LPG gas bottles and regulators: signs of a problem and what to do
Many Sunshine Coast and hinterland homes run on LPG from a pair of 45 kg bottles. When the cooktop flames drop or the gas hot water runs cold, the bottles and regulator are a good place to start.
Written by Cassel’s Plumbing & Gas, Bli Bli. Facts checked against the official sources listed at the end. Updated 11 October 2026.
If you smell gas
Smell gas? Turn off your gas appliances. Don’t light flames or switch lights or appliances on or off. Open doors and windows. Turn off the gas at the bottle if you can do so safely, then move away and call a licensed gasfitter or your gas supplier’s emergency line from outside. If you can still smell gas after the supply is off, or there’s a fire risk, call 000.
LPG is heavier than air, so it can collect in low spots such as drains and pits. Keep people and pets away until it has been checked.
How a two-bottle setup works
Two 45 kg bottles sit side by side, both with their valves open.
An automatic changeover valve draws from one bottle until it runs out, then switches to the other. Its indicator typically turns red when the first bottle is empty. That’s your cue to order a refill, not a fault.
A regulator drops the bottle pressure to the steady, low pressure your appliances are built for.
Pigtails (short flexible hoses) connect each bottle to the changeover valve.
Who owns what matters when something wears out. With bottle-exchange suppliers such as Elgas, the supplier owns the bottles, while the regulator, changeover valve, pigtails and appliances belong to the homeowner and are installed by a licensed gasfitter. Check your own supplier’s terms.
Warning signs
Low or weak flames on every burner at once, while the bottles still have gas.
Flames that sputter or aren’t steady, which can mean low supply or a faulty appliance.
Yellow or orange flames instead of a steady blue flame, or discolouration on an appliance’s case. The appliance needs a service: a faulty gas appliance can produce carbon monoxide, which you can’t see or smell.
Burners that won’t stay lit, or an igniter that clicks without lighting.
Gas hot water running lukewarm, especially when other gas appliances are weak too.
Hissing or a gas smell around the bottles, regulator or pigtails.
Damage or corrosion on the bottles, regulator or hoses.
Regulators don’t last forever
Regulators sit outside in all weather, and their parts wear. After LP gas regulators without over-pressure protection let high pressure through to appliances, causing leaks that ignited, RSHQ issued a safety alert recommending that any LP gas regulator installed for more than 10 years be checked by a gas work licence holder or your LP gas supplier.
If yours is over 10 years old, corroded, or linked to any of the warning signs above, have it checked and replaced if needed. Replacing a regulator or changeover valve is gas work, so it must be done by a licensed gasfitter, who then tests the system for leaks and correct pressure.
What you can check yourself, and what you can’t
Safe to check
That both bottle valves are open, and the colour of the changeover indicator.
Whether the other gas appliances in the house work.
The test date stamped on any bottle you own, such as a 9 kg barbecue bottle. It’s valid for 10 years, and an out-of-date bottle can’t be refilled.
After connecting a barbecue bottle, brush soapy water over the connection with the gas on. Bubbles mean a leak: turn it off and don’t use it. Never test with a flame.
Leave to a licensed gasfitter
Installing, replacing or adjusting regulators, changeover valves, pigtails and pipework
Connecting, moving or repairing gas appliances
Moving where the bottles sit
In Queensland, only a licensed gasfitter can carry out gas work, and only trained people with special equipment should refill cylinders. You can check a gasfitter’s licence on the public register in the RSHQ Portal.
Where bottles can go
Exact distances come from the gas standards, and the gasfitter sets out the position. In general terms, bottles must be:
Outdoors, upright and on a solid base where water doesn’t collect
In a well-ventilated spot, not in an alcove, an enclosure, or under the house or stairs
Clear of windows, doors and vents
A safe distance from drains, pits and other openings to spaces below ground, because LPG sinks
Away from ignition sources such as power points, switches, air conditioners, pumps and lights
If a new air conditioner or pool pump later ends up inside the bottles’ safety zone, the gas supplier isn’t allowed to deliver until it’s fixed.
Moving from natural gas: converting appliances
If you’ve moved from Brisbane or interstate with a natural gas barbecue, heater or cooktop, it can’t simply be hooked up to LPG. LPG is delivered at a higher pressure than a natural gas appliance is built for, and the Queensland Government warns that connecting an unconverted appliance could result in serious injury or death.
Conversion must be done by a licensed gasfitter, who first checks the appliance and pipework are suitable.
Some appliances aren’t designed or certified for LPG and can’t be converted.
The gasfitter certifies the work. Keep the paperwork, as a gas inspector can ask for it.
The Queensland Government advises having gas appliances periodically serviced by a licensed gasfitter. As a guide, Western Australia’s energy safety regulator suggests at least every two years (or as the manufacturer says), and yearly once an appliance is over 10 years old.
What customers say
★★★★★
Clayton Cassel came and repaired a faulty gas regulator at very short notice on a Saturday morning, so that we could have hot water over the weekend. Thank you Clayton!!!
Kerry Pengelly · Google review
★★★★★
Can highly recommend Cassel's Plumbing & Gas after having a gas cooktop & oven repaired recently. Clayton was very professional and knowledgable and knew straight qway from my phone call what the problem was.
There’s no single fixed interval, but RSHQ recommends having any LP gas regulator installed for more than 10 years checked by a gas work licence holder or your gas supplier. Replace it sooner if it is damaged, corroded or causing low flames.
Why are my gas flames yellow?
A yellow or orange flame instead of a steady blue one is a sign the appliance needs a service. Stop using it if there is soot or a smell, and have a licensed gasfitter check it.
The changeover indicator has turned red. Is something broken?
Usually not. On most automatic changeover valves, red means the first bottle is empty and the system has switched to the second. Order a refill.
Can I replace my own gas regulator?
No. In Queensland, installing or replacing a regulator is gas work and must be done by a licensed gasfitter.
