Pee-Valves

[medic001918]

Hey guys,

I've been thinking about getting a pee-valve for my dry suit. I can't find a decent description of the difference between a balanced and unbalanced valve. Is one better than the other?

How hard are they to install?

I found this one on thedecostop, any thoughts? http://thedecostop.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27413

Seems to be a nice piece of gear for a fair price.

Thanks,
Shane

[Boris42]

I don't have a dry suit but what you need is a "Stadium Buddy". Simple way to solve the problem.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stadium_buddy

Just google Texas Condom or condom catheter.

[CompuDude]

That's certainly a good price for a pee valve, but of all I've read of them, the vast majority of people seem to prefer the balanced variety.

Stealing shamelessly from a few posts on TDS:

Unbalanced - You open the valve every time you have to pee and then close it back up when done. This creates a couple of problems. First, if you don't time it right, the cold water gets to places that don't like cold water, then you have to over pressure the entire length of the tube. Second, if you don't close it on time, you end up with a tube full of cold water or pee.

Balanced (check valve) - Open the valve and go dive. Pee as needed. The closer the check valve is to the pee valve itself, the less water pressure there is in the tube you will have to work against. One issue: Do not keep bolt closed on ascent... expanding gas can cause "issues".

Also see:

http://thedecostop.com/forums/showthread.php?p=149973

Are you doing dives that require one? I'm comfortable doing 90 min dives without needing one, but as I go further with technical training and do longer deco hangs, I can see the need for one. Given the hassle and potential for medical issues (UTIs are serious, esp for men), I don't have any interest in messing with one until my dives start to truly require it.

More required reading (grown-ups only!):

http://thedecostop.com/forums/showthread.php?t=438

[danielh03]

Don't you get into problems with pressure? If there is to much pressure in the tube and you attempt to unrinate, can't you perforate your ureathra?

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by danielh03

Don't you get into problems with pressure? If there is to much pressure in the tube and you attempt to unrinate, can't you perforate your ureathra?

No issue with pressure. We're talking water in water.

If the tube is bent, you're looking at a possible blowout (messy) or UTI, or even kidney infection. Worse if you aren't religious about cleaning the system regularly (and thoroughly).

http://www.thedecostop.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=19544

[MSilvia]

Originally Posted by danielh03

Don't you get into problems with pressure? If there is to much pressure in the tube and you attempt to unrinate, can't you perforate your ureathra?

I have an unbalanced valve, for what it's worth, and I once had a kinked hose. I can tell you from personal experience that if overpressurized, it's likely the catheter adhesive will fail. It might also take some skin with it. It's messy, and no fun, but you'd have to have a stronger adhesive (or weaker urethra) than I use for it to be a safety problem.

Speaking of torn skin, if you use one of these, be sure you trim first. If you get your hairs caught in the adhesive, you're bummin.

[danielh03]

Ah, I see said the blind man!

[medicdiver]

I just purchased a dry suit with a Pee Valve and I am a little nervous about using it. I am mainly nervous because I will be afraid of leakage into the dry suit. Oh well when the time comes, I guess I will see what happens.

[MSilvia]

Originally Posted by medicdiver

I just purchased a dry suit with a Pee Valve and I am a little nervous about using it.

IMHO, the best way to get over that nervousness is to hook it up and try it. If it doesn't leak, no worries. If it does, you can address the problem instead of imagining it.

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by MSilvia

IMHO, the best way to get over that nervousness is to hook it up and try it. If it doesn't leak, no worries. If it does, you can address the problem instead of imagining it.

That, and wide bands.

Just beware the hair!