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Troubleshooting & Suit Testing
NOTE: A properly functioning drysuit is a closed environment and a certain amount
of condensation on the inside of the suit is natural. Divers exerting a lot of energy
or spending time above water on a warm day with the suit closed will notice this
more.
Zip leaks
Slider not closed all the way – have your buddy check for full closure.
Zip has failed – inspect for split in closed teeth.
Zip material failed – can either be punctured or damaged by abrasion.
Foreign material caught in teeth – dirt, sand, debris, or the drysuit undergarment is
frequently the trouble.
The zip is old, worn out, or damaged in some other way – have it replaced.
Improper or inadequate lubrication of the zip.
Valve leaks
Installation has loosened. Check back plate screw for tightness. This sometimes
happens in neoprene suits, as the neoprene may continue to compress over time.
Tighten if needed.
The exhaust valve may be improperly adjusted, or there may be debris (sand, hair,
etc.) under the seal.
Valve parts may need servicing or replacement due to use and wear.
Seal leaks
Seals leak for two reasons, damage or interference.
Check the seals for holes or tears caused by sharp objects, wear and tear, or
chemical damage.
Check that there are no foreign objects such as hair and sections of undergarment.
Check for over trimming.
Check they adjusted properly and do not have folds that can create leaking
channels, especially around the tendons in wrists.
Damage to suit fabric
The suit fabric may leak due to wear, abrasion, puncture or tearing.
Avoid sharp and abrasive objects.
Divers exposed to corrosive chemicals must take extra care cleansing and rinsing
the suit after each exposure. Some chemicals can degrade or de-laminate the suit
materials to the point of failure.
NDiver Drysuit Manual | East Quarry, Appley Lane North, Appley Bridge, Wigan, WN6 9AE, UK
Leak testing your suit
Your drysuit can be tested for leaks by plugging the wrist
and neck seals with objects of suitable size, closing the
zip and using the low-pressure inflation hose attached
to the inflate valve to inflate the suit. Wrap an elastic
band around the seal to help the plug stay in place under
pressure. Start with the adjustable exhaust valve set at
the lowest release pressure, and gradually increase until
the suit is firm, but not hard. This way you will not stress
the seals, fabric or seams of the suit.
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