Flexible gas lines are preferred by many households as they are safer than the traditional black steel pipes that get broken over a period of time. If the gas lines are properly installed, then they can be used for supplying natural gas or any other gas safely to your home or furnace.
Due to the nature of PVC and other plastics as well, they are not well suited to use for fuel gas or kerosene. PVC and other plastics deform easily in high temperature environments, and may leak or rupture.
Polyethylene (PE)
They're often the best choice for gas lines and other usages like drainage and sewer systems. Generally, PE is flexible and easily coiled onto truck beds for transport. The ease of use and installation are key reasons it's taken the place of steel pipes in most scenarios.
If lightning strikes on or near a structure, there is risk that it can travel through the structure's gas piping system and cause a leak and, in some cases, a fire.
PEX and PE are flexible and rated for much higher pressure than most gas lines, so they meet those basic requirements. However, they are made of a soft material that nails, rodents, and other things could potentially damage.
Flexible gas lines are used to supply natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas from the source or supply station to your home through which appliances are powered. Further, these gas pipes are also utilized for connecting the existing gas system with appliances or buildings.
Copper and copper alloy pipe shall not be used if the gas contains more than an average of 0.3 grains of hydrogen sulfide per 100 standard cubic feet (scf) of gas (0.7 mg/100 L). Stainless steel tubing shall comply with one of the following: ASTM A268.
Flexible gas lines were initially met with skepticism, but they have proven to be both safe and effective.
Therefore, installing CSST tubing is NOT a DIY task. Even if you are a professional in this field, obtain certification before working with a particular product.
❖ Flexible connectors must bear the label of an approved agency and are limited to a maximum of 6 feet (914 mm) in length.
PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) is NOT approved for piping systems. Approved corrugated stainless steel tubing may be used for the interior gas piping provided that it is part of a system of tubing and fittings that has been tested and listed, for such gas piping system.
CSST, although predominantly made for inside use, can also be used outdoors. The driving standard (ANSI LC1-CSA 6-26) contains test requirements determining suitability for exposure of CSST to outdoor environments. HOME-FLEX® is certified to this standard and is suitable for outdoor installations.
The dark color comes from the iron-oxide formed on its surface during manufacturing. The primary purpose of black steel pipe is to carry natural gas into homes and businesses. The pipe is manufactured without a seam, making it a stronger and safer pipe to carry gas.
For example, HDPE piping is one of the most highly recommended types of gas line for outdoor applications because it's highly resistant to corrosion, punctures, and cracks and can withstand higher pressure levels.
All bends shall be smooth and free from buckling, cracks, or other evidence of mechanical damage. The longitudinal weld of the pipe shall be near the neutral axis of the bend. Pipe shall not be bent through an arc of more than 90 degrees.
A black pipe is a durable option for carrying a natural gas supply. These pipes are generally made of steel and iron. They are malleable, making them a perfect opportunity for homes. Natural and propane gas can both be transferred through black pipes.
In short, flexible gas lines are perfectly safe as long as they're properly installed. A CSST that is not correctly grounded or bonded can leak natural gas or become ignited, leading to a major fire hazard. Let's look at exactly why that happens: CSST is extremely thin compared to the traditional 4 mm black pipe.
Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) is a flexible gas pipe used in many homes built or remodeled after 1989. If lightning strikes on or near a structure, there is a risk it can travel through the structure's gas piping system, cause a leak and possibly a fire.
Installing a gas line is no easy task and should be done by a professional. If gas piping is installed improperly it could lead to health and fire hazards.
Yellow CSST has been shown to fail at levels of less than ¼ of a Coulomb. The black second generation products have properties that may help reduce this failure rate, but attention needs to be given to those products as well.
Flexible Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing
CSST is flexible and easier to install, but professionals need to take the extra step of properly bonding and grounding it to prevent damage from lightning or electrical faults. With regular maintenance, CSST gas lines can last 30 to 50 years.
Plastic pipe shall not be used within or under any building or slab or be operated at pressures greater than 100 psig (689 kPa) for natural gas or 30 psig (207 kPa) for LP-gas.
The size of the gas line affects how much gas flows to your appliances. This flow is measured in BTUs, or British Thermal Units. A 1/2-inch gas line can handle about 92,000 BTUs per hour. This is enough for a few smaller appliances, like a gas stove and a smaller water heater.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) plastic pipe, tubing and fittings shall not be used to supply fuel gas.