How a Snorkel Purge Valve Works

Most people have seen a standard "J"-shaped snorkel. One problem with this simple snorkel is that water tends to get into it when a snorkeler dives, and he has to exhale hard when he returns to the surface to get it out. The snorkel purge valve was designed to address this issue; it is a one-way valve at the bottom of the pipe that allows trapped water to fall out of the bottom of the snorkel as well as be expelled out of the top, making it easier for the snorkeler to clear water out of the pipe when he surfaces.

Instructions

    • 1

      Rise to the surface of the water after diving. Be sure that the top of your snorkel is above the level of the water.

    • 2

      Exhale to expel any water that is left in your snorkel. If you have a purge valve, there should be only a small amount of water left to expel.

    • 3

      Breathe in gently to avoid the possibility of inhaling any remaining water droplets. A properly functioning purge valve should prevent you from getting water in your mouth.

    • 4

      Keep the purge valve clean and free of debris to prevent the possibility of leakage.