The gas hose is a common place for leaks. Learn about the types of hose, signs of ageing, how to tighten the clamps, choosing the length, routing the hose away from heat and checking for leaks after replacing it.
The gas cylinder and the regulator usually get attention, but the gas hose that runs from the regulator to the stove is often forgotten — even though it is a common place for leaks. The hose is made of a flexible material, so it ages over time and is easily damaged by heat, grease and rats. This article helps you recognise the types of hose, the signs that it needs replacing and how to fit it correctly.
Do not use water hoses, ordinary plastic tubing or hoses of unknown origin to carry gas: unsuitable materials can be softened by the gas, or harden or crack quickly.
Even if you see no damage, replace the hose as recommended by the manufacturer on the hose or in the stove’s instructions for use. A good habit is to check the hose every time you change a gas cylinder.
Both ends of the hose should be pushed fully over the hose nozzles on the regulator and the stove, then tightened with proper hose clamps. The clamp must grip evenly, not loose but not so tight that it cuts into the hose. Do not use rubber bands, electrical wire or tape instead of a clamp.
The hose should only be long enough to reach from the cylinder to the stove without being stretched; a hose that is too long kinks easily, catches on feet and can pull the cylinder over. Do not join two lengths of hose with a home-made connector.
Placing the cylinder at a suitable distance from the stove also keeps the hose short and tidy — see where to place a gas cylinder at home.
Never use a flame to test for leaks. If you notice an unusual smell, follow the advice in what gas smells like.
On mobile food carts the hose needs extra protection because the cart is constantly on the move; see choosing a gas source and staying safe on a food cart for how to protect the hose, secure the cylinder and close the valve when moving.
It depends on the type of hose and the conditions of use; follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. If the hose shows signs of hardening, cracking, bulging or bite marks, replace it at once rather than waiting until it is due.
No. A long hose kinks easily, gets in the way and is hard to inspect. If the cylinders need to be kept in a separate area, as in a restaurant, use fixed pipework installed by a qualified contractor.
Use a braided hose or one with a bite-resistant protective layer, keep the kitchen clean and check the hose often. If you find bite marks, close the valve and replace the hose straight away.
VietnhatGas manufactures LPG cylinders and the LPG cylinder handwheel valve, and supplies a portable gas stove with a separate canister box that keeps the gas canister away from the cooktop, for dealers and distributors. Send a request on our quotation page.
Written by the VietnhatGas technical and sales team — a batch manufacturer of LPG cylinders. This content is for reference; regulations and standards may change, so please check the current texts.
Where an apartment building’s piped gas system gets its gas, how metered billing works, which parts building management and residents are responsible for, how it compares with gas cylinders and what to do if you smell gas.
Read articleA gas regulator keeps the pressure to the stove steady. The difference between low-pressure household regulators and industrial regulators for wok burners, how to match the cylinder valve type, signs of failure and how to replace one safely.
Read articleA weak gas stove flame, a red or yellow flame or uneven burning can be caused by a nearly empty cylinder, the regulator, the hose, dirty burners or incorrect air adjustment. How to check each cause and when to call a technician.
Read articleSend us the capacity, quantity and brand printing requirements — VietnhatGas will reply with a batch quotation.
