Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) is a promising alternative to traditional threaded black-iron gas piping for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Its light weight, flexibility, and need for fewer connections and fittings can make it easier to install than traditional threaded black-iron piping. These benefits can add up to substantial labor savings for installers and cost savings for builders.
Since 1989 over 150 million feet has been installed in residential, commercial, and industrial structures. During 2002, approximately 45 million feet of CSST was sold and installed in the U.S.
(an indication of the rapid increase in use of CSST in recent years).
Corrugated stainless steel gas tubing (CSST) consists of a continuous, flexible, stainless steel pipe with an exterior PVC covering. The piping is produced in coils that are air-tested for leaks. It is most often installed in a central manifold configuration (also called parallel configuration) with "home run" lines that extend to gas appliances. Flexible gas piping is lightweight and requires fewer connections than traditional gas piping because it can be bent easily and routed around obstacles.
The multiport manifold allow for easy, future expansion of the system for room additions or additional appliances. CSST has the potential for higher levels of system safety because connections and joints behind the wall, common in black iron pipe, are essentially eliminated. In addition, builders and installers have noted a reduction in employee injuries by eliminating the heavy equipment and apparatus associated with traditional black iron pipe installations.
Installation :
Stainless steel gas piping is installed using specialty fittings and cutting tools. Connections can be made in minutes with the correct tools. Striker plates must be installed where gas lines penetrate wall studs to protect lines from puncture during drywall installation. Typical installation of flexible gas piping system for a single family unit can be completed in one day. CSST length is continuously marked on the pipe for ease of measuring and cutting. CSST cannot be installed in direct contact with the ground.
Benefits / Costs :
Corrugated stainless steel piping eliminates the need for carrying and threading heavy pipe. Because of its flexibility, it can be pulled in a manner similar to electrical wire. With fewer fittings than threaded pipe, the potential for leaks is reduced. Stainless steel gas piping is easy to expand and to use in retrofits where frequent bends and turns are necessary. CSST is rated for high pressure. When used at higher pressure, the pipe size, and therefore material cost, can be decreased.
Warranty :
Some manufacturers warrant their CSST and fitting for a period of one year after installation
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