Regulator service

Regulator servicing is one of our specialties. Scuba Support in Hilversum, the Netherlands, has serviced regulators since the shop opened and has more than 20 years of experience doing it. Everything is done in our own workshop, with the right tools and original service kits.

Certified by the major brands

Our technicians are certified by most major brands, including Apeks, Aqua Lung, Mares, Scubapro, Tecline, Tusa and Ocean Reef. Every brand and model needs its own approach, so for us regulator service is not a side job but a craft. Read more about Scuba Support.

Which brands do we service?

Including Mares, Scubapro, Halcyon, Apeks, Ocean Reef, Tecline, Scubatec, Cressi, Tusa and Subgear. Not sure about your regulator? Contact us.

How a regulator service works

Every regulator goes through the same eight steps.

1. Intake

We discuss what needs to be done and whether you have noticed any problems. Do you have a previous service report? Bring it along.

2. Inspection

We inspect the set and take photos where needed, so the hoses go back exactly where you had them after the service.

3. Disassembly

• All hoses are disconnected and their O-rings removed; the valve is taken out of the inflator hoses.
• We check the hoses for drying out and damage.
• First stage, second stage, octopus and gauge or console are disassembled and checked for wear and defects.
• Mouthpieces get extra attention: small cracks often only show when you stretch the material slightly. A damaged mouthpiece is replaced.

4. Cleaning, rinsing and drying

Parts are first cleaned by hand; heavily contaminated parts go into an ultrasonic bath. A cleaner such as Blue Gold dissolves hydrocarbons. We then rinse everything and blow it dry with clean, oil-free compressed air. Every part is checked again.

5. Assembly with original service kits

We only use original service kits. Filters, seats and the key O-rings are replaced according to the manufacturer's guidelines. The inflator hoses get a new valve.

6. Adjustment

First we set the intermediate pressure (usually around 9.5 bar, depending on the brand). Then the cracking pressure and breathing resistance of the second stage.

7. Testing

• Intermediate pressure: stability and consistency.
• Breathing resistance: measured with a Magnehelic gauge.
• Vacuum test: does the second stage draw in any false air?
• Leak test: the pressurised set is submerged in water.

8. Collection

The receipt lists exactly what was done, including serial numbers. Want the replaced parts back? Let us know in advance when you drop off your regulator; by default we do not return them.

Nitrox and oxygen

• For use above 40% oxygen (for example decompression with Nitrox 50) we replace nitrile (NBR) O-rings with Viton or EPDM. NBR is not suitable for this.
• Silicone grease is dangerous in an oxygen set. For oxygen-rich use we use Christolube.

Hoses: when to replace them?

Hoses have a limited service life, even when they still look fine.

• Rubber hoses: replace after 10 years, following the DAN (Divers Alert Network) guideline.
• Miflex hoses: Miflex advises replacement after 5 years or 500 dives.

Because we usually cannot tell the age of a hose, we do not replace hoses as standard unless they are visibly worn or leaking. Want older hoses replaced? Let us know when you drop off your set.

Service just before your holiday?

A service replaces moving parts such as seats. Make two or three dives in controlled conditions first, for example in a pool, before you travel.

Also in our workshop: BCD and wing service, dive cylinder service and fill station. Looking for a new set? Browse our regulators and accessories.