Want to learn all about flex line gas code and proper installation? You are in the right spot!
In this guide, you'll learn:
Over the years I have inspected so many homes with flexible gas lines, also known as CSST.
This flexible gas piping has a very thin metal wall, only about 0.3-mm thick, and it can become a fire hazard if improperly installed. And that's why I wanted to create this guide, to educate homeowners on the potential hazards of flexible gas lines and to bring them up on current code.
Keep reading to learn some of the most important code requirements for flex gas lines and to see the common manufacturer instructions for CSST installations. Let's get to it!
Jump To A SectionFlexible gas line code is a set of government regulations that controls flex gas line installations.
Flexible gas lines (also known as corrugated stainless steel tubing - CSST) have been installed in millions of homes in the U.S. and around the world.
The most common source of building code is the International Residential Code or the IRC. This code is updated every 3 years and it is known as a model code.
Many U.S. states and foreign countries use the IRC for their building code, sometimes with matching language.
Insert VideoThis guide isn't meant to detail every code, and I have summarized a few of the most important codes for flex gas lines from the IRC Chapter 24 Fuel Gas.
Always verify the flexible gas line code with your local state or city and with the manufacturer. It is also important to note that the IRC leaves out a lot of installation details for CSST and says to follow manufacturer instructions.
CSST needs to be supported at certain intervals with clips or straps.
These supports basically hold the flex gas line in place and help prevent unwanted movement of the gas line. The flexible gas line code in the IRC doesn't explicitly state how often it needs to be supported, but it says you must follow manufacturer instructions on spacing.
Some CSST manufacturers will require a minimum of flex line support every 4-feet, but other companies may only need support every 8-9 feet.
CSST needs to be electrically bonded and grounded to prevent damage to the line.
Many U.S. states around 2006 enacted a CSST gas line code that requires electrical bonding of CSST such as this example in Virginia. Studies have confirmed that a lighting strike near a home can puncture the membrane of CSST as result of the power surge.
The International Residential Code doesn't specify the wire to be used for bonding, but it is most commonly a #6 AWG copper conductor and installed where the solid gas pipe gas line first comes into the home.
Flex corrugated gas lines have been involved in a number of lawsuits over the years. Since CSST is a very thin metal at around 0.3-mm thick, it is more vulnerable to lightning strikes. Electrically bonding the CSST will ground the gas line and help prevent damage and subsequent fire risk.
However, newer CSST (usually black jacketed, not yellow) has an arc-resistant jacket that is already considered bonded when installed to a grounded appliance such as a furnace.
Homeowners should check with the manufacturer to see if their CSST has an arc-resistant protective jacket. And even if the CSST is made with an arc-resistant jacket, your local city or state may still require bonding.
The pipe size or diameter of CSST will be determined by.
The IRC has two tables to determine pipe size in Chapter 24 for flexible gas lines. You can also see the pipe sizing chart for the manufacturer Gastite here.
One of two tables in the International Residential Code that governs pipe size for CSST
In some U.S. states such as in Massachusetts, CSST is required to have a metal cover to protect it from lighting and the elements when outside.
Since CSST has a much thinner wall than traditional black iron gas pipe, it should be protected from damage when outside and above ground.
CSST should never be directly connected to movable appliances like dryers, washers, and ovens.
A flexible appliance connector should be used instead to connect from the CSST to these appliances. Flexible appliance connectors also have a corrugated pipe except that the corrugation is visible and there is no plastic sheathing.
These short appliance connectors are usually only 12-72 inches long.
Protective plates need to be installed to protect flex gas lines from punctures.
Since the CSST gas line has such a thin metal wall (0.3 mm thick) it is important to protect the gas line from nail punctures. If CSST is installed along drywall or in some area where nails may be used, it needs to be protected with metal plating.
The maximum allowed bending radius is usually 3-inches for 3/4" CSST and up to 5-inches for 1" or larger CSST.
Plumbers and homeowners will need to follow the manufacturer's requirements and they should not bend the CSST too far.
Sediment traps are short pieces of pipe that capture 'sediment' and other particles that are in gas.
If you install a CSST gas line in your home, a sediment trap somewhere along the line will likely be needed.
The manufacturer will specify where and when shutoff valves will need to be required.
But typically, at least one shutoff valve will need to be installed where the flex gas line connects to the 'black iron' or hard gas pipe.
The gas line will have a flexible yellow or black jacket. It is important to distinguish CSST from the regular flexible appliance connectors which are NOT CSST. You can also look up the brand or other markings on the gas line.
Flexible gas lines (known as CSST) are safe to use if properly installed in a home. All flex gas lines installed in new homes are required to be electrically bonded and grounded to prevent fire damage from lightning strikes.
If you have an older home with CSST, it is important to verify that the electrical bonding and grounding exists and is working properly. In addition, manufacturers require protective plating to prevent nails from damaging the flexible gas lines.
A qualified electrician or plumber should verify proper installation of the flexible gas line.
Flex gas lines or CSST typically have a lifespan of around 30-years. For comparison, 'black iron' gas pipe will usually last around 50-100 years.
Old homes with flexible gas lines were up to code when the home was built.
However, new homes with CSST require electrical bonding or grounding to protect against lightning strikes. An older home is likely exempted (grandfathered-in) from current CSST gas line code, but homeowners that have flexible gas lines should have it evaluated by a qualified plumber or electrician.
Just because a home is exempted from current code requirements doesn't mean that the existing flexible gas line installation is safe.
