Checking Your Gas Cooker & BBQ This Season

Outdoor gas cooking has a long history of being enjoyed by Aussies, whether in their own backyard or on camping and caravan adventures. It is important to understand that gas cookers and BBQs deteriorate with age as well as exposure to our climate conditions. This deterioration can result in cracks, rusting and other damage which leads to leaks. Gas leaks are incredibly dangerous as the gas coming from leaks is often what ignites and causes the majority of BBQ related fires.

In this article we cover hose and regulator assemblies, how to check your Outdoor Gas Cooking equipment is safe and when to replace your BBQ gas regulator and hose.

Your Gas hose and regulator are important components when it comes to effective and safe use of gas. LPG gas is stored in gas cylinders, but to use it, it must be supplied. To supply LPG effectively and efficiently to your outdoor cooking appliance, a gas hose and regulator assembly is required.

When connecting your LPG cylinder or bottle to a hose and regulator kit, it is important that it is done correctly to ensure flow of the gas through the hose line and to avoid problems with the gas supply to your cooker or BBQ.

Gas hose and regulator assemblies are available with a choice of PVC or stainless steel braided hoses. Stainless steel gives a more premium look and feel. Hose and regulator assemblies can be used on traditional backyard BBQ’s, ring burners, country cookers and DC cookers. They come in multiple lengths so any installation can be suited to a regulator and hose assembly.

How to Check Your Outdoor Gas Cooking Equipment

To be sure that your gas cooker or BBQ equipment is in good condition you should visually inspect it for damage regularly. Check the gas hose or pigtail for cracking, splitting, rust or other signs of damage. Inspect the gas regulator to ensure it is functional, look for deterioration in the connections points where is screws into your LPG gas cylinder. If your regulator has rubber O-rings, you should also check these for wear and tear. You want your equipment to be clean and undamaged. Any component which is damaged should no longer be used and be replaced immediately.

What are some signs that its time to replace my gas hose or regulator?

• If you have a low level of heat coming from your gas cooker burners even when your gas is turned to high, it might be time to replace your gas regulator.
• If your gas burners light up unevenly, such as one flickers or hardly lights, another has low flame, and another has a normal looking flame, this too is a sign that it’s time to replace the regulator.
• Another sign is if it seems as though your grill gets lower and lower heat over time. For instance, it used to take 10 minutes to grill some burgers, but now it is taking 15 to grill the same burgers. It might be time to replace your regulator.
• Keep in mind that you may also have a problem running along the hose. Be aware of the smell of gas even when your grill is off or a tiny hissing sound. The scent of rotten cabbage or rotten eggs is added to LPG to assist in the detection of gas leaks.
• Another thing to consider is that some animals like to chew on rubber hoses.

If you suspect that there is a leak in your gas setup, but you are not sure, you can check with some very soapy water. Apply the suds all the way along the line of the hose, regulator, and tank valve. Turn on the gas tank. If there is gas escaping, it will cause the soapy water to bubble at the point of the leak.

How Often Should I Replace My Gas Hose and Regulator?

In general, gas regulators, and gas hoses should be periodically checked for damage and replaced. It is not just usage that you need to consider, as these components can deteriorate when not in use over time as well. There are other factors which can contribute to potential damage such as exposure to weather, incorrect setup, not enough capacity in the regulator and direct impact resulting in damage to the setup.

Gas regulator and hose assemblies should be inspected at the beginning of every summer very carefully as they may not have been used during the cooler winter months. They should also be checked before every use.

A replacement hose and regulator for an outdoor cooking setup should be quite affordable.

Tips to Prevent Unnecessary Damage to Outdoor Gas Cooking Appliances

There are some easy things you can do to try and prevent damage to your gas hose, regulator and appliance.

1. Ensure there is plenty of ventilation around your LPG gas bottle. They should never be stored indoors.
2. Always keep the LPG gas cylinder in an upright position.
3. If you are refilling the same cylinder, be sure to have this safety checked every 10 years, or within the expiry date stated.
4. Ensure you check your setup regularly for signs of damage and deterioration.
5. Replace your gas hose and regulator if there is any signs of damage or leakage.