LP Gas Regulator Problems

LPG (liquid petroleum gasoline) is used for many purposes and almost all campers use it every weekend to power up their campers, grills and appliances. All LPG tanks and supply systems have regulators that control the gas coming out of the tank. There can be problems with the regulators and you should know what they are.

Mounting the Regulator

All LPG regulators should be mounted in such a way that if there is any accumulation of moisture or condensation within the regulator it can easily drain out. In areas that experience freezing temperatures water could freeze and block the safety vent on the regulator and not allow it to properly control the gas pressure. It should be mounted with all drain areas pointed down and properly covered to prevent bad weather from blowing water or ice up into the regulator as well. However you should make sure that if there ever becomes a leak that the gas can escape and not accumulate which make for dangerous conditions.

Location the ON/Off valve

Virtually all LPG tanks have a valve at the top of the tank for opening and closing the valve. This valve is almost always gray or silver. To open the tank (turn it on) you simply turn the valve to the left or counterclockwise. To close it (turn it off) you turn the valve to the right or clockwise.

Pressure too High

This could be caused by the tubing from the meter to the appliance being used is too long or too small in diameter. In this case either increase the tube size or decrease the length to the appliance. Also you may notice that your flame is too hot or too big which indicates that your pressure is too high.

Pressure too Low

If you notice that your flame is too low or just plain not enough it could indicate that your pressure is too low. There are times when this can be fixed at the regulator but you should not do this yourself. You need to take it in and have it checked by a professional.