Choose a subject from the tabs
I need to return my drysuit to you
To return a drysuit to us you will need a returns number. Please visit our returns page here and follow the instructions.
My feet are getting wet
Wherever you may have a leak, the resulting water will invariably end up in your boots. In the majority of cases it will not be your boots causing your wet feet, it is more likely to be a loose neck seal, even if there is no trace of water near the top half of your suit. It has also been known for excessive sweating to cause a build up of water around a diver's feet!
Owing to the manner in which most dry suit boots are manufactured, it is possible to experience some bubbles emerging from between the rubber lamination and the external lining of drysuit boots.
It is easy to mistake these small bubbles as indication of a leak. A simple pressure test can determine whether there is a problem.
Help - My new dry suit is leaking!
Although frustrating, a leaking drysuit is often very simple to rectify. The obvious first move is establishing the location of the leak. Modern base layer fabrics do not absorb water, so the point where you think there might be a leak may not be correct.
The cause of most leaks in the majority of cases is the drysuit valves or a seal. The tabs 'Valves' 'Seals' and 'Seams' contain information which will solve many drysuit leak problems.
Valves
The valves fitted to your suit were tight before they left Northern Diver, however, the neoprene around your valves will compress. You must pay particular attention to this area and if you notice a leak then consult your nearest dealer or alternatively our repairs department on 01257 256937.
I am getting wet around my Auto dump
As with most things, you may have to look at several possible causes. If you do not find the answer to your problem below, for more detailed information please refer to your user manual, or contact our customer service team on 01257 256933
The Actual Dump Valve
Double check that the valve is screwed tightly into your suit.
This is the reason for most leaks around the valve area.
Servicing
The auto dump valve is a reasonably straightforward piece of equipment.
Rinse your valve well after each use and it should give you years of trouble free service.
Please refer to your user manual or authorised dealer for more detailed servicing information if required
I am getting wet around my inlet valve - what do I do?
As with most things, you may have to look at several possible causes. If you do not find the answer to your problem, for more detailed information please refer to your user manual. However, if all else fails please get in touch.
The Actual Inlet Valve
Double check that the valve is screwed tightly into your suit. This is the reason for most leaks around the valve area.
Hose length
If you are a larger diver or you have re-routed your direct feed hose, your hose may well be a little short, which in turn might pull your valve at an angle slightly away from its rubber mounting pad. A hose 6cm/3" longer will solve this.
Hose coupling
Often neglected, the inflation hose needs to be carefully maintained. Take a close look inside, at the end of your hose, there are a lot of moving parts here. Salt water and general diving debris love this kind of area. This area must be kept clean and occasionally lubricated with a light lubricating agent to prevent leaking such as silicone spray.
Puncture around the valve
Although rare, the nipple on your inlet valve can puncture the area next to the valve mounting pad. This type of damage can be repaired easily on the inside of your suit. Please contact our repairs department before undertaking this kind of repair.
Servicing
The inlet valve is a fairly simple piece of kit. Rinse your valve and hose well after each use and it will give you years of trouble free service. Please refer to your user manual or contact your approved dealer for more detailed servicing information if required.
Can you tell me to what degree the suit will loose buoyancy at depth (>10m) due to the neoprene being 'squeezed'.
its impossible to say as every individual has there own unique buoyancy characteristics. Whilst the suit is pre-compressed it will still compress and therefore you will still get buoyancy changes, however these will be less than with standard 8 mm neoprene.
As with all new suits the suit will need a few dives just to bed in and once this has happened you may find that it's possible to shed weight from your weight belt.
Seals – general
Be sure that your seals are fitting correctly. We do not like to use the word tight, but your seals must be snug in order to work correctly. Seals, especially the neck, will stretch over time. If your seals are loose or become loose, please get in touch with us and we will replace or repair them for you. When using neoprene seals it is important to lubricate the seals liberally with baby lotion to make the seal comfortable.
Check that the "skin" side of the seams are firmly bounded together.
Please refer to the user manual for more detailed information.
My seals are too tight
It's a fine line when it comes to the fitting of seals.
It is always best for your seals to start off a little snug. They will stretch with time. A year or so into the life of a neoprene seal it is not unusual to be taking them in. On a new suit this is done free of charge. Do not dive in seals that appear to be too tight but do try to use some form of lubrication such as baby lotion, you will be amazed at the difference. However, if you are not diving very often you can help the stretching process in two ways. Firstly, your wrist seals can be stretched by lubricating your seals with baby lotion and then pushing an item such as a bottle down into them.
Leave them overnight and you will ease the tightness. Leave them for two days and you will gain a little more. A similar thing can be done with your neck seal. Ease your seal over a single 10/12 litre cylinder or similar. Again, leave over night and you will notice the difference. The stretching process above should solve most, if not all, tight seals. Secondly, both wrist and neck seals can be trimmed back. Consider this only after stretching. PLEASE REFER TO THE TRIMMING INSTRUCTIONS SUPPLIED WITH YOUR DRYSUIT. Remember, it is always best to cut a little bit at a time. Do not hack and slash and then regret it. If in doubt please get in touch with us.
Why do my latex seals seem to be wearing out so quickly?
Northern Diver seals are manufactured from premium, ultra-pure latex. One of the major enemies of latex is ozone, UV light, extreme cold and extreme heat. Many people store their drysuits in areas where these conditions are prevalent, such as garages and next to boilers - it is important to try to minimize contact with these conditions by storing your drysuit in a more suitable location.
Seams
All Northern Diver drysuits are pressure tested prior to being despatched. It is highly unlikely that a seam or panel failure has occurred, but if in doubt please call our customer services department on 01257 256933.
Do Northern Diver carry out repairs to other brands of drysuits?
Normally no - we recommend that you contact the manufacturer of your suit or the retailer from where it was purchased.
How long will it take to make my “Made-to-Measure” drysuit?
Normally 3-4 weeks for your new suit to be delivered to you. If for any reason there is a delay we will contact you to explain why.
How do I store my drysuit?
The first thing to ensure before storing your drysuit is that it is completely clean and dry. Having washed all salt, grit and dirt (and sweat!) with luke warm water, the suit should be hung with the zip open and in a well ventilated area. Once the suit is completely dry it can be stored on a hanger, in a dry place and away from direct sunlight.
Northern Diver offer a specially designed drysuit hanger which allows the suit to be hung upside down by the boots for drying purposes. Also available is a heavy-duty storage hanger. Alternatively, the drysuit can be rolled up carefully, having wrapped the boots in cloth or bubble wrap, and put into the bag which is supplied with the suit.
