to receive latest industry news, offers & advice
Gas supply to your home
From the tank, the gas passes through two pressure regulators to bring the pressure down in two stages to the pressure required for household appliances such as cookers, boilers, gas fires, etc.
Where the gas pipe enters the house (sleeved through the masonry wall), there should be a service valve clearly marked so that the gas supply in the house can be shut off by the Emergency Services, or in the event of a fault or leak anywhere along the supply. Alternatively you can shut off the gas supply at the tank by turning the supply valve wheel clockwise.
However if the tank lid is locked the service valve on the house is easily accessible. This is why it should be clearly labelled in case of an emergency.
LP Gas is heavier than air and in still conditions, should there be a leak, will gather in pockets on the ground. It is a hazard until is disperses - this is why your tank must always be well ventilated and the boiler never postioned in the cellar.
Unlike natural gas (methane), LP Gas has a stench agent added called mercaptan. This makes sure any leak is readily detected. If a tank is allowed to run empty and the boiler goes out, the smell is apparent.
This is not a gas leak - you can smell the concentrated stench agent at the bottom of your tank. Turn off the service valve on the outside wall if you intend leaving the tank empty.