usvi-on-line
leaky mask
leaky mask
Okay all you snorkel gurus - I have a snorkel mask that leaks alot. It is probably 4 or 5 years old, and did not leak until just last year - I did buy a replacement, because I just couldn't enjoy snorkeling.
So my question is - Is this mask just trash - or can anything be done to remedy a leaky situation? It seems to seal when I first start out, but it's not very long into a snorkel when it starts filling up. What is the life-span of a mask?
It was not a cheap mask, but not a real high-priced one either. It was bought at one of the dive shops on St John.
I am trying to decide whether or not to take it along this trip.
So my question is - Is this mask just trash - or can anything be done to remedy a leaky situation? It seems to seal when I first start out, but it's not very long into a snorkel when it starts filling up. What is the life-span of a mask?
It was not a cheap mask, but not a real high-priced one either. It was bought at one of the dive shops on St John.
I am trying to decide whether or not to take it along this trip.
Patr
~~Longing to be back on St. John~~
~~Longing to be back on St. John~~
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Iguanaeddie
- Posts: 37
- Joined: Tue Oct 30, 2007 7:57 am
- Location: Northern Virginia
If you're a woman, please ignore that question 
I remember asking our local dive shop person how long a good quality mask lasts... he was vague, understandably, and said "for a long while". I guess it depends on how frequently it is used and how well it is cared for, etc. and maybe some luck is involved.
Have you let anyone else use your mask? That could also cause your perfect mask to start leaking.
My 4-year-old mask started leaking on St. John several years ago. I paid about $50 for it and I hated to just trash it. After I bought a replacement on the island, my husband carefully checked the leaking mask and found the cause of the leak. In my case, there was a tiny disjoint between the glass part of the mask and the silicone part. He put them back together and the mask was fine.
If the cause of the leak is a deformation of the silicone/rubber part, I don't know if it's fixable... I kind of doubt it but I'm not a snorkel gear expert.
Have you let anyone else use your mask? That could also cause your perfect mask to start leaking.
My 4-year-old mask started leaking on St. John several years ago. I paid about $50 for it and I hated to just trash it. After I bought a replacement on the island, my husband carefully checked the leaking mask and found the cause of the leak. In my case, there was a tiny disjoint between the glass part of the mask and the silicone part. He put them back together and the mask was fine.
If the cause of the leak is a deformation of the silicone/rubber part, I don't know if it's fixable... I kind of doubt it but I'm not a snorkel gear expert.
Leaky Masks
The big question is where is it leaking from?
If it is around the edge of the glass, you may very well be able to fix it by either readjusting the plastic or using some silicone type sealant. If its from the skirt area ( the soft part that molds to your face), it is less likely that you can fix it. Another cause of mask deterioration is if it is exposed to too much sunlight, or is stored in a way that distorts the skirt for a long time. Good luck, DD
If it is around the edge of the glass, you may very well be able to fix it by either readjusting the plastic or using some silicone type sealant. If its from the skirt area ( the soft part that molds to your face), it is less likely that you can fix it. Another cause of mask deterioration is if it is exposed to too much sunlight, or is stored in a way that distorts the skirt for a long time. Good luck, DD
