LPG Bottle Basics
Your bottles will be connected to a pressure regulator that is usually mounted on the wall in the centre of the bottles. The automatic regulator switches the empty bottle to the full one.
When to order a refill
When the viewing window on your regulator, located between your two bottles, is green or clear, there is LPG in both bottles.
When the viewing window has turned completely red, it means one bottle is empty and it is time to order a new bottle.
It is important to monitor the window regularly so that your supply does not run out. Contact us as soon as it has gone completely red to order a replacement bottle.
Automatic regulators
There are a few different types of automatic regulators, with slightly different systems for showing when a bottle is empty. If you have any queries, give us a call on 0800 23 23 22.
Handy hint… Don’t adjust the directional arrow pointing to an empty bottle – it shows us which one to replace when we come to do the changeover.
Testing level of LPG
You cannot test the level of LPG by shaking or tapping the bottle – you could damage the bottle in the process.
The level of LPG in the full bottle is just over three-quarters of the bottle’s height, allowing for the expansion of the LPG.
If you would like to check the level, use this safe and accurate method:
- Pour warm water down the side of the bottle
- Wait a few moments
- Run your hand down the side of the bottle
- It will feel cool to the touch at the level of the LPG
Connecting your bottle
Connecting and disconnecting any LPG bottle needs to be done carefully and safely and we recommend you read our safety information sheets.
- Read this information sheet before connecting forklift bottles – Connecting a forklift cylinder information sheet.
- Read this information sheet before connecting and disconnecting other types of bottles – Connecting and disconnecting LPG bottles information sheet.
Bottle delivery information
Did you know that bottle exchange is done by one person? We take the health and safety of our staff very seriously so, if you are having LPG bottles delivered, there are a few safety non-negotiables you will need to consider.
Obstacles
Are there any obstacles that would make it difficult to deliver and install a large gas bottle (1.3m high)? Trolley access over delicate or decorative surfaces should be avoided. Ideally, there should be a firm path for our delivery person.
House proximity
A full bottle weighs approximately 90kg! Can our delivery person get close enough to the side of the house to unload the bottle without putting themselves at risk of injury?
Stair access
If access by stairs cannot be avoided, stair risers need to be less than 200mm high, treads more than 200mm wide, and the total rise of the steps needs to be no more than 1.5m.
Steep or long driveway
Can your driveway handle heavy vehicles? Is it too steep, soft, narrow or slippery/lacking grip? Do you have a particularly long driveway? Is there room for a large vehicle to turn around?
If we cannot safely access your property for any reason, we will contact you and try to resolve the problem. We will also leave a card behind detailing the problem.
A few other simple things will make all the difference for our delivery person or meter reader:
- Keeping your dog on a lead
- Making sure vegetation is trimmed back and safe
- Making sure steps and pathways are safe and secure
If you have any concerns, call us on 0800 23 23 22.
