loud.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thats all Kevin's job. I'm just The Talent!

[@timgosling6189]

Want to pay less for a BCD, get yourself a harness, backplate and wing. Altogether they may cost about the same, but when eventually you need a new wing it's going to be half the price of a jacket BCD and a lot easier to clean, rinse and dry.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Most experienced divers appreciate, as this group does, the backplate flexibly in setup and replacements over time. Most divers doing 4 to 6 dives a year are happy with a jacket or wing then leave it till the next trip. Tim, did you see my video on backplates? S09E21 Backplates - Are They For You?.

[@timgosling6189]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter just evangelising for the wing. I know they look scary if you've only ever seen a jacket BCD but as you know they are so much more simple. But whatever you have, encouragement to take care of your kit effectively is always a good thing. Great video.