Why Is My Caravan Gas Leaking? Causes, Checks & Safety Tips for Travellers
Gas leaks in caravans can not only be dangerous – they can also cost you money, ruin your camping trip, and leave you without a hot shower or cooked meal.
If you notice that your caravan is:
- using more gas than usual,
- you smell gas,
- your gas appliances are giving error codes, failing to light, or showing yellow flames instead of blue
You may have a gas leak.
In this guide, we explore reasons your caravan gas may leak, how to check for gas leaks, and what steps to take if you discover one. Whether you are an experienced traveller or a new caravan owner, these tips will help ensure your gas system remains safe and efficient.
All Caravan Gas Man mobile technicians are fully licenced and qualified gas fitters, backed by Adam’s over 35 years of experience in the Gas and Caravan industry. With this strong foundation of expertise and hands-on knowledge, you can trust them to provide safe, reliable, and professional service—no confusing jargon, just down-to-earth, good service. Call Adam at Caravan Gas Man on 0402 116 427.
Common Causes of Gas Leaks in Caravans
Loose Connections:
Loose connections between gas bottles, regulators, lines, and appliances are common causes of leaks – especially after driving on rough or corrugated roads.
Solution: use a spray bottle with soapy water to check for bubbles around fittings.
Overtightened or Cross-Threaded Fittings
Incorrectly installed gas fittings can lead to poor seals and gas leaks.
When changing your gas bottles, avoid overtightening or cross-threading your fitting – you should only tighten POL or LCC27 fittings by hand until you achieve a secure connection – no tools needed!
Note:
- POL fittings: Tighten counterclockwise (left-hand thread)
- LCC27 fittings: Tighten clockwise (right-hand thread)
Damaged or Worn Hoses:
Gas hoses deteriorate from UV exposure, vibration and heat, leading to cracking and brittleness.
Solution:
- Inspect hoses regularly for cracks, stiffness or general wear and tear.
- Replace hoses every 5-10 years
- Check the hoses for manufacture date
Leaking or Faulty Gas Appliances
Appliances like your stove, heater and fridge can develop internal gas leaks due to age or corrosion.
Solution: Have all appliances inspected and serviced regularly by a qualified caravan gas fitter.
Corroded Gas Lines or Fittings
Over Time, moisture and residue from leak-checking solutions can cause brass and other metal components to corrode.
Tip: Always rinse leak-detection spray off thoroughly. Avoid dishwashing liquid – some brands may contain ammonia, which can damage fittings.
Perished O-rings or Seals
O-rings and washers can wear out or become brittle, even if they look fine.
Tip: When I travel through the outback, I always carry a variety of LP gas O-rings. Please note that these are not just standard cheap ones you can buy in bulk. They should be made of nitrile or similar material and must be the correct size for your fittings. To ensure you get the right ones, consult your local Caravan Gas Man, who can guide you in the right direction.
The easiest way to check for gas leaks in my caravan
Using soapy water to check for gas leaks is a fast and easy way to find those pesky leaks!
Caravan Gas Man recommends:
Mix 10% Truck Wash with 90% water in an atomiser spray bottle (See note below)
Spray the suspected leak area. If there is a leak, the gas will rise through the soapy water, causing bubbles. And just like that, you have found the culprit!
If you are worried that the soap solution may contain ammonia, rinse all connections thoroughly with fresh water as soon as possible after finishing the leak test.
Please Note: Do not use dishwashing liquid, as ammonia may be present in some brands of soap and detergents. This can react with brass fittings, causing them to crack and leak after a short period.
Here’s how to check your Suburban hot water for gas leaks…..
Other ways to check for leaks are:
1. Visual Inspection
- Cracks
- Corrosion
- Fraying
- Discolouration
2. Use a Gas Leak Detector
A portable LPG gas detector is a great tool for finding small, hidden leaks quickly and safely.
3. Listen and Smell
- Listen for any hissing sounds near gas appliances or lines, which could indicate a leak.
- Smell – LP Gas has a distinct odour similar to rotten eggs. If you detect this smell, it could indicate a leak.
NEVER use matches, lighters, or anything that could create a spark while checking for leaks.
AND
If you detect a strong gas odour, evacuate the caravan immediately. If it is safe, shut off your gas system at the bottles.
What to do if you find a gas leak
Turn off your gas at the bottles and contact your nearest fully qualified caravan gas fitter for an inspection. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Be sure to use a caravan gas fitter for all your caravan needs. I’ve heard many stories that would curl your toes!
One caravanner had their caravan checked by a plumber with a limited gas licence. They were told that everything was fine. But when they got to camp, they found a huge rip in the pigtail and no gas left in the bottle – to make it worse this was New Year’s Eve – no fridge, no dinner and no shower!
Having a qualified gas fitter who understands how its gas system works from top to bottom is so important. With over 35 years of experience in the gas industry and over 30 years focused on mobile caravan gas services, Adam is a true expert in his field. When it comes to caravan gas, what Adam doesn’t know isn’t worth knowing! He leads his hand-picked team of fully qualified gas fitters, and even other gas professionals seek his advice.
Caravan Gas Man’s mobile technicians—Daniel and Anthony—deliver top-quality, professional, and friendly service. Both fully qualified, licenced, and insured, they excel in every aspect of caravan gas services, from gas certificates to appliance repairs, regular maintenance, and gas installations.
They can quickly diagnose and fix issues on-site, providing clear, no-jargon explanations that make everything easy to understand.
With well-stocked mobile vans, we handle repairs and maintenance swiftly, minimising downtime and ensuring your caravan stays compliant with all safety regulations. From gas safety checks to complete installations, our team provides fast and reliable solutions to keep your caravan running smoothly.
Replacing your gas bottles can be an expensive exercise, so….
Always secure your gas bottles properly before heading out!
Continue reading….
Caravan Gas Certificate: Don’t Trust Just Anyone with Your Safety!
When it comes to your caravan, safety is no joke—especially when dealing with gas installations. That’s why having a fully qualified and licensed gas fitter inspect your caravan is as crucial as packing marshmallows for a campfire! After all, no one wants their caravan to become the campfire! So when it comes to your caravan gas certificate, don’t trust just anyone with your safety!
When do I need a Caravan Gas Certificate?
Having a Caravan Gas Certificate is not only a requirement for registration of your caravan, camper or motorhome. It also ensures that your vehicle is safe to use and meets the necessary gas safety standards.
It’s also worth noting that having a Caravan Gas Certificate isn’t just for vehicle registration, it is for the safety of everyone using the vehicle.
