What Is a Purge Valve on a Snorkel? Information, Tips and Gear

Getting a mouthful of seawater is a common and unpleasant part of snorkeling that can ruin an otherwise great time. For a long time, the only way to clear a water-filled snorkel was to give a hard blast of air, which takes a lot of effort and doesn't always work on the first try.

A simple device called a purge valve has largely solved this issue. It is a one-way valve at the bottom of the snorkel that lets water out easily without letting it back in. This guide will explain what a purge valve is, how it helps, and what to look for when choosing a snorkel.

What is a Snorkel Purge Valve?

A purge valve is a small, one-way valve at the base of the snorkel that allows water to drain out. Its position at the lowest point uses gravity to pull water away from your mouth.

How It's Built

The valve is located in a small chamber right below the mouthpiece. Any water that gets into the snorkel tube flows down into this chamber instead of into your mouth. The valve itself is a thin, flexible silicone flap that presses against a plastic housing to form a seal.

How It Works

The mechanism is very simple. When water from a wave or from dipping your head under gets into the snorkel tube, gravity pulls it down into the chamber at the bottom. To get the water out, you just exhale normally. This puff of air increases the pressure inside the snorkel, which pushes the silicone flap open and forces the water out. As soon as you stop exhaling or start to inhale, the water pressure outside the snorkel pushes the flexible flap shut again, sealing the valve so no water can get back in.

Why Use a Snorkel with a Purge Valve?

A snorkel with a purge valve offers practical benefits that make your time in the water more enjoyable.

Easier Water Clearing

The main advantage is that it requires much less effort to clear water from the tube. Without a purge valve, you have to use a lot of force to push a whole tube's worth of water up and out the top. This can be tiring and often leaves some water behind, causing you to sputter. With a purge valve, you're just pushing a small amount of water out of the bottom, which is significantly easier and more effective.

More Comfort and Confidence

Because it's so much easier to clear, a purge valve helps build confidence, especially for beginners, kids, or anyone who doesn't have strong lungs. The anxiety about clearing a flooded snorkel is greatly reduced. The reservoir system also means that minor splashes and trickles of water don't reach your mouth, which provides a drier and more comfortable experience overall.

Saves Energy

Every time you have to clear a snorkel forcefully, you use energy that could be spent swimming. Since the purge valve makes clearing water a simple action, you conserve energy. This allows for longer, more relaxed snorkeling sessions because you won't feel out of breath from managing your equipment.

Types of Snorkels

Snorkels generally come in three main types. The presence of a purge valve and other features is what separates the basic models from the more advanced ones.

• Classic Snorkel (J-Tube): This is the most basic design—just a simple tube and mouthpiece. It has no purge valve, so it must be cleared with a forceful blast of air. Some experienced freedivers and spearfishers prefer it because it has no moving parts and a streamlined design.
• Semi-Dry Snorkel: This type is a popular middle ground. It includes a purge valve at the bottom for easy clearing and a "splash guard" at the top. The splash guard helps deflect water from waves, preventing most of it from entering the tube in the first place.
• Dry Snorkel: This is the most advanced option, offering the driest experience. Like the semi-dry snorkel, it has a purge valve at the bottom. Its key feature is a mechanism at the top that completely seals the tube shut when you go underwater. When you resurface, the mechanism reopens. This combination keeps the snorkel almost entirely free of water.

How to Use and Maintain Your Snorkel

To get the most out of your snorkel, it is important to use the purge valve correctly and keep it clean. Proper care ensures the valve continues to seal properly.

Clearing Water: Surface Splashes vs. Post-Dive

Clearing your snorkel is straightforward, but the method changes slightly depending on how much water is in the tube.

• For minor splashes that enter the tube while you're at the surface, a short, gentle puff of air is all you need to push the small amount of water out through the purge valve.
• After a dive, when the tube is completely full of water, give one firm, steady exhale as you reach the surface. This single action will expel the water out of both the top of the snorkel and the bottom purge valve, clearing the airway completely.

Maintenance and Care Tips

Proper maintenance is essential for making sure the purge valve continues to work correctly. As we've covered, the valve is a delicate silicone flap, so it needs to be treated with care.

• Rinse After Use: Always rinse the snorkel with fresh water after you're done for the day, especially after being in salt water. Salt crystals can damage the silicone and interfere with the seal.
• Inspect the Valve: Periodically check the silicone flap for any sand, hair, or debris. Even a tiny grain of sand can prevent the valve from sealing properly.
• Clean Gently: If you find debris, run fresh water over the valve and gently squeeze the housing to help flush it out. Do not use any tools or sharp objects, as they can easily damage the flap.
• Store Correctly: Keep your snorkel in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, which can cause the material to become brittle. Make sure it isn't crushed under heavy gear, as this could warp the valve housing.

If you find your valve is leaking, the cause is almost always a piece of debris. Follow the cleaning steps above to fix it. If the valve still leaks or feels stiff, the silicone might be old and worn out, and it's likely time to replace the snorkel.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If you run into an issue with your purge valve, the fix is usually simple. Here are the two most common problems and how to solve them.

A Leaky Valve

The most frequent issue is a valve that lets a small but steady trickle of water in. The cause is almost always a tiny piece of debris—a grain of sand, a small piece of seaweed, or a strand of hair—caught between the silicone flap and its housing, preventing a perfect seal. To fix this, perform a thorough cleaning as described above. A good freshwater rinse after every snorkel is the best preventative measure.

A Stiff or Unresponsive Valve

If the valve feels stiff, is difficult to clear, or won't seal properly even after cleaning, the silicone has likely aged. Over time, exposure to sunlight and chemicals like chlorine can cause the silicone to lose its flexibility, become hard, or develop small tears. Unfortunately, a worn-out valve flap is not repairable. This is a sign that it is time to replace the snorkel to ensure your comfort and safety on future outings.

How to Choose the Right Snorkel

When buying a snorkel, knowing about the different types is the first step. After that, a few other features are worth paying attention to for the best comfort and function.

Key Features to Look For

• Mouthpiece: Look for one made of soft, high-grade silicone. It is more comfortable on your jaw than cheaper plastic or rubber and lasts longer.
• Tube Flexibility: Some snorkels have a corrugated, flexible tube near the mouthpiece. This allows the snorkel to drop away from your face when you are not using it, which is convenient for scuba divers.
• Mask Clip: Check that the clip that attaches the snorkel to your mask is easy to use but also feels secure.

Who Should Use a Purge Valve Snorkel?

A snorkel with a purge valve is a great choice for most people, including beginners, casual snorkelers, and families. The ease of use and comfort it provides make the experience more enjoyable for almost everyone. The only people who might not prefer it are some advanced freedivers or spearfishers who want the most streamlined and simple gear possible.

 

The purge valve is a small feature that makes a big difference. It solves the most common problem people have with snorkeling, making it easier and more accessible. By taking away the difficulty of clearing water, it allows more people to comfortably explore the underwater world. Considering a snorkel with this feature is a simple step toward ensuring your next trip to the water is a great one.