New to Home LPG? You Are In The Right Place!
LPG 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 does LPG work?
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 call to order as soon as one bottle is empty, while continuing to use the other bottle.
This gives you an uninterrupted supply of gas.
The following short video (2:37) explains why you need 2 bottles, how the changeover valves work 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 changeover valve and the changeover valve is connected to a regulator.
A gas line then runs from the regulator to your appliances.
The changeover valve controls which gas bottle is in use.
For more info, please see Home LPG Gas Regulators & Fittings
Who provides the regulator, changeover valve & “pigtails”?
The property owner engages a licensed gas fitter to install the gas regulator, changeover valve and the “pigtails”.
The gas fitter also connects the gas line from the regulator to your appliance(s).
These components and the appliances are 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.
How do I operate the gas bottle changeover switch valve?
Automatic changeover switch valves
These automatically switch from one gas bottle to another, when one is empty.
To do this, both gas bottle 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 bottle is empty and it has switched over to the other gas bottle.
The 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 changeover valve, you do not need to do anything.
However, you won’t have the manual changeover process as a reminder to order more gas, so be sure to check your gas bottles regularly.
Manual changeover switch valves
1. Turn the hand wheel on the empty gas bottle OFF (clockwise).
2. You then move the 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 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 order when one LPG gas bottle is empty and we will be there 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 changeover valve is switched over.
What if the Gas isn’t Working?
- Check to make sure the active gas bottle is turned on. The changeover valve points to this bottle.
- Using the hot water test, check to see if either gas bottle has any gas left. If so, 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.