The ultimate guide to CSST Pipe 2023

Are you looking to learn the ins and outs of corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST)? Then you’ve come to the right place! With “The Ultimate Guide to CSST Pipe 2023,” you’ll quickly be an expert on CSSTs. Our guide has all the details you need to get up and run. Whether you’re a rookie or an experienced installer, we’ve covered you with all the tips, tricks, and solutions to maximize your installation. So don’t wait any longer – get ready for the ultimate CSST flexible hose experience with our guide now!

What Is CSST Pipe?

CSST pipe, or Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing, is a handy accessory for any home’s plumbing system. It’s a flexible, curved tubing made from 316L stainless steel and lined with polyethylene plastic. Think of it as an upgrade from traditional metal piping – it gives you more flexibility for where you can place it without taking up too much space. Plus, since it’s stainless steel, you don’t have to worry about corrosion over the years, as with copper pipes.

Feature

CSST pipe makes installation more accessible since it’s lightweight and doesn’t require soldering. Adjust the length to fit your space, then attach fittings for the best results. Not to mention that this tubing can handle pressure up to 150 psi (pound-force per square inch). In other words, if there’s water coming in and out of your house at that rate, there won’t be any hardware damage!

Safety

Of course, safety should always be considered when dealing with plumbing fixtures. The good news is that CSST has been tested and approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) – an independent testing organization – so you can rest assured that these pipes are reliable and won’t cause any danger in your home.

Even better, most suppliers include additional protection in the form of an arc-resistant jacket which helps guard against electrostatic discharge due to fast-moving particle collisions inside the tube itself!

Overall, CSST pipe is an ideal choice for all kinds of homes because they take less time to install while maintaining high levels of safety.

CSST Pipe Specifications

CSST pipes have many variations, all of which boast the same incredible advantages that make this tubing so widely sought after:

Here is a table list of some common CSST (Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing) pipe specifications:

Note: This is not an exhaustive list, and additional or different specifications may be required for specific applications or regions. It’s important to always consult with the manufacturer or local authorities for appropriate specifications and code compliance.

Yellow Vs. Black Coating

When shielding pipes against intense external forces, consider the many options for reliable protection. One of the best ways to ensure your facilities stay safe from outside elements is by installing Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) in your home or business. But perhaps you’ve been wondering: should I opt for yellow or black coating with CSST pipe?

The choice of yellow and black may not seem significant initially, but they have different benefits that can be hard to ignore.

Pros for yellow

For starters, according to research performed by manufacturers of CSST pipe, yellow has a better resistance rating than black when it comes to puncture protection. This means choosing yellow can provide more peace of mind that your tubes are kept safe from nails, errant drill bits, and other sharp puncturing tools found in most homes and businesses.

Pros for black

• On the flip side, though, surveys have shown that homeowners find black coatings more aesthetically pleasing than yellow due to their sleekness and subdued coloring. There’s no way around it – safely wrapped CSST tubing stands out, but if you care about looks, you’ll want to go with black instead of yellow.
• That being said, even if black was chosen from a safety standpoint, options remain available for later stages of construction, where appearances play an important role. With the help of camouflage screen wrap or black braided mesh sleeving designed specifically for CSST piping, your tubes won’t be an eyesore after this extra step is taken during installation!

All in all, it’s essential to make sure whatever option you select can cushion itself against corrosion while still being able to pass electrical current respectively.

CSST Pipe Vs. Gas Appliance Connector

When installing gas appliances like a water heater, stove, or outdoor grill, there is no question that CSST pipe and gas appliance connector tubing is the way to go. These two products offer the safest and most reliable options for adequately installing a gas appliance. CSST pipe has been around since the 1980s, while gas appliance connector tubes have been on the market since they were first patented in 2003. Both have their pros and cons.

CSST pipe

CSST pipe is lightweight, easier to install than metal piping, and can be routed through walls and into appliance connections with minimal effort.

It is also more affordable than traditional metal piping systems and safer due to its skin-tight anti-aging chemical covering. Its reliability has made it so popular that it accounts for 20% of managed pipeline repairs in North America each year.

Gas appliance connectors

Gas appliance connectors are also lightweight but come in small-diameter tubings that you fill yourself or larger pre-filled kits, depending on your requirements. They use quick-connect couplings designed to reduce the risk of leakage, making them highly effective at sealing connections between appliances and fuel sources – resulting in fewer repairs over time than CSST pipe systems.

In addition, their durable build – usually welded aluminum with thick rubber seals – makes them an excellent choice for locations exposed to extreme temperatures or for greater protection from external corrosion or impact from animals or natural disasters such as earthquakes.

What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of CSST Pipe?

Advantages of CSST Pipe:

• Easy Installation: According to Gastite, installation of CSST can be up to 75% faster than the traditional black iron pipe, resulting in an average labor savings of 31 hours per job.
• Increased Safety: According to a Southern California Earthquake Center study, CSST is more resistant to earthquake damage than traditional black iron pipes.
• Cost-Effective: According to a study by the National Association of Home Builders, the cost of materials and labor for installing CSST is 33% less than the traditional black iron pipe.
• High-Quality Material: According to TracPipe, CSST is made from a high-strength, corrosion-resistant stainless steel alloy with a minimum yield strength of 30,000 psi.

Disadvantages of CSST Pipe:

• Lightning Strikes: According to the National Weather Service, lightning strikes the earth about 25 million times yearly, with an average of 1 in 1,000 strikes causing a fire. While the risk of a lightning strike igniting a gas leak in CSST is low, it is still a concern.
• Potential for Pinholes: According to a study by the Gas Technology Institute, CSST has a higher potential for pinhole leaks than traditional black iron pipe due to its thinner walls and potential for damage from corrosive soils.
• Code Requirements: According to the IAPMO, local building codes may require additional bonding and grounding of CSST to protect against electrical damage, which can add time and cost to the installation.
• Limited Warranty: According to Gastite’s warranty, their CSST products are warranted against defects in materials and artistry for 10 years from installation, with limited coverage for damage caused by lightning and other external forces.
• Mechanical Damage: According to a study by the Gas Technology Institute, CSST is more susceptible to damage from mechanical forces, such as impact or crushing, than the traditional black iron pipe.
• Limited Availability: According to TracPipe, CSST may only be available in some areas, which can limit its use for specific projects.
• Installation Requirements: According to the IAPMO, proper installation of CSST requires specialized training and tools, which can increase the cost and time needed for installation.
• Compatibility Issues: According to TracPipe, some gas appliances may not be compatible with CSST due to their flexible nature, which can limit their use in specific applications.

In summary, CSST pipe offers several advantages but has potential disadvantages before choosing this material for gas line installation. It is essential to carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks of CSST pipe against the project’s specific needs before deciding.

CSST Pipe Installation Guidelines

Proper Installation

• Use approved fittings, tools, and techniques.
• Follow local building codes and regulations.
• Trained and certified professionals should install the pipe.
• Improper installation can lead to gas leaks, fires, or explosions.

Bonding and Grounding

• CSST pipe must be bonded and grounded
• Use approved bonding clamps and grounding wires.
• The bonding wire should be a minimum of 6 AWG copper.
• Bonding and grounding can reduce the risk of electrical arcing by up to 95%

Proper Support and Protection

• Use approved support brackets and protective plates.
• Protect the pipe from nails, screws, and other sharp objects.
• Properly support and protect the pipe to prevent physical damage.
• Unprotected CSST pipe is susceptible to puncture and damage from nails or screws.

Proper Use and Maintenance

• Avoid excessive bending or twisting of the pipe.
• Regularly inspect and test for leaks.
• Proper use and maintenance can ensure long-term safety and performance.
• Improper use or installation can result in gas leaks, fires, or explosions.

Compatibility with Gas Appliances

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use
• Installing CSST pipes on non-compatible appliances may result in leaks, fires, or explosions.
• CSST pipe may not be compatible with all gas appliances
• In 2019, an estimated 284,000 residential fires in the US resulted in 2,620 deaths, 11,000 injuries, and $7.3 billion in property damage.

Protection Against Lightning

• Proper bonding and grounding can reduce the risk of damage from nearby lightning strikes.
• Consider installing a lightning protection system for added safety.
• CSST pipe is susceptible to damage from lightning-induced voltage
• CSST pipe can ignite in the presence of lightning-induced voltage

Consideration of Environmental Factors

• Install the pipe in areas protected from weather and other environmental factors.
• Protect the pipe from direct sunlight, corrosive substances, and extreme temperatures.
• Use appropriate materials for sealing and joining the pipe.
• CSST pipe should be protected from direct sunlight and temperatures over 150°F to prevent damage

Wrapping up with CTA to Hofen Sanitary

CSST corrugated stainless steel tubing has been an essential pipe since the 1980s, used to safely distribute natural gas within residential and commercial settings. With its superior flexibility plus yellow or black coating for additional protection, CSST is a top choice for many industry professionals today.

At Hofen Sanitary, we understand the importance of safety and quality regarding CSST pipes. That’s why we offer a wide selection of products, from clamps and fittings to protective plates and more, all designed for optimal performance. Contact us today to learn how Hofen Sanitary can help you.