In Australia, you would typically have two 45kg LP gas cylinders on a residential property. An LPG (propane) gas change over valve controls which gas cylinder is being used.
Used correctly, it keeps you from running out of gas. Learn what change over valves are, how they work, and which type to choose.
Why do I need 2 cylinders for the LP gas bottle change over?
The simple answer is “So you don’t run out of gas” but even two cylinders are no guarantee if you don’t know the “how” and “why”. While you should have two LP gas bottles you only draw gas from one at a time.
There is a change over valve installed between the gas cylinders and your regulator. This valve controls which cylinder is in use. Th e concept is that you order your gas delivery as soon as the first cylinder runs out. This provides plenty of time to get your gas delivered with virtually no risk of ever running out. Watch how to change with this VIDEO.
The Truth about LP Gas Deliveries
Even the best LPG supplier can’t be everywhere, every day. They have schedules and routes that they follow. The more remote your location, the longer the interval between route schedules for your area. So, if you live near you supplier’s depot, you may be able to get a delivery on any day and within a day.
If you live quite a distance from your supplier, you might be scheduled for deliveries on one day a week or a similar arrangement. However, the good news is that the largest LPG supplier has hundreds of branches, agents, and distributors around the country, so you shouldn’t be too far from the source. The bottom line: None of this is a problem if you remember to order as soon as your first cylinder is empty.
Process to change your LP gas bottle
Gas cylinder changeover is when you switch over from using one gas cylinder to another. This is normally done when the first gas cylinder runs empty. The gas cylinder changeover us achieved using a gas cylinder changeover valve.
How to operate valves when you change your LP gas bottles
The two gas Cylinders are connected by tubing, called “pigtails”, to a changeover valve that controls which gas cylinder is currently in use. From the changeover valve, the gas goes through the gas regulator and then onward towards the home’s appliances. There are two types of gas changeover valves:
- Automatic changeover valves
- Manual changeover valves
Choosing the right valve to easily change LP gas bottle
It’s really a personal choice. Have a read of the following and then you will know how they work and the pros and cons of each.
Automatic Valve
Automatic valves are convenient approach to change LP gas bottles. An automatic changeover valve automatically switches from one gas cylinder to another, when one is empty. To do this, both gas cylinder valves are left in the OPEN position. Several types of automatic changeover valves are available. All use a visual indicator to show you when a gas cylinder is empty, and it has switched over to the other gas Cylinder. The indicator typically turns red when the first cylinder is empty. Whilst it still has gas it will typically be green or white (as shown in the accompanying picture).
Do not touch or turn the indicator. When it turns red, that’s your signal to call for a delivery.
The delivery driver will replace the empty cylinder with a full one and reset the indicator.
If you have an automatic changeover valve, you do not need to do anything.
Here’s the thing: Since the process to change LP gas bottles isn’t manual any more, it’s best to put in place a reminder to check your gas levels regulary and order more gas. Once a month should be fine for most people.
Manual valve to change LP gas bottle
With manual changeover valves, you need to manually reset the valve when the first cylinder is empty. The changeover valve has a lever which must be set to point to the gas cylinder in use.
To use a manual valve to change LP gas bottle follow these steps:
- Turn the empty gas cylinder valve clockwise to CLOSE the valve.
- Move the changeover valve lever to point towards the second gas Cylinder. This will hopefully be full, if gas was ordered on the previous changeover. If not, call ASAP.
- OPEN the valve on the full gas cylinder by turning it anti-clockwise.
Don’t Run Out of Gas:
- Always Order Your LPG Right Away
- Don’t forget to order a replacement gas cylinder when you switch over between Cylinders.
- This is the best way to make sure you never run out of gas.
What if you get no gas follow after follow the steps to change LP gas bottle
- Check to make sure the active gas cylinder is turned on. The active gas cylinder is the one pointed to by the changeover valve.
- Check to see if either gas cylinder has any gas left, using the hot water test. If so, you may need to switch to the full gas cylinder with the changeover valve.
- If both Cylinders are empty, you need to contact your supplier for a gas delivery and make sure you tell them you need 2 gas Cylinders.
Final Thoughts & How to Choose
If you would have trouble remembering to regularly check the colour indicator on the automatic changeover valve, then go with a manual valve, as changing over Cylinders is a reminder you cannot ignore. The downside is if it happens in mid-shower or on a cold and rainy night. Automatic changeover valves prevent the mid-shower dash to changeover. You don’t have to do anything.
The downside is if you forget to check the indicator, you could find yourself with TWO empty Cylinders and no gas.
Our recommendation
Opt for an automatic model but set a reminder for a once-a-month recurring appointment to check your gas Cylinders.