What are gas grill regulators and do you need to replace yours?

The term “regulator” is usually used in the grill world to describe the gas grill regulators, hoses and fittings that bring gas from your LP tank and connects it to your grill.

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Technically, the regulator is the silver colored disc part that looks like this:

The hose connects it to the brass fitting which is the part that screws onto your grill. Right next to the regulator is a collar that twists freely. That’s the part that screws onto the LP tank. Though you should always turn off your LP tank when you’re done cooking or when you’re changing the regulator, LP tanks are made with an automatic shut off valve. It will only work when a regulator hose is connected to it.

How do you know when it’s time to replace your regulator?

As I mentioned, the regulator brings gas to your grill burners. Here are some indicators you need a new gas grill regulator

• Low heat coming from your burners when your gas is turned on high. Do a visual check on your burners to make sure they are all in one piece and there are no obvious holes or problems.
• Your burners light up unevenly. For example, if the burner on the far right flickers or hardly lights, the middle burner has low flame, and the left burner has a normal looking flame.
• Over time your grill gets less and less hot. Last week it took 10 minutes to grill some burgers, but today it took 15 to grill the same burgers.

WHY? Regulators, for safety reasons, close down slowly over time as they “go bad.” You probably won’t notice one day your grill is perfect and the next it doesn’t light at all. The burner closest to the source of gas will light up better than those farther down the manifold. Your grill will get to lower and lower temperatures over time, even on “high” heat. The main indicator of needing a new regulator is low heat or low flames, especially if it’s getting worse over time.

What else could go wrong?

Keep in mind that you may also have a problem running along the hose. Be aware of the smell of gas even when your grill is off or a tiny hissing sound.

Some animals like to chew on the sun-baked rubber hoses. (Don’t knock it ’til you try it?) If this is a problem for you, they have invented handy-dandy hose guards. Check them out.

If you think there’s a leak, but you’re not sure, you can check the hose with some very soapy water. Rub the suds all the way along the line of the hose. Turn on the gas tank. If there is gas escaping, it will cause the soapy water to bubble at the point of the leak.

What are the differences in gas grill regulators?

A single-hosed, standard regulator is the most commonly used part on grills. It’s the picture I used above. These regulators let out up to 60,000 BTUs of gas.

If you have a side burner, check out this dual-hosed standard regulator. There is one regulator (remember that’s the disc) and there are two separate hoses. Sometimes one hose comes off the regulator and splits into two hoses, forming a Y shape, and sometimes there are two hoses coming directly out of the regulator itself. Either will work and they are interchangeable.

Updated June 2021: Many of our gas grill regulators now support high-flow needs (let out up to 90,000 BTUs of gas). These are compatible with grills that originally used a standard flow. However, please note that your high setting might give you more heat than before. Pay attention the first time you grill with a new regulator and take note of the cook temps!

How do you know?

Usually, the removal and visual inspection of your regulator determines which replacement you need. It’s also a good idea to measure the existing hose and/or the space a hose needs to stretch to reach from the tank to the valve or manifold. If you’re not sure, call 678-272-2451. The staff at GrillPartsSearch.com is always happy to help.

Special Cases

Keep in mind, a standard regulator and hose will not work if you have:

• Natural gas grill (NG)
• A crimped hose onto the valve or manifold in your grill. You will know because you won’t be able to unscrew the hose from your grill. In this case, you need to contact your manufacturer to replace the entire valve system.
• Male fitting on the end of the hose that connects to the grill.
• Hose fitting larger or smaller than a 3/8″ flare, which translates to about a 5/8″ inner diameter measurement of the opening at the end of the fitting.

Here’s a picture of the fitting:

You can’t measure the 3/8.” It’s confusing, I know. Like I said, check for a 5/8″ measurement.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit ABYDA.

The good news is that this can be the easiest, cheapest part of your grill to fix!

Remember, not all regulators are created equal. Lower quality rubber will degrade and break more easily in the sun. A lower quality regulator can go bad more quickly.

(This theme came from our FAQs. Let me know if you have a question in our comments section and I can answer it there or even write a blog for you!!)

Spring is coming!!!
-GG

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BBQ 101: Guide to your Regulators Flow Limiting Device

What is the Flow Limiting Device?

The flow limiting device is a safety feature built into the Propane regulator that detects a change in pressure, limiting the amount of propane that is delivered to a BBQ’s valve assembly, causing unstable performance.

What causes activation of the Regulator’s Flow Limiting Device?

1. Improper lighting procedure
2. Opening propane tank too quickly
3. A leak in the system
4. A positive connection has not been made between the propane tank and the valve assembly/

When should the Regulator Flow Limiting Device be reset?

1. Burner will not light with igniter or match
2. Burner does not get hot enough
3. Low or incomplete burner flame pattern
4. When a leak test is performed and no leak is found
5. When a positive connection has not been made between the Propane tank and manifold assembly.

How do you reset the Regulator Flow Limiting Device?

1. Open the BBQ Lid
2. Turn ALL main control knobs to the “OFF”/CLOSED position
3. Turn the Propane tank valve to the “OFF”/CLOSED position
4. Disconnect the Regulator hose from the Propane tank
5. Turn ALL main control knobs to the “ON”/OPEN position
6. Let stand for 1-2 minutes, allowing all excess gas in valves and manifold to dissipate
7. Turn ALL control knob back to the “OFF”/CLOSED position
8. Reconnect the regulator hose to the Propane tank- hand tighten only.
9. Check all hose connections to ensure that a positive seal has been made
10. Slowly turn “ON”/OPEN the propane gas supply
11. Wait approximately 5 seconds for the regulator pressure to stabilize
12. Turn “ON”/OPEN the selected burner control knob to “HI”
13. Press the Multi Spark ignition button or match light selected burner.

Safety Devices in Regulator

1. Flow Limiting Device:

   The Flow Limiting Device alerts us to a change in gas pressure due to a leak, improper lighting procedure, system blockages, negative connections between manifold and gas source, and opening gas source too quickly.

2. Thermal Sensor:

   The Thermal Sensor is built into the interior of the regulator hose. It will automatically shut off the flow of gas if the hose reaches temperatures between 115-150 degrees C (240-300 degrees F). If this temperature is reached the hose and regulator will, melt away from the tank to avoid serious damage.

If this temperature is reached the hose and regulator will, melt away from the tank to avoid serious damage.

Are you interested in learning more about Natural Gas Regulator for BBQ? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!