Few things are more inconvenient than a persistent dive mask leak during a scuba dive, but luckily we have some solutions.
While not critical or dangerous, the constant seeping in of water, as well as having to stop and empty your dive mask on a regular basis, is truly irksome and can make a part of your dive annoying.
A leaking dive mask may indicate a faulty or ill-fitting unit, and in some cases, replacing the mask with a new, well-fitting model is the only solution.
However, before you throw away your dive mask, try these fixes first.
Check for a proper fit
The first step is to ensure that the mask fits correctly on your face. This is accomplished by placing the mask on your face without attaching the mask strap.
Simply leave it hanging beneath the mask. Gently inhale while holding the mask against your face. Allow the mask to fall away as you inhale.
If the mask falls off your face, it is too small. If it stays on (while you’re inhaling), you’re good to go.
You know the mask fits you now, so if it’s leaking, it’s not the fit.
Your problem should be fixable as long as the mask skirt is intact all the way around, the glass is free of holes and gaps, and there are no holes anywhere.
Look out for hair and hoods
Any object, no matter how thin, trapped beneath the skirt of the mask will allow water to enter the mask.
Often, the problem is the hood, if you’re wearing one, or strands of hair. Even a few strands can serve as a wick, allowing water to enter continuously.
Before beginning the dive, make sure your mask skirt is not folded on itself in any way and that there are no objects trapped beneath it.
Relax your grip
When attempting to repair a leaking mask, a novice’s mistake is to tighten it even more. But, more often than not, this exacerbates the problem.
When a mask is worn too tightly, the skirt will warp and potentially leak water. Tightening it further will cause the problem to persist or worsen.
Instead, attempt to loosen it. When wearing a mask, the strap should be worn so loosely that the strap itself becomes ornamental once you’re underwater and the pressure of the water holds the mask in place.
Of course, the strap keeps the mask on your face above water, but below it should be mostly done by the pressure of the water. So take a few notches off the mask.
ALSO READ : 9 Things That Can Ruin Your Dive Gear
Shave to improve mask fit
Facial hair can cause the same issues as head hair and can become trapped beneath the mask skirt.
If your dive mask keeps leaking, consider shaving at least the upper lip if you have a bit of scruff or a full beard. Hey you never know, that Amish look could set a trend!
I can go two days without shaving, but on the third day, my mask starts leaking, forcing me to use the razor. If you don’t want to shave your stache, a dab of vaseline can sometimes help.
Surprisingly, the vaseline trick has occasionally worked for women as well, and one woman I used to dive with used to rub vaseline all around the skirt of her mask.
Perhaps this helps to even out minor skin imperfections?
It’s worth a shot in any case.
Just wait until tomorrow
Sometimes there is nothing that can be done. Whatever you do, the mask continues to leak.
Even my trusty Scubapro Frameless, which fits my face like it was molded from it, occasionally leaks for no apparent reason.
My face appears to be bent out of shape on some days. Maybe it’s because I slept on the other side that night, or it could be the temperature of the mask. I’m not sure. Some days, however, it simply leaks.
Accept it, use it as a chance to practice your mask clearance drills, and wait until tomorrow. If the mask fit perfectly yesterday, it will most likely fit perfectly again tomorrow.
