When it comes to gas lines in a home or office space, most people think of traditional, black iron gas piping. However, an alternative called corrugated stainless steel tubing (commonly known as CSST) also is available and quickly gaining popularity.
A flexible stainless steel pipe and PVC covering comprise CSST. During manufacturing, it is thoroughly air-tested for leaks. According to the National Association of Home Builders, over 150 million feet of CSST has been installed in residential and commercial buildings since 1989.
CSST offers a few advantages over black iron piping:
- Lower labor cost to install: CSST is simply pulled and cut to length whereas black iron pipe requires time-consuming and precise measurements, cutting and threading of individual pipe pieces. Installation is easier for the installer, and the savings are passed on to the consumer.
- Gas leak sources are reduced: Because black iron pipe is inflexible, tee and coupling fittings are needed for every direction change. This introduces more potential gas leak sources. CSST is flexible and has no problems working its way through curves and bends.
- Future gas lines are easily accommodated: If a CSST system is configured with a central distribution point, gas ports can quickly be added.
As easy as CSST is to work with, its installation should only be left to trained professionals. It must be properly grounded to meet inspection. Master gas fitters from our Durham NC plumbing company are experts in the installation of CSST gas lines. Call our Durham plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, or visit us online for more information.