How to Change a Gas Bottle – Gas Bottle Changeover Valve
When you run out of gas, you need to know how to change a gas bottle.
The gas bottle changeover valve allows you to switch between drawing from two gas bottles.
It can be an automatic gas changeover valve or a manual gas changeover valve.
Gas changeover valve instructions, how to turn on gas bottles and more.
We are here to help with information on everything you need to know…
How LPG Works
LPG – Liquefied Petroleum Gas – is stored under pressure as a liquid in a gas bottle.
It turns back into a gas when you release some of the pressure in the gas bottle by turning on your appliance.
A regulator ensures a consistent pressure is safely delivered from the gas bottle to your appliances.
How Many LPG Gas Bottles Do I Need?
We provide most homes with two 45kg gas bottles.
With two gas bottles, you turn the gas bottle changeover valve and call to order as soon as one gas bottle is empty, while continuing to use the other gas bottle.
This gives you an uninterrupted supply of gas.
The following short video (2:37) explains why you need 2 bottles, how the gas bottle changeover valve works and how to tell how much gas is left…
How Are the Gas Bottles Connected to My Home?
The gas bottles are connected by tubing, known as “pigtails”, to a gas bottle changeover valve and the gas bottle changeover valve is connected to a gas regulator.
A gas line then runs from the gas regulator to your appliances.
To change a gas bottle, the gas bottle changeover valve controls which gas bottle is in use.
For more info, please see Home LPG Gas Regulators & Fittings
Gas Regulator, Gas Bottle Changeover Valve & Gas Pigtail | Gas Fitter
The property owner engages a licensed gas fitter to install the gas regulator, gas bottle changeover valve and the gas pigtail pair.
The gas fitter installs these gas fittings and connects the gas line from the regulator to your appliance(s).
These components and the appliances are purchase by and the property of the homeowner.
ELGAS owns and provides the gas bottles.
If you just moved into a home that already has LPG, all of this would have previously been done.
Get $100 in LPG Account Credits!
Choice of 2-Year Fixed or Variable 45kg Gas Bottle Price
No Lock-in Contracts
We return your old gas bottles for you
It is a great time to switch to ELGAS
How to Change a Gas Bottle with a Gas Bottle Changeover Valve
Automatic Gas Changeover Valve
An automatic gas changeover valve automatically switches from one gas bottle to another, when one is empty, so you don’t have to change a gas bottle.
To do this, both gas bottle valves are left in the OPEN position.
Several types of automatic gas changeover valve are available.
All use a visual indicator to show you when a gas bottle is empty and it has switched over to the other gas bottle.
The automatic gas changeover valve indicator typically turns red when the first bottle is empty.
Do not touch or turn the indicator.
When it turns red, that’s your signal to call Elgas for a delivery.
We will replace the empty bottle with a full one and reset the indicator.
If you have an automatic gas changeover valve, you do not need to do anything.
However, you won’t have the manual gas changeover valve process as a reminder to order more gas, so be sure to check your gas bottles regularly.
Manual Gas Changeover Valve
Your gas supply will stop when a gas bottle is empty and you need to change a gas bottle.
1. Turn the hand wheel on the empty gas bottle OFF (clockwise).
2. You then move the manual gas changeover valve lever to point towards the other (full) gas bottle.
3. Turn the hand wheel on the full gas bottle ON (anti-clockwise).
4. Please remember to order a replacement gas bottle so you don’t run out.
5. Please note that, in the picture shown, the manual gas changeover valve lever (blue) is pointing upwards just to make it more visible.
In actual use it would be set to the left or right.
How is LPG gas delivered to my home?
You have two LPG Gas Delivery Options to get gas for your home:
Automatic Tanker Delivery Service
The perfect easy-to-use choice if you are new to LPG, Automatic Tanker Delivery means no calling to order gas or checking your gas bottles.
We calculate your gas usage, based on history, and schedule your deliveries
You get direct refills from our tanker truck to your home’s gas bottles
It really is Effortless LPG™
LPG Gas Bottle Exchange Delivery
With our Gas Bottle Exchange Delivery, we deliver filled LPG gas bottles to your home and remove the empty gas bottles, as you use your LPG bottled gas.
You simply move the manual gas changeover valve lever and order when one LPG gas bottle is empty and we will be there with to change a gas bottle with another full gas bottle.
We detach and attach the gas bottles for you.
How do I order my LPG gas?
To start, you Set Up a New Account Online. It’s fast and easy.
Then you can Reorder LPG Online… fast and easy.
Remember to Order When the First Bottle Runs Out
Ordering as soon as the first bottle runs out is your way to ensure that you always have a continuous supply of LPG.
LPG delivery schedules can vary. The more remote your location, the longer the interval between route schedules for your area.
If you live near your supplier’s depot, you may be able to get a delivery within a day.
If you live quite a distance from your supplier, you might be scheduled for deliveries on one particular day a week or a similar arrangement.
However, the good news is that ELGAS is the largest LPG supplier in Australia. We have hundreds of branches, agents, and distributors around the country so you shouldn’t be too far from the source.
So, just remember to order promptly as soon as the gas changeover valve is switched over.
Gas Bottle Not Working
If you gas bottle is not working:
- Check to make sure the active gas bottle is turned on.
- Make sure the gas changeover valve points to the active bottle.
- Using the hot water test, check to see if either gas bottle has any gas left. If not, you may need to switch to the full gas bottle with the changeover valve.
- If both bottles are empty, contact your supplier for a gas delivery and tell them you need two gas bottles.
Eric Hahn has over a decade of experience in the LPG industry and has become a key figure in shaping how LPG is marketed and communicated. As the creator of one of the world’s first LPG blogs, Eric has authored over 200 technical posts, helping educate and inform the industry and consumers.
Eric has served on multiple committees for Gas Energy Australia and the World LPG Association (WLPGA), contributing to important discussions and advancements within the global LPG sector. He has presented at WLPGA Annual Conferences, sharing his expertise as a speaker, panellist, and panel chair.
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