LPG Solutions Zimbabwe

29/07/2026

Whether it’s a seamless residential reticulation or a heavy-duty commercial setup, we deliver installations that meet the highest standards.

15/07/2026

Article Referenced: Fidelity unveils Zimbabwe's first large-scale residential piped gas project

​Trying to mimic a Natural gas utility using localized LPG reticulation is an incredibly risky and expensive endeavor.

​The news about Zimbabwe’s first large-scale residential piped gas project in Southview is exciting on the surface. The idea of never running out of gas or having to carry heavy cylinders to the filling station sounds progressive.
​However, as a Gas Tech who has previously run a detailed feasibility study on this exact concept for a housing complex, I have to raise some petinent questions. While it is technically possible, a piped LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) system is incredibly difficult to justify from an economic, safety and financial standpoint.

​Here is a simple breakdown of why piping LPG into homes is much harder—and riskier—than it sounds.

​1. The Science: Why LPG and Natural Gas are Not the Same

​Around the world, when you see gas being piped directly into millions of homes, it is almost always Natural Gas. LPG, on the other hand, is almost always bottled. This isn’t a random choice; it is because of basic chemistry.

​Natural Gas (Methane) is lighter than air, when exposed to the atmosphere it tends to rise.If a pipe leaks underground, the gas rises up, escapes into the atmosphere, and blows away. Leaks are easily detectable above ground.
​LPG (Liquid petroleum gas) is a mixture of Propane and Butane ,heavier than air, and tends to sink at normal atmospheric conditions.If an LPG pipe leaks, the gas sinks. It collects in low-lying areas, crevices, drains, and ditches. This makes leaks underground incredibly hard to detect and highly dangerous in piped underground systems.

​The Pressure Problem

Because LPG is a heavier gas it can be turned into a liquid at a moderate pressure and low tempreture thus LPG can be bottled and transported with relative ease.
In utility LPG systems with long pipelines at high pressure the vapour can turn back into a liquid if it gets too cold or compressed. This can create blockages. It has to be pushed through pipes at low pressure to prevent condensation.
​In a large neighborhood with thousands of homes, sending gas at low pressure through long pipes is risky. During cold winter evenings or frosty mornings when everyone turns on their stoves/heaters at the same time, the pressure at the end of the line will drop. If the pressure gets too low, burner flames can go out on appliances without flame failure devices this risk is amplified.

​2. The Economics: Why Bottling LPG is Simple cost effective choice.

We pipe natural gas because it is cheap to move in bulk, and we bottle LPG because it is easy to shrink into a liquid.

​Natural Gas is piped because it is incredibly hard to compress and store in cylinders we don't have to freeze or compress it into a liquid to move it. It just flows like air.It is a "true" gas and can be piped at high pressure without the risk of condensing and risk of pressure differentials in long pipelines.

​LPG is compressed into a liquid at room temperature with relative ease so we can pack a massive amount of energy into a small, portable metal bottle. It is highly efficient to transport this way.

​When you try to pipe LPG, you lose these economic benefits. To run a piped LPG utility over a large area the developer has to also consider

​Miles of specialized underground pipes with relavant control/safety stations and infastructure.

Auxillary Gases and storage i.e Nitrogen for purging and maintanance.

​Smart meter installations and routine caliberation. Poorly calibrated meters can sink entire opration

Permanent well trained and qualified technical staff​ for regular safety inspections, 24/7 standby response teams pipeline maintenance equipment.

​Admin, warehousing,billing, management general staff etc...

​adding up all of these infrastructure and running costs, It is highly unlikely that a LPG utility in Zimbabwe can charge a price that is cheaper or even competitive with the standard gas bottles already in use.

​Conclusion

​The Southview piped gas project is a bold and noble attempt at modernization, but it goes against the natural strengths of LPG.
​It is my learned opinion that for the average homeowner, the traditional gas cylinder will remain the safer, simpler, and more budget-friendly option.

13/07/2026

07/07/2026

From securing your home with professional Lpgas gas installations to keeping commercial kitchens running smoothly.
LPG SOLUTIONS handles it all. As your Trusted gas experts, we provide quality domestic and commercial Gas engineering solutions, precision appliance maintenance, and custom designs. Whether it's a new housing project, a restaurant renovation, or a quick cooker repair, our trained technicians deliver top-quality workmanship you can count on.

25/01/2026

TRUE STORY

The Hidden Culprit Killing Your Tankless Gas Water Heater Installations.

Ever installed a premium instant gas geyser, only to get a frustrated after 6 months with low pressure, lukewarm water, or a complete breakdown? 🤯

Before blaming the unit, ask this critical question: "What's the water hardness like in this area?"

The science is clear, and predictable. Water hardness is the silent assassin of tankless water heater efficiency and lifespan.

Here’s the hard truth.......,

⚠️ Scale from hard water forms an insulating blanket on the heat exchanger. This forces the burner to work harder, using more LPG to heat the same amount of water.

⚠️ It clogs the tiny internal waterways. That perfect 10L/min flow you were promised? It dwindles week after week until the system chokes.

⚠️ It drastically shortens lifespan.

· Units on softened water: Maintained efficiency for a full 10 year lifespan on high end unit.
· Units on hard water: Failed completely in as little as under 6 months in some cases. due to scale blockage.

Think about that, your investment can be destroyed in less than 6 months by the water running through it.

This is where we stop being just installers and become system engineers.

At LPG Solutions Zimbabwe, we don't just connect pipes and gas lines. We provide Total System Solutions that protect your investment in gas energy

Our Premium Installation Protocol includes:

✅ Water Quality Assessment: We advise on the local water conditions.
✅ Strategic Recommendations: From in-line scale inhibitors to full water softener systems where needed, we provide the full solutions, and quality that last.

25/01/2026

Know the COLOUR codes..

24/01/2026

The Silent Threat

That faint, occasional smell of gas you sometimes brush off? Or the slow, steady increase in your cylinder usage without a clear reason? These could be signs of a small, persistent LPG leak.

While a major leak is an obvious emergency, a minor one is a silent threat. It’s not just wasteful, costing you money every day—it's a hidden danger that can lead to a build-up of gas, creating a serious risk of fire or explosion.

So, how often should you get a professional leak check?

The answer is simple: Any time you suspect a problem, and as a non-negotiable part of your annual maintenance.

A professional technician doesn't just rely on smell. We use specialised leak detection solutions and to find even the smallest leak at connections, valves, and along pipework that you would never see.

Don't wait for a sign to become a problem. Proactive safety is the best protection for your home and family.

👉 Book a professional Safety Inspection with our trained technicians today. We’ll ensure your entire system is sealed, secure, and operating efficiently.

Contact LPG SOLUTIONS for peace of mind:
📞 0773465205

22/01/2026

What is a Flame Failure Device and Why Your Gas Appliance Should Have It

Have you ever wondered what would happen if a gust of wind, a spill, or a power flicker blew out the flame on your gas stove? Without a crucial safety feature called a Flame Failure Device (FFD), the gas would continue to flow, creating a dangerous and invisible hazard in your home.

The Guardian on Your Gas Burner

A Flame Failure Device (FFD), also known as a Flame Supervision Device (FSD), is an automatic safety mechanism designed to stop flammable gas from flowing to a burner if the flame is accidentally extinguished. Its core principle is elegantly simple: no flame, no gas.

The most common type is the thermocouple, a proven technology found in many appliances with standing pilot lights. It uses heat from the flame to generate a tiny electrical current that holds a safety valve open. If the flame goes out, the thermocouple cools, the current stops, and the valve shuts off the gas supply within seconds. Modern appliances with electronic ignition often use a flame sensor (flame rectification) that performs the same vital function.

A Global Safety Standard (With Notable Exceptions)

The recognition of an FFD's life-saving importance is reflected in law across much of the world, though regulations vary significantly by country.

Where they are mandatory:

· South Africa: It is a legal requirement. All new gas stoves and hobs must have an FFD, and no registered gas installer may install an appliance without one.
· European Union & UK: The Gas Appliance Regulation (GAR) sets essential safety requirements that mandate flame failure protection for new appliances sold in the EU and the UK.
· Australia & New Zealand: The national standard (AS/NZS 5263.1.1) requires mandatory flame safeguards (FFDs) on all burners of new domestic gas cookers manufactured after 1 July 2017.
· Republic of Ireland: FFDs are a legal requirement on all cookers sold.

Why This Small Device is a Non-Negotiable Safety Feature

The importance of an FFD cannot be overstated. It is the primary defense against the single greatest danger of a gas appliance: uncontrolled gas flow.

1. Prevents Explosions and Fires: An FFD stops a dangerous buildup of unburned gas in your kitchen that could be ignited by any spark—from a light switch, a refrigerator motor, or the next ignition attempt.

2. Protects Against Poisoning: Natural gas and LPG can displace oxygen in a confined space, leading to asphyxiation. By cutting off the leak, an FFD eliminates this risk.

3. Guards Against Carbon Monoxide (CO): While an FFD itself doesn't detect CO, it prevents scenarios where an extinguished burner could lead to incomplete combustion and CO production if relit.

4. Saves Energy and Money: It prevents the wasteful and expensive leakage of gas directly into your home.

The Bottom Line

A Flame Failure Device is the epitome of a fail-safe mechanism. It requires no external power and fails in the safest possible state—with the gas turned off. Whether you are purchasing a new appliance or using an existing one, prioritizing this feature is a critical step in protecting your home and

If you live in a region like Zimbabwe where it is not mandatory, actively seek out models that include this essential safety technology.