How to Check Your Gas Bottle Level
Checking the level of remaining gas, in a gas bottle, is an easy process.
To make sense, it also helps to also explain how LPG works.
How to check the level of a gas bottle
Finding out how much gas is left in a gas bottle is easy.
This process works not just for regular LPG gas bottles but for BBQ bottles too.
Here’s how it’s done:
- Fill a bucket with hot tap water.
- Slowly pour the hot water (not boiling water) down one side of the gas bottle.
- A line of condensation may appear indicating the gas level. If not:
- Wait a few seconds and then run your hand down the same side of the gas bottle, where you poured the water.
- You should feel a noticeable cooler change of temperature at the level of the gas.
- If you feel no difference, the gas bottle may be empty.
The test works even better during or after you use one of your LPG appliances.
For example, if you have LPG hot water, do the test right after someone takes a shower.
Watch a quick video on How to Check Gas Bottle Level
Why does the gas bottle feel cold?
LPG (propane) is stored under pressure as a liquid in a gas bottle.
It turns back into a gas by ‘boiling’.
LPG draws heat from the steel walls of the gas bottle.
This ‘boiling’ LPG makes the gas bottle feel colder.
When gas escapes the bottle rapidly, ice can even form on the gas bottle exterior, providing the perfect gas bottle level indicator.
How full is full?
Also, please remember that gas bottles are designed to be full at 80% or just over 3/4.
This allows for the natural expansion of the gas during warmer temperatures.
For safety reasons, NEVER open the valve on an unattached gas bottle to check for remaining gas, even if you think it is empty.
Checking gas bottle levels regularly will let you stay on top of your usage for your cooktop and gas heaters and know when it’s time to check levels and re-order.
8 Tips for Never Running Out of LPG Gas Again!
1. Always order gas as soon as the first bottle runs out.
Don’t wait until the gas bottles are both empty or near empty.
Follow this advice and you are virtually assured to never run out of gas.
2. Remember to order sooner, rather than later, during the busy winter season.
3. Remember to check your gas bottles more often in cold weather, especially if you use a gas heater or gas log fire.
Even your water heater has to work harder in cold weather, as the incoming water is colder.
4. Having additional house guests can also increase your usage if you have gas hot water.
Remember to check more often so both you and your guests avoid cold showers!
5. If you only have one gas bottle attached to your home, you may wish to consider adding a second gas bottle.
Unless you are on automatic tanker delivery, you will either run out or have to call for a gas bottle exchange before using up all of your gas.
These are both situations you would surely like to avoid.
A second bottle solves the problem and is particularly wise if you use your gas for hot water and/or heating.
6. If you are an Elgas customer, make sure we have your Mobile Number so you receive Gas Check Alerts™ by Text (SMS).
These are sent automatically, by our computer, based on your past gas usage.
With Gas Check Alerts, you will never forget to check your gas bottles again.
7. Remember to increase how often you check your gas bottles if you install additional gas appliances.
8. Also, be certain to tell your supplier if you install additional appliances, especially if you are on automatic tanker delivery, so we can adjust your delivery schedule.
Follow these tips and you should enjoy using of your gas appliances without interruption.
Ultrasonic gas bottle level gauge
A gas bottle level gauge is an ultrasonic unit that sits under the BBQ gas bottle and sends a reading via Bluetooth to an app on your mobile phone. You can download and install the app.
The sensor works well on BBQ bottles but cannot be used with a 45kg gas bottle. For larger gas cylinders, you’ll need to stick with the hot water test.
Pressure gauges don’t work to find level of LPG
It‘s worth noting that pressure gauges don‘t tell you how much gas is left in a gas bottle.
This is because LPG isn‘t compressed gas – it is liquified gas.
With LPG, the pressure inside your cylinder remains the same until the last of the liquid LPG is vaporised.
Alternative way to check gas bottle levels
An alternative way to check BBQ size gas bottle level is by using a scale.
Turn off the gas regulator, disconnect the bottle and place it on a scale, making sure the valve is firmly closed.
The tare (empty) weight of the bottle is stamped on the neck ring.
The difference between the scale reading and the tare weight should tell you how much gas is in the gas bottle.