Which methods are common for clearing water from a regulator second stage?

Which methods are common for clearing water from a regulator second stage?

• A. Depressing the purge button.
• B. Exhaling into the second stage.
• C. Holding the second stage over your head with the mouthpiece pointed down.
• D. Both the first and third answers are correct.

Answer: (D)

Water in a regulator second stage is cleared by using available air and gravity. Depressing the purge button sends a puff of air through the second stage, which pushes water out the exhaust valve and clears the mouthpiece quickly. Another practical method is to hold the second stage over your head with the mouthpiece pointed downward; this position uses gravity to help any water drain from the mouthpiece, making it easier to clear. Exhaling into the second stage isn’t a standard or reliable way to clear water, so it’s not commonly used. In short, purge to blast out the water, or orient the mouthpiece downward so gravity helps drain it.

Water in a regulator second stage is cleared by using available air and gravity. Depressing the purge button sends a puff of air through the second stage, which pushes water out the exhaust valve and clears the mouthpiece quickly. Another practical method is to hold the second stage over your head with the mouthpiece pointed downward; this position uses gravity to help any water drain from the mouthpiece, making it easier to clear. Exhaling into the second stage isn’t a standard or reliable way to clear water, so it’s not commonly used. In short, purge to blast out the water, or orient the mouthpiece downward so gravity helps drain it.