If your LPG tank still has fuel but there's no gas reaching your property or equipment, it's understandable to be concerned. Whether you rely on LPG to heat your home, power your business, run catering equipment or support your day-to-day manufacturing operations, losing your gas supply can be disruptive.
The good news is that it doesn't necessarily mean there's a serious problem with your LPG supply.
In many cases, the cause is simply that your LPG regulator has temporarily shut off the gas supply as a built-in safety precaution. This can happen if your tank has previously run low, following a temporary change in gas pressure, during periods of very cold or hot weather, or if the regulator detects a fault somewhere within the system.
Before attempting to reset your regulator, it's worth carrying out a few simple checks. Many common issues can be identified in just a few mintures, helping you understand what's happened and whether it's something you can safely resolve yourself or whether it's time to contact your LPG supplier or a Gas Safe registered engineer.
If your LPG tank isn't empty but you've suddenly lost your gas supply, the most likely cause is that your LPG regulator has shut off the gas as a safety precaution. Before attempting to reset, check your tank contents, whether all of your gas appliances are affected, that the Emergency Control Valve (ECV) is open, and whether your tank recently ran low. If you're unsure at any stage, contact your LPG supplier for advice.
Why do I have no gas when my LPG tank isn't empty?
If your bulk LPG storage tank still contains fuel but your heating system, appliances or equipment have stopped working, there are several possible explanations.
The most common is that your LPG regulator has activated one of its built-in safety shut-off devices after detecting a change in gas pressure. This is completely normal and is designed to protect your property your appliances, and your LPG installation.
This safety device is known as a UPSO (Under Pressure Shut Off) which we'll explain in more detail later.
Other possible causes include:
- A fault with one of your gas appliances
- The ECV (Emergency Control Valve) has been turned off
- Your system is recovering after your tank previously ran very low or empty
- A fault with the regulator itself
- A leak or blockage somewhere within the gas installation
While it's natural to assume the worst, many of these issues can be identified by carrying out a few straightforward checks before calling for assistance.
Check these things first
Is there LPG in your tank?
Start by checking your tank contents gauge.
It's important to remember that your LPG tank will never be filled to 100% capacity. As a safety measure, LPG tanks are designed to be filled to a maximum of 85%, leaving space for the liquid LPG to expand safely as temperatures change. So, if your gauge shows around 80-85% after a delivery, this is completely normal and means your tank has been filled correctly.
If your tank is empty, or the gauge is showing you have very little gas, you'll need a delivery before your supply can be restored. However, if your tank has plenty of LPG, don't worry. There are a few other simple things worth checking before assuming there's a fault with your supply.
Is it one appliance or the whole property?
Think about which equipment is affected.
For domestic customers, is your boiler working? Does your gas hob ignite? Is your gas fire or any other LPG appliance operating as normal?
For businesses, are all LPG-powered appliances affected? Is your heating or production equipment still operating? Has only one piece of equipment stopped operating?
If only one appliance or piece of equipment isn't working, that's usually a good sign, as it suggests the issue lies with that appliance rather than your LPG supply.
However, if none of your gas appliances are working, it's more likely that the regulator has shut off the gas supply.
Has your regulator tripped?
Your LPG regulator contains built-in safety devices called UPSO and OPSO valves.
These continuously monitor the gas pressure and automatically shut off the gas supply if the pressure moves otuside safe operating limits. Although this can be inconvenient, it's an important safety feature that helps protect your home, your appliances, and your LPG installation.
A regulator may have tripped if :
- Your LPG tank recently ran out of gas or became very low
- You've recently had an LPG delivery after running low
- There's been a sudden change in the gas pressure
- Extreme weather temperatures have affected gas pressure
- There's a fault somewhere within the gas installation
Is the Emergency Control Valve (ECV) open?
Next, check the ECV is fully open. The ECV is usually located where the gas pipe enters your property, and allows the gas supply to be isolated if required.
If it's been turned off during servicing or maintenance, reopening it may restore your gas supply.
Have you recently had an LPG delivery?
If your LPG tank has run very low or completely empty before your latest delivery, it's possible that your regulator has gone into safetly lockout.
In some cases, the UPSO will need resetting before gas can flow normally around your property again.
Has there been extreme weather?
Periods of hot or very cold weather can sometimes affect gas pressure, particularly if your LPG tank has been running at a low level.
For homes, this may affect heating and hot water supplies. For businesses, it could impact equipment that relies on a consistent LPG supply.
Modern LPG systems are designed to cope with changing weather conditions, but temperature extremes can occasionally contribute to a regulator lockout.
Should I reset my LPG regulator?
Only if you're confident the problem is an UPSO (Under Pressure Shut Off) lockout.
An UPSO can sometimes be safely reset by following the correct procedure. However, an OPSO (Over Pressure Shut Off) should only ever be reset by a GAS SAFE registered engineer with specialised knowledge and equipment, as it could indicate a more serious issue with your installation.
Before resetting:
- Turn off all gas appliances
- Check there is no smell of gas
- Ensure your tank contains LPG
If you smell gas, suspect a leak, or are unsure about the cause, do not attempt to reset your regulator. Turn off the gas supply and contact your LPG supplier immediately.
How to reset an UPSO and restore your gas supply
First, turn off the LPG supply to your home at the ECV and make sure all gas appliances are switched off. Also, ensure that the gas supply is turned off at the tank by turning the main valve wheel to the off position.
Unscrew the plastic cap covering the UPSO plunger. Pull the plunger out fully and hold it in position for around 30 seconds while the system re-pressurises.
Release the plunger. It should stay in the outward position. Replace the plastic cap before slowly reopening the gas supply. Once the system has re-pressurised, re-light any pilot lights and check that your LPG boiler and appliances are working normally again.
If the regulator immediately trips again, stop and seek assistance. Repeated lockouts usually indiate an underlying issue that requires further investigation.
When should I not reset the regulator again?
Do not continue resetting your regulator if it trips repeatedly, you can smell gas, you suspect a leak, your regulator appears damaged, or if your LPG tank has adequate gas but the supply won't return.
Repeated resets are usually a sign that the fault needs to be investigated by your LPG supplier or a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Can I prevent my LPG regulator from tripping?
Although regulator lockouts can't always be avoided, there are several simple steps your can take to help reduce the likelihood of your LPG supply being interrupted and keep your LPG system working safely and efficiently.
- Keep your LPG tank topped up. One of the most common reasons a regulator may trip is because an LPG tank has run very low or completely empty. Avoid letting your LPG tank run empty wherever possible, and if you want extra peace of mind, consider an automatic refilling service. This allows your LPG supplier to monitor your usage and arrange deliveries when your tank level reaches a certain point, helping to prevent your supply from running low.
- Arrange regular servicing and safety checks. Regular maintenance is an important part of keeping your LPG system safe and reliable. Make sure your boiler and appliances are serviced regulary, and keep an eye on your LPG tank, regulator, and visible pipework for any signs of wear, tear, damage, or corrosion.
- Keep the area around your LPG tank clear. Your LPG tank needs to remain accessible for deliveries, inspections, and maintenance. Keep the area around your tank clear of clutter, garden waste, rubbish, or overgrown vegetation, and avoid making changes near your tank without speaking to your LPG supplier first.
Report any concerns as soon as possible. If you notice any damage to your LPG tank, regulator, or pipework, don't attempt to repair it yourself. Contact your LPG supplier immediately so they can advise on the safest next steps and arrange any necessary inspection or repairs.
By carrying out these simple checks and keeping your LPG installation well maintained, you can help reduce the risk of unexpected interruptions and ensure your home remains safely supplied with LPG.
What are UPSO and OPSO valves?
Every bulk LPG installation includes a regulator that reduces the high pressure inside your LPG tank to a safe, consistent pressure for your boiler and appliances.
Built into the regulator are two important safety devices known as the UPSO (Under Pressure Shut Off) and OPSO (Over Pressure Shut Off).
Their job is to protect your LPG installation by automatically stopping the flow of gas if the pressure moves outside safe operating limits.
Depending on your installation, you may have a combination of UPSO/OPSO fitted beneath the tank lid, or an OPSO at the tank and a seperate UPSO located where the gas supply enters the property.
An UPSO/OPSO under the LPG tank lid:
Or an OPSO at the tank and an UPSO/OPSO at the point where the gas enters your property:
If the regulator detects unusually high or low gas pressure, or if your LPG tank has previously run out, it will automatically shut off the gas supply to protect your LPG boiler, appliances, and pipework.
An USPO activates when the pressure falls below a safe level, often due to an empty tank, a leak, a blockage, or another interruption to the gas supply.
An OPSO activates if the gas pressure becomes too high. Because this may indicate a more serious fault, an OPSO should only ever be reset by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
When should I contact my supplier?
You should contact your LPG supplier if you have LPG in your tank but still have no supply, your regulator keeps tripping, you've reset the UPSO but the gas hasn't returned, you're unsure whether it's an UPSO or OPSO issue, or you notice damage to your regulator or tank.
If you can smell gas, turn off the gas supply if it is safe to do so, keep clear of the area, and contact your supplier immediately on their emergency number
Looking after your LPG installation
Regular maintenance helps prevent interruptions to your gas supply.
Your LPG supplier usually owns your tank and is responsible for regular maintenance and safety inspections which it will conduct to ensure your tank and associated equipment is functioning correctly and safely, and complies with the LPG Code of Practice. In addition to regular maintenance, and 10-year and 20-year tests, your delivery driver will visually check the condition of your LPG tank and carry out safety checks on every fuel delivery.
You are also responsible for keeping your tank and the surrounding area well ventilated, tidy and clear from debris such as rubbish or weeds. Visually inspect your tank on a regular basis for any signs of wear and tear, damage or corrosion. Click here to read our do's and don'ts for LPG tank maintenance.
We’d also advise you, in addition to checking your tank, to regularly check your pipework which most likely will belong to you for signs of wear and tear. Liquid Gas UK, the Trade Association for the renewable liquid gas industry in the UK, has created a handy pipework check tool to help you inspect and identify any issues with your pipework.
If you notice any damage to your tank or pipework do not, under any circumstance, try to rectify it yourself. Call your supplier immediately for help and assistance.
As a low-carbon fuel source, LPG boilers burn cleaner than those that run on other fuels such as heating oil and coal, but it's important to look after your boiler and keep it clean. A regular boiler service is essential for safety and ensures that your boiler burns fuel more efficiently, meaning lower bills. It can also save you money by catching small issues before they become big money-draining problems. Plus a faulty boiler can leak carbon monoxide so in short, having your boiler regularly serviced will keep you and your family or employees warm and safe.
Making changes to your property
If you’re planning on making any changes to the area where your tank is installed, whether it's erecting a fence around your LPG tank or putting up a garden shed, planting shrubs or trees, or a larger project such as building an extension, please get in touch so we can help ensure your LPG tank siting remains safe and compliant with industry codes of practice. It's important you don't interfere with your tank, modify any part of the installation or try and move the location of your tank yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why do I have no gas when my LPG isn't empty?
The most common cause is that your LPG regulator has shut off the gas supply after detecting a pressure change. It may also be caused by an appliance fault, a closed emergency control valve, or a problem with the gas installation.
How do I know if my LPG regulator has tripped?
If none of your gas appliances are working despite there being fuel in your tank, your regulator may have activated its safety shut-off device (UPSO or OPSO). Check your tank contents, emergency control valve, and regulator before attempting a reset.
What does an LPG regulator do?
An LPG regulator is an important safety device fitted to your LPG system. It reduces the high pressure of the gas stored inside your LPG tank to a lower, consistent pressure that is suitable for your boiler and appliances. This ensures your LPG system operates safely and efficiently.
What are UPSO and OPSO valves?
UPSO and OPSO valves are safety shut-off devices built into LPG regulators. They automatically stop the flow of gas if the pressure in your system becomes too low or too high.
- UPSO (Under Pressure Shut Off) activates if the gas pressure drops before a safe level, helping to prevent the issues caused by problems such as an empty tank, leaks, or blockages.
- OPSO (Over Pressure Shut Off) activates if the gas pressure becomes too high, helping to protect your appliances, pipework, and property.
Should I reset my LPG regulator?
You may be able to reset an UPSO after checking your tank has gas, that all appliances are switched off, and there is no smell of gas.
An OPSO lockout should only ever be reset by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer, as it can indicate a more serious fault with the LPG installation.
Should I call my LPG supplier or an engineer?
If you suspect a fault with your regulator, your gas supply won't return after a UPSO reset, or you're unsure what has caused the interruption, contact your LPG supplier.
If an OPSO has activated or further investigation is needed, a qualified Gas Safe engineer will be required.
At Northern Energy, we're here to help and keep you 'gas safe' and are just a phone call away. If you have any concerns about your LPG system, please call us on 01423 772 789 or email helplpg@northernenergy.co.uk.