How To Tell If a Gas Bottle Is Empty
Read your gas bottle indicator right!
This is one of the most common questions we get asked at Rockgas North. We know how frustrating it can be when you run out of gas, because you did not know how to check if the bottle is about to run empty.
Here’s the low down on how to check your gas cylinders…
Safety first. In order for your cylinder installation to operate safety and efficiently each cylinder should sit on a concrete pad or individual pavers. A safety chain should also secure your bottles to the wall to ensure they never fall over.
The change-over regulator (reg) is the gadget between your cylinders. If you have an automatic change over reg (pictured below) it will automatically switch from the empty cylinder to the full one when the first runs out.
If your cylinder station has a manual regulator, you will need to turn on the valve on your reserve cylinder once the first cylinder is empty. Gas is then drawn from the reserve cylinder. Your gasfitter should advise you which type of regulator your set up has installed.
How long will a gas bottle last?
One full bottle should last you approximately 6 – 8 weeks (for a family of 2 adults & 2 children – using LPG for hot water & hobs. Usage for gas fires or heaters will be different). It’s a good idea to get into the habit of checking the change-over reg. Your change-over reg will have a viewing window/indicator – when both cylinders are full, the viewing window will show as CLEAR, BLACK OR GREEN. When this is showing RED it means that a bottle is empty and it’s time to call Rockgas for a new one. See the examples above.
Handy Hint:
Many people mistaken the directional arrow for a change-over valve. Please don’t adjust the directional arrow on the regulator. This only indicates to the driver which gas bottle is empty.
How To Tell If a Gas Bottle Is Empty
If you would like to test the level of LPG in the bottle the safe and accurate way is to:
- Pour warm water down the side of the bottle. (not boiling water)
- Wait a few minutes
- Run your hand down the side of the bottle
- It will feel cool to the touch at the level of LPG or may even form a condensation line at this level.
- That’s it, you now know how much gas is left in your bottle
- Does your bottle need a refill? Order online here
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