Maintenance and the law
The law requires that the LP Gas hose used to connect cylinders must be replaced every 5 years…
The law requires that the LP Gas hose used to connect cylinders must be replaced every 5 years or sooner if they show any cracks in the surface. For most people this means replacing the reinforced black neoprene hose used to connect cylinders to a crossover valve or regulator. In addition, orange low pressure gas hose must be replaced if it starts to discolour, crack or become hard. In our experience, it is wise to replace orange low pressure gas hose every 5 years as well.
The law also requires that all LP Gas installations and appliances should be checked for leaks and safe operation every 12 months. Please note that this is a recommendation only encoded in South African National Standard No.10087. Certain unscrupulous gas installers have been implying that this recommendation is a legal requirement. They try to sell an annual service plan to unsuspecting owners based on this.
We categorically state that this recommendation is not a legal requirement. We have checked this point with LPGSASA. If you want to follow this recommendation (and we strongly advise that you do) you are entitled to check your LP Gas installation and appliances yourself. This check can be as simple as smelling for gas leaks or checking that the flame looks right on a gas appliance. Or it can be more complex, such as putting a soapy water solution on the joints in the installation to identify leaks. Or, if you want the full professional solution, you can contact Plett Gas for a complete check.
Just remember that checking for leaks and safe operation is something you can do yourself. Modifying or servicing a gas installation or appliance is something that has to be done by a Registered Installer.