Need regs serviced

[echopkb]

Newly certified divers here. My reg is a used Sherwood several years old I got from my cousin. Spouse's reg is a new Zeagle. I had my Sherwood reg serviced at LDS where we were certified before use two years ago. Been in the pool numerous times and four ocean dives and four quarry/spring dives. We were taught to get regs serviced every year. Well, it's been two and I think it's time. Called LDS and they are closed and don't know when they will reopen. Also said regs don't need to be serviced-not enough use time on them.

1. Confused-Every year is regardless of use...correct?
2. Have lost confidence in LDS (for several reasons, but this is most recent)-the only one in the area and maybe closed permanently.
3. How do I find reputable service?

 

[Marie13]

Dive Right in Scuba in the Chicago area gets lots of regs mailed in for service, so that is an option. They have been open throughout this stupid plague (by appt only for us local folk).

Click on the "Regulator Repair" tab on the below link.

Regulators & BCD Repair

 

[tbone1004]

1-only if you subscribe to that nonsense. Buy an IP gauge and you can check to see whether they need it or not yourself
2-not surprised
3-you send them out to shops that do a lot of service. Airtech in Raleigh NC would be my recommendation

 

[echopkb]

4. Our computers are attached to the first stage. Ship with or without computers?

 

[tbone1004]

4. Our computers are attached to the first stage. Ship with or without computers?

your call, but I'd tend to take them off

 

[Bob DBF]

+1 @tbone1004

The link below goes to the first thread in this forum which gives instructions for evaluating your reg for service, thanks to @couv

Regulator Inspection and Checklist (Rev-8)

 

[GJC]

1. It depends. Some manufacturers have some regulators that they now recommend servicing every 2 years, with an inspection by a certified technician on the year between servicing. If you are mechanically inclined, interested in learning how to inspect and monitor your regulators, are meticulous about cleaning and storing your regulators, and are comfortable in taking responsibility for a regulator failure if you go beyond the recommended service interval, then you may decide to use your regulators beyond the recommended service interval. Regulators made by the major manufacturers are well made and there are divers that have their regulators serviced only when they notice a change on inspection or in performance.

2 and 3. If you are OK mailing your stuff for servicing, you may choose from the above mentioned shops. They have good reputations. If you prefer to drop off and pick up from a shop and look the service technician in the eye, you need to find a local shop you can trust. All the instruction agencies have web sites you can use to find dive shops near you. Talk to your old instructor (if you trust him) and ask who he uses for servicing. Find a local dive club (most shops have an affiliated club) and chat up the members to see what their service experiences have been. Be prepared to drive an hour or 2 to get to a place you trust.

Be aware that occasionally a recently serviced regulator will free flow uncontrollably the first time it is used and will need to go back to the shop to be adjusted. It's a good idea to dive with a recently serviced regulator in a pool at least one time before you take it on a tropical vacation.

4. Most computer batteries should be changed every year, even if they were not used. If your are not going to change the battery yourself, mail it with the regulator and request that the battery be changed. It's usually not that expensive to get the battery changed and you really don't want to take a chance on having the battery die during a dive.

 

[Seahuntjerry]

+1 @tbone1004

The link below goes to the first thread in this forum which gives instructions for evaluating your reg for service, thanks to @couv

Regulator Inspection and Checklist (Rev-8)

Thanks Bob,Safe diving Kemps Cow Jerry

 

[echopkb]

Thanks for all the comments. All the tech and mechanical stuff is over my head.

 

[Umuntu]

Well, it's been two and I think it's time. Called LDS and they are closed and don't know when they will reopen. Also said regs don't need to be serviced-not enough use time on them.

Your LDS may well be right. Probably not a lot of dives on the reg. Probably only needs an inspection.

+1 @tbone1004

The link below goes to the first thread in this forum which gives instructions for evaluating your reg for service, thanks to @couv

Regulator Inspection and Checklist (Rev-8)