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How to check gas bottle level

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Overview

Planning a BBQ with some friends this weekend but run out of gas? Never fear! Checking the level of gas in your bottle is WAY easier than it looks. Here's how:

Steps

1Give your bottle a shake

Got enough gas? There are a few ways to find out. The easiest is to shake your canister – if there is gas inside, you'll hear it moving around. Easy!

A person standing beside a gas bottle next to a BBQ

2Weigh your gas bottle

If you're not sure how much is there you may want to weigh your gas cylinder – the weight of the bottle without any gas in it is listed on the outside. If you're hovering down near that number (in most cases, 8.5kg) chances are you're going to need to change it over. How much it weighs is how much gas you have – genius!

A person weighing a gas bottle on bathroom scales

3Use hot water

If you don't have any scales handy, do the hot water test. Just grab a jug of hot water and pour it over the bottle. Run your hand down the canister until it feels cold, and that's the level the gas is at. Voila!

A person pouring a jug of hot water over a gas bottle

4Watch more from the series

For more simple D.I.Y. tips check out the full episode from Make It Yours Backyard Makeover by Tim and Mat.
Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer. You can also use a simple test kit from Bunnings to indicate the presence of lead-based paint.