How to look after a gas test gauge

After using your gas test gauge, make sure that the sealing caps are tightly screwed onto the top of each leg of the u-tube so that the fluid inside the tube does not leak.

Storage

When you are not using your gas test gauge, its durable plastic case will protect your tool and help it last longer.

You should store your gauge in a safe place such as a toolbox.

Alternatively, the hanging tab means that it can be easily hung on the wall of a workshop or shed. 

Changing the fluid

From time to time, you may need to change the fluid inside the u-tube of your gas test gauge.

To do this, simply remove the sealing cap from the top of the u-tube, pour out the old fluid and replace it with fresh water or new manometer fluid.

For instructions on how to fill the u-tube of your gauge, see How to prepare a gas test gauge for use?.

Cleaning

It is important that the u-tube of your gas test gauge is kept clean so that your measurements are accurate and can be easily read.

If you have used water as an indicating fluid,  after emptying the fluid from your gauge, you may only need to rinse the u-tube of your manometer with soapy water.

However, some manometer indicating fluids can become oxidised or react with gases they come into contact with and leave a stubborn deposit on the tube.

Using a manometer cleaning brush can help to remove this deposit.

Replacing parts

After extensive use, the rubber hose of your gas test gauge may become worn out.

Replacement hoses are widely available. It is important that you buy the correct hose for your gas system. 

While for measuring the pressure of natural gas an ordinary rubber hose is suitable, for measuring the pressure of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), a nitrile hose is required.