How to Change a Gas Bottle: Connect Gas Bottle & Disconnect Gas Bottle
Learning how to change a gas bottle (how to change a BBQ gas bottle) is easy.
How do I connect gas bottle to BBQ and how do I disconnect gas bottle from BBQ are two oft-asked questions.
When you change a gas bottle (change a BBQ gas bottle), it can be done by hand without tools.
Remember to always do a leak test after you change a gas bottle.
To attach an LPG gas bottle to BBQ you first need to remove any dust or safety plug that may be fitted.
You then attach or place the LPG gas bottle in the intended position, insert the BBQ gas regulator and tighten.
Remember to always leak test after you change a gas bottle (change a BBQ gas bottle). See below for more detailed instructions.
This video shows how to change a BBQ gas bottle for POL connectors (1:19)
7 Steps To Change a Gas Bottle – Connect a BBQ Gas Bottle
1. You change a gas bottle (change a BBQ gas bottle) on the BBQ mounting hook or in its holder/shelf, depending on your BBQ or heater.
The BBQ gas bottle should ALWAYS be kept upright.
Your LPG gas bottle must NEVER hang by the gas hose.
2. Remove any dust cover or plug that may be inside or over the female valve opening, where the BBQ gas regulator screws in.
Please note that, if it is a screwed-in plug, you must turn it clockwise to remove it (reverse thread).
3. Inspect the BBQ gas regulator and hose for any damage.
Some BBQ gas regulators have rubber O-rings on the connector.
The O-ring should also be undamaged.
The connector should be clean and dirt free prior to insertion.
4. Screw the BBQ gas regulator into the valve opening by turning BBQ Gas Regulator Hand Wheel anti-clockwise (reverse thread) for older POL connectors and clockwise for newer LCC27 connectors.
Tighten well by hand only.
Make sure the gas hose is not kinked.
5. When you change a gas bottle (change a BBQ gas bottle), you should do a leak test. Without turning on the BBQ, open the Gas Valve Hand Wheel to turn on the gas (anti-clockwise).
Spray the entire BBQ gas regulator, valve and gas hose with soapy water to check for any possible leaks.
You will see bubbles or smell gas if there is a leak.
If you have a leak, you should immediately turn the gas off (clockwise) and fix or replace the leaking component.
How to test for gas leaks with soapy water (1:00):
For more detailed instructions, please see BBQ Gas Leak Test
6. Assuming you have no leaks, you are ready to use your BBQ or patio heater.
Turning the BBQ gas bottle ON a couple of turns is sufficient.
You should not turn it hard to the open stop.
7. Remember, when you are finished with your BBQ or patio heater, you should always turn off the gas at the BBQ gas bottle (patio gas bottle) first.
Close firmly by hand only.
NOTE: These instructions only apply to POL fittings and LCC27 fittings.
POL and LCC27 BBQ Gas Bottle Connections
An LCC27 gas bottle is backwards compatible, so you can screw a POL regulator into it when you change a gas bottle (change a BBQ gas bottle), as shown in the connection diagrams below.
However, you cannot connect an LCC27 regulator to an old POL gas bottle.
For safety reasons, avoid the use of an LCC27 adaptor.
It’s easier, safer and less costly to just swap your old POL gas bottle for a full LCC27 gas bottle at the same SWAP’n’GO prices.
How Do You Take a Gas Bottle Off a BBQ in 4 Steps
1. When you start to take a gas bottle off a BBQ (change a BBQ gas bottle), make sure the gas valve hand wheel is turned OFF (Clockwise)
2. To remove regulator from gas cylinder valve (remove regulator from gas bottle), start by turning the Regulator Hand Wheel clockwise (reverse thread) for older POL connectors and anti-clockwise for newer LCC27 connectors.
Be aware and careful, as a small amount of gas remaining in the gas regulator and hose may be released when take a gas bottle off a BBQ as you remove regulator from gas cylinder valve (remove regulator from gas bottle).
3. Take a gas bottle off a BBQ by lifting the empty BBQ gas bottle off of the mounting hook or out of its holder/shelf, depending of your BBQ.
4. Take the empty LPG gas bottle (patio gas bottle) to your nearest SWAP’n’GO location to exchange for a full one.
How change a gas bottle regulator instructions only apply to POL & LCC27 fittings
New Residential LPG customer?
New Business LPG customer?
Existing ELGAS customer?
- Elgas to the Rescue with Helicopter LPG Delivery - November 14, 2024
- Outdoor Gas Heater – Outdoor Mushroom Heater – Gas Patio Heater Guide: - September 22, 2024
- LPG Meaning: What Does LPG Stand For? - August 31, 2024
Steve Reynolds
Technical Consultant
Steve Reynolds is a leading expert in the LPG industry with over 22 years of experience. As part of the national management team at ELGAS, Steve ensures the safe and efficient storage, handling, and transportation of LPG. He serves as the lead investigator for incidents and collaborates with authorities on industry developments.
Steve is a technical advisor to Standards Australia and Gas Energy Australia (GEA), and an active member of the World LPG Association (WLPGA), contributing to global standards and technical reviews. He holds a BSc. (Hons) in Industrial Chemistry from UNSW and has held senior safety and technical roles at ELGAS, making him a trusted authority in LPG safety and standards.