Is a leaking SPG hose dangerous?

Is a leaking SPG hose dangerous?

The first-stage end of your SPG (pressure gauge) hose has a fitting with a tiny hole in it.

This very small hole is a safety feature that prevents all your gas from escaping within seconds. Of course you lose gas, but you have enough time to act, swim to your buddy and make a safe ascent together. The leak is often caused by kinking the hose, where the metal ferrule of the fitting cuts into the hose. It can also be caused by wear or by dragging the hose over rocks. If a problem occurs, the most important thing is to abort your dive and surface safely together with your buddy. Once at the surface you can check where the leak is. If it is in the hose itself, do not try to repair it yourself, but buy a new one. In most cases it is an O-ring.

Swivel

At the gauge end, or the air-integrated computer end, there is a swivel. It connects the hose to the gauge so they can rotate relative to each other. This swivel has two O-rings. During a service they are greased to minimise wear. A leak can also be caused by dirt, wear, limescale or drying out. You see this with older hoses that are poorly maintained. To prevent awkward situations it is important to inspect your hose regularly. That little bit of extra attention really matters! Check the rubber for drying out and have your set serviced regularly.

Read more about our regulator service.

Published in: DUIKEN Magazine, January 2016 (column "Vraag het Eddy")

Text: Eddy van Vliet – Scuba Support

Photos: René Lipman – DUIKEN Magazine