When to replace hoses?

[liuk3]

How often do you guys replace the hoses on your regulators and SPG? Do you wait until it leaks or change preemptively? My hoses are starting to bulge a little by where the hoses come out of both of the first stages. They have about 500 dives on them. I have spare hoses lying around which I will swap out at some point, but it got me wondering what everyone else's experience has been. Also, how long do the hoses last if they are stored in a cool dark place (i.e. Pelican case in my closet)? Do I need to worry about the spare hoses rotting or losing structural integrity if stored and not used? The spare hoses came from a scuba setup I made for my wife a while ago, but she no longer dives. Thanks.

[Mo2vation]

I have a spare hose to replace all of my hoses in my expedition spares kit. But this only comes on overnight trips.

I keep a 6" deco bottle hose and an HP hose in the dry box, which goes on every dive. I've never had an HP (SPG) hose burst without warning, but I have had a 6" do that.

The HP hoses will begin to "weep" before they go. Generally.

When your LP hoses start to check or bubble, replace 'em.

Hoses are the cheapest part of your kit. Don't mess around. Buy two - keep one close and keep the ones on your reg set fresh.

500 dives is what, 2 years or so? Not a long life, but this is SoCal, and our weather eats rubber (how are those wipers treating your windshield these days?)




-Ken

[fdog]

I have a spare hose to replace all of my hoses in my expedition spares kit. But this only comes on overnight trips.

I keep a 6" deco bottle hose and an HP hose in the dry box, which goes on every dive. I've never had an HP (SPG) hose burst without warning, but I have had a 6" do that.

The HP hoses will begin to "weep" before they go. Generally.

When your LP hoses start to check or bubble, replace 'em.

Hoses are the cheapest part of your kit. Don't mess around. Buy two - keep one close and keep the ones on your reg set fresh.

500 dives is what, 2 years or so? Not a long life, but this is SoCal, and our weather eats rubber (how are those wipers treating your windshield these days?)




-Ken

+1


All the best, James

[JS1scuba]

Every 5 years or 500 dives which ever comes first. Some may last longer, others shorter but the 5/500 works best.

Cheers
JDS

[w ripley]

Your dive gear is what keeps you alive, and it's important that it is in the best condition that you can keep it.

You wouldn't let your tires on your car/truck wear thru to the tread or blow before you replaced them. Same with fan belts, oil changes, etc. Diving isn't a cheap "hobby" but it is one that is deadly serious. IMO it's better to err on the side of replacing your hoses and other gear once it has a been used for a while (you decide what that means based on the type of diving you do) than to wait for it to fail.

Rubber hoses tend to show their age better than the Miflex, so if they are cracking, stiff, etc., it's time to replace. Obviously any issue like a bulge, crack, etc., means "don't bet your life on it." So, when in doubt replace.

BTW, I like the 5 years/500 dive rule, or one that fits how you dive. That does mean keeping accurate records on all of your dive gear, and I doubt many do. I also carry around a lot (did I say a lot) of replacement parts when I dive. It adds more gear, but I'm always surprised what fails before or during a dive, and always when you're not close to home or a shop.

Bill

[liuk3]

Thanks for the replies. Seems like I've gotten the right use out my hoses over the past couple of years, so I can't complain. There have been champagne leaks in the hoses in various spots in addition to the bulging at the first stages, so it's pretty obvious that I need to quit being lazy and replace them. Thanks.