Common Mistakes New Homeowners Make with LPG and How to Avoid Them

Don't Get Caught Cold: Essential LPG Safety Tips for New Homeowners

It's 6 AM on the coldest Tuesday morning of the year. You're covered in shampoo, the water is perfectly hot... and then, silence. The hot water vanishes. For new homeowners relying on LPG, running out of gas—or worse, facing an avoidable safety issue—is a common nightmare. We've compiled the essential LPG safety tips for new homeowners to help you navigate these risks and settle in with confidence.

Mistake 1: Waiting Until Both Cylinders Are Empty

One common mistake is waiting until both gas cylinders are empty before ordering a refill. This can leave you without gas, especially during colder months when you need it the most.

Solution

Always order gas as soon as one cylinder runs out. This ensures you have a continuous supply and avoid the inconvenience of running out of gas.

Mistake 2: Neglecting Regular Maintenance (Key LPG Safety Tips for New Homeowners)

Skipping regular maintenance of your gas system can lead to inefficiencies and safety issues. Over time, the flexible connecting hoses (sometimes called 'pigtails') and the pressure regulators can wear out, affecting the performance of your gas supply.

Solution

To eliminate anxiety and physical risk, join the Gas Guardians Alliance for complimentary annual gas hose changeovers for damaged components. We keep an eye on your system condition when we do your bottle changeover. Remember, regulators (the pressure valves) should typically be replaced every 10 years to maintain optimal safety. We will contact you if we see something that needs a licensed gas fitter to address.

Mistake 3: Not Checking for Leaks

Gas leaks can be dangerous as gas is heavier than air. This is why they put the "smelly" stuff in so our noses can tell us something is wrong. However over time through wear and tear, leaks can occur between our visits, yet they are often overlooked by new homeowners. Ignoring the signs of a gas leak can lead to severe consequences.

Solution

Regularly inspect your gas connections for leaks. If you suspect a leak, turn off the gas supply and contact your supplier immediately. Our innovative gas service tags include a handy troubleshooting guide for quick reference.

Mistake 4: Improper Cylinder Handling

Handling gas cylinders improperly can lead to accidents and injuries. 45kg gas cylinders weigh approximately 100kgs when full of gas. If you choose to pick up your gas cylinders from us, remember they must leave standing up.

Solution

Save yourself the hassle and eliminate the physical risk of handling and hook up by having H Hardware deliver for you. This service explicitly ensures safety, as we have all the appropriate handling gear to do the job safely and efficiently.

Mistake 5: Underestimating Gas Usage

We understand you are new to gas. One thing to remember is the longer the shower, the more gas you use. This means you can underestimate your gas usage, especially during peak seasons like winter. This can lead to unexpected shortages.

Solution

Monitor your gas usage closely and plan accordingly. Be mindful of additional guests or changes in your home that might increase gas consumption. Always have a backup cylinder ready to avoid running out of gas.

Avoiding these common mistakes ensures your home remains safe and efficiently powered.

At Strathalbyn H Hardware, we're here to support you every step of the way.

Join our Gas Guardians Alliance and enjoy peace of mind with your gas supply.