A drysuit is a significant investment and requires periodic servicing, but a well-maintained, quality suit can last for years. Here are some tips to keep your drysuit at its best.

• Dust wrist and neck seals with talcum powder before pulling them over your hands and head. Talcum powder eliminates virtually all resistance between skin and seals, allowing them to slip on without stressing the rubber.

• Apply zipper wax before zipping up the waterproof zipper. Use only the manufacturer’s wax that’s specifically formulated for your drysuit zipper. Apply the wax only on the outside of the teeth so as not to interfere with the zipper’s inner sealing surfaces.

• After diving, give the suit a thorough freshwater rinse, including seals and valve casings.

• If it’s a fabric suit, wipe down the outside with a microfiber towel and install the protective cap on the inlet valve to avoid corrosion building up inside the valve, which can cause a stuck inflator button. If it’s a neoprene suit, just pat it down lightly, cap the valve, unzip and climb out.

• Rinse off the inside. This is easier for drysuits with soft socks that can be turned inside out. Suits with attached boots can be difficult, but get them turned inside out as much as you can. Keep in mind that the insides of the boots are going to take longer to dry. Make sure they are completely dry before putting the suit into storage.

• Hang the suit in a cool, dry place out of the sun, preferably on a heavy-duty hanger like the Designed Suit Hanger from Waterproof.

• Get an annual inspection and pressure test. You might discover minor issues before they ruin a dive.

Despite all that sometimes you just need a new drysuit. Maybe time has just taken its toll or maybe you just want an upgrade. Whatever the case may be check out ScubaLab's latest Drysuit Review.