Troubleshooting a Pump Leak

If you feel like your pump is not holding air, please follow the steps below:

1. Close the knob on your hand pump tightly all the way by turning it clockwise.
2. Fold the rubber hose that is on your hand pump in half and pinch it tightly closed with your fingers so that no air can pass through the hose.
3. Pump the hose full to 200-300mmHg. 
4. Let the needle settle. As the rubber stretches from the pressure, the pressure will go down until it equalizes. 
5. Make sure the release valve (little metal knob on the left side of the pump) is closed VERY tightly.  Sometimes you need to close this tighter than you might think. 
6. If the pressure is still dropping, then there is probably a leak in the diaphragm inside the pump and you can remove the needle and faceplate, and tighten the diaphragm down and retest.