LPG gas bottle connection covers the fixed setup that feeds gas from cylinders into your home: the cylinder position, the regulator, the changeover valve, the pigtails or hoses, and the pipework to your appliances. In Mackay, where most homes are not connected to a natural gas main, this cylinder setup often supplies the cooktop, the barbecue and the hot water system all at once. Swapping a full cylinder for an empty one is normally handled by your LPG supplier. Installing, altering or repairing the fixed setup is gas work for a licensed gasfitter. This page explains the difference and what to ask for when you request a connection with a local provider.
Supplier exchange or gasfitter job?
| Task | Usually handled by |
|---|---|
| Delivering and swapping full 45 kg cylinders | Your LPG supplier |
| Checking that a connected cylinder is in test date | Your LPG supplier (cylinders need a valid 10-year test stamp to be refilled) |
| Installing a new cylinder bay, regulator or changeover valve | Licensed gasfitter |
| Moving cylinders to a new position on the property | Licensed gasfitter (and check the supplier's access needs) |
| Replacing a faulty or leaking regulator | Licensed gasfitter |
| Converting a property from cylinders to a bulk tank, or the reverse | Licensed gasfitter working with the supplier |
Queensland guidance says your LPG distributor maintains and tests the cylinders it connects, but you should still watch for gas smells or damage and contact the distributor if you have concerns.
Situations that call for a gasfitter
- New build or first gas connection. A home that never had gas needs a cylinder position, regulator and pipework designed for the appliances you plan to use.
- Adding a big appliance. Continuous-flow hot water and large cooktops draw more gas. The gasfitter has to check that the cylinders and regulator can keep up before adding demand.
- Regulator problems. Weak or flickering flames, a regulator that hisses, or a changeover that never switches to the full bottle can all point to regulator or changeover faults.
- Moving the bottles. Renovations, new decks or driveways sometimes mean the cylinders have to move. The new position has to meet clearance rules and still give the delivery driver access.
- Damaged components. Corroded brackets, perished pigtails and storm-damaged fittings should be replaced, not taped up.
How a two-cylinder changeover setup works
Many Mackay homes run two 45 kg cylinders through an automatic changeover regulator. One cylinder is in service. When it runs out, the regulator switches to the reserve and an indicator changes colour. That tells you to order a replacement before both run dry. If the indicator never changes, or both bottles seem to empty together, the changeover may be faulty or set up wrongly. That is worth a visit from a gasfitter.
What the installation process usually includes
Across benchmark competitor pages, the steps described are broadly consistent:
- Site check. The gasfitter confirms the cylinder position is on a firm, level base, ventilated, and clear of drains, openings and ignition sources.
- Sizing. The regulator and pipework are matched to the total gas demand of the appliances.
- Fitting. Brackets or chains, the regulator, the changeover valve and the pigtails are installed, and the setup is connected to the consumer piping.
- Testing. The system is leak tested and the pressure is checked at the appliances.
- Certification. For an installation or alteration, the gasfitter issues a gas system compliance certificate to the owner on completion. See gas compliance certificates.
Why cylinder placement matters in Mackay
LPG is heavier than air, so a leak can pool in low spots and drains instead of drifting away. That is one reason cylinders should not sit beside drains, pits or openings below the cylinder valve. In a tropical climate there are extra things to think about:
- Heat and sun. Queensland advice is to keep cylinders away from heat and direct sun where practicable. A shaded but open position is generally better.
- Storms and flooding. Cylinders should be properly restrained. Low-lying properties may need to think about water rising around the bay during heavy wet-season rain.
- Corrosion. Salt-laden air near the beaches wears out brackets and fittings, so check them more often.
Caring for your cylinders between visits
Some cylinder care is safe and sensible for a householder:
- keep cylinders upright and the area around them clear of rubbish and garden waste;
- look regularly for rust, dents or damage;
- watch for a rotten-egg smell near the bottles;
- do a soapy water check on visible connections: spray a detergent mix onto the fittings with the gas on and look for bubbles;
- never try to repair or remove a cylinder valve yourself.
If you find a leak, turn off the cylinder valve, stop using the gas, and contact your supplier or a licensed gasfitter. For a strong gas smell, follow the steps on our gas leak detection page.
Portable cylinders are a different category
Barbecue and camping cylinders, usually 9 kg, are refilled or exchanged at service stations and use the regulator supplied with the appliance. They are not part of a fixed home installation. They still need a valid test date, an intact seal, and a valve plug or dust cap when not in use. Do not store them indoors.
What to tell a provider
To get a useful response, describe:
- how many cylinders you have and what size they are;
- which appliances run from them;
- any symptoms, such as flames dropping, hissing, or bottles emptying unusually fast;
- whether you rent or own (renters should go through the property manager);
- photos of the cylinder bay and regulator.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change my own 45 kg gas bottles?
Swapping cylinders is normally arranged through your LPG supplier, who delivers and connects them. Installing, moving or altering the regulator, changeover or pipework is gas work that needs a licensed gasfitter.
Why does my gas run out faster than it used to?
Higher use is the most common reason, especially after adding continuous-flow hot water or a bigger cooktop. A small leak or a faulty changeover can also be to blame, so if your usage has not changed, have the system checked.
How do I know if my regulator needs replacing?
Signs include hissing, flames that are weak or uneven across several appliances, visible corrosion or damage, or a changeover that will not switch over. A gasfitter can test the pressure and confirm the cause.
Can my gas bottles be moved to the other side of the house?
Usually yes, if the new position meets clearance and ventilation requirements and the supplier can still get access for deliveries. The pipework change and new connection have to be done and certified by a licensed gasfitter.
What does the test date on a gas cylinder mean?
LPG cylinders carry a stamped test date that is valid for 10 years. Cylinders that are out of date should not be refilled. For connected home cylinders the supplier usually tracks this, but you can check the stamp on the neck or base yourself.
Request a connection with a local provider
This site connects Mackay residents with independent local gas providers. It does not perform gas work. Share your cylinder setup and the problem, and your enquiry will go to a provider who can confirm licensing and quote directly.