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what is a gas flex line

by Keaton Pfannerstill Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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GasFlex is an ALUMINUM tube lined with inner and outer layers of tough UV resistant polyethylene (PE). ALUMINUM is listed for gas use in the National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54 ).

How long can a flexible gas line be?

Top Selected Products and Reviews. Moreover, how long can a flex gas line be? The flexible connector length usually is limited to 3 feet except for gas ranges and clothes dryers. For these appliances, 6 feet generally is allowed. How tight should gas fittings be?

What is gas FLEX lines made out of?

Flexible gas lines are made from corrugated stainless-steel tubing (CSST). These extremely flexible pipes are made from stainless steel and often come coated in a trademark yellow casing, though they can sometimes be black. This clever revamp of the traditional black steel pipes allows natural gas to travel to your fireplace, furnace, stovetop ...

Are flexible gas lines safe?

Using flexible metal pipe as a final external connector to your appliance is one thing, but using it for gas lines inside walls and under floorboards poses serious safety risks. Among them: -- Easily punctured. The thin-walled flexible pipe is easily penetrated by nails or staples, creating a potentially disastrous slow gas leak. -- Gas leakage.

How to install a gas line?

Steps

  1. Turn off the gas to your house. The valve will be at your gas meter on the side of your house and should shut off entirely with a quarter-turn.
  2. Buy the right gas pipes and fittings for the job. ...
  3. Extend your existing gas line by fitting the valves and pipe lengths you need to add a gas line that will reach your new appliance.

More items...

What Is a Flexible Gas Line?

Who was the woman who burned her gas lines?

Can stainless steel pipe cause fires?

Are Flexible Gas Lines Dangerous?

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How long do flexible gas lines last?

30 yearsFlexible gas lines (corrugated stainless steel tubing - or CSST) usually last up to 30 years, whereas the traditional black steel pipes can last up to 75 years or more.

How do you use a gas flex line?

0:031:37How to Install CSST Fittings - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSee SST flexible gas pipe uses compression fittings to make transitions. Here's how they work firstMoreSee SST flexible gas pipe uses compression fittings to make transitions. Here's how they work first cut the flex pipe to length along a valley in the corrugation. Using a steel tubing cutter.

Can I run flexible gas line outside?

Pro-Flex CSST can supply gas throughout a home or commercial building. Route it through walls, floor or ceiling joists, or outside to a variety of appliances.

How do you install a flex gas line in a house?

0:261:22How to Install HOME-FLEX CSST Flexible Gas Pipe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAre easy to install. Simply. Cut the pipe along the values of the corrugation. With the home flexiMoreAre easy to install. Simply. Cut the pipe along the values of the corrugation. With the home flexi SST tubing cutter. Remove the sheathing with a blade. And slide on the nut.

What type of pipe is used for natural gas lines?

The most common materials used to make gas piping are steel, black iron, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and copper. Some utilities prohibit some of these materials, so be sure to check with your local utility to determine what is allowed in your area before you install any.

Can I install CSST gas line myself?

Gas line installation is not usually a task to take on as a DIY project. The risks of making a mistake far outweigh the costs of hiring a professional plumber. Perhaps you have hooked up the water lines for a dishwasher, ice maker, or water heater. Therefore, you may have a basic understanding of pipe and fittings.

What is the yellow flexible gas line called?

Corrugated Stainless Steel TubingCorrugated Stainless Steel Tubing – or CSST – is a yellow flexible pipe used to provide natural gas and propane to many homes and businesses.

Is flex pipe good for gas line?

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.

What is the yellow gas line called?

MDPE gas pipe is yellow in color, while HDPE pipe can be black, black with yellow stripe or black with a yellow outmost layer.

Can anyone install CSST?

HOME-FLEX® Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) flexible gas piping material must be installed by a Qualified Installer who has been certified in the use of the HOME-FLEX® gas piping system.

Why can't you use galvanized pipe for gas?

What you however need to know is that galvanized pipes are not allowed to carry natural gas underground in many areas. This is because they will eventually corrode and could cause a gas leak. Instead, a factory coated steel pipe must be used.

How do you hook up a flex gas line to a dryer?

3:229:00Gas Dryer Installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRemove the red cap from the gas pipe on the rear panel of the dryer. You can connect the flexibleMoreRemove the red cap from the gas pipe on the rear panel of the dryer. You can connect the flexible gas connector to the dryer gas pipe using a pipe to flare adapter fitting.

How do you hook up a flex gas line to a dryer?

3:229:00Gas Dryer Installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRemove the red cap from the gas pipe on the rear panel of the dryer. You can connect the flexibleMoreRemove the red cap from the gas pipe on the rear panel of the dryer. You can connect the flexible gas connector to the dryer gas pipe using a pipe to flare adapter fitting.

How do you run a gas line at the meter?

How do you plumb a gas line?Get the right size pipes.Turn off the gas before installing anything.Extend the existing gas line by fitting the right pipes and valves that will reach the appliance.Use a flexible pipe.Test the air tightness of the line.More items...•

How do I connect black pipe to flexible gas line?

0:060:31How to Properly Transition from Black Iron Pipe to HOME-FLEX CSSTYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTransitioning from black iron pipes a home flex CSS T is fast and easy simply attach a female CSS TMoreTransitioning from black iron pipes a home flex CSS T is fast and easy simply attach a female CSS T fitting to the black iron pipe then attach the nut and retainer ring to the CSS T.

What is the yellow plastic gas line called?

PE (Polyethylene)PE (Polyethylene) Gas Pipe System.

Flexible - Natural Gas - Pipe - Pipe & Fittings - The Home Depot

Get free shipping on qualified Flexible, Natural Gas Pipe products or Buy Online Pick Up in Store today in the Plumbing Department.

Installing a Flexible Gas Line | DoItYourself.com

Installing a flexible gas line will save you money. Doing it yourself minimizes the risks of incurring gas leaks, and when you do get a leak, changing the pipeline is far simpler and cheaper than repairing traditional black iron pipes.The best thing of all is that you won't require hiring a professional in most cases.

What is flexible gas line?

Flexible gas lines are used to carry natural gas or liquefied petroleum (LP gas or propane) from a gas main into a home, where the fuel powers appliances. Flexible lines may be used to connect buildings or to connect new appliances to an existing gas system. Different types of flexible gas lines are available for each gas supply project.

What is PE gas pipe?

Available in up to 500-foot lengths and iron and copper pipe size diameters, polyethylene (PE) gas pipe is used to bring natural gas or LP gas to a building. It is made of medium-to-high-density polyethylene, which is a noncorrosive, durable and relatively inexpensive plastic compound. PE gas line is used for exterior underground installation only.

What is corrugated stainless steel?

Available in coils of up to 1,000 feet or in shorter lengths as connectors with fittings in place, corrugated stainless steel tubing is a popular flexible gas line for indoor and outdoor applications. Stainless tubing is coated with polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride or epoxy to enhance durability.

What is gasflex piping?

The gasFlex flexible gas piping system is a complete natural gas and propane piping system internationally certified to ISO Standard 17484-1. Used in Europe, America and Australia for over 20 years , this technology is now revolutionizing the way gas is installed in homes across the USA and Canada.

Is aluminum a gas?

ALUMINUM is listed for gas use in the National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54 ). Unlike CSST pipe, there is no electrical conduction within the gasFlex pipe system and there is no chance of electrical surge or pipe wall damage caused by nearby lightning strikes.

What is flexible gas line?

A flexible gas line is an ingenious method of supplying natural gas to fireplaces, furnaces, cooktops, clothes dryers and any other gas appliance. Virtually all state and local code authorities permit its use and many contractors are finally embracing it.

How to get opinions on flexible gas lines?

If you have ANY DOUBTS about flexible gas lines or CSST, visit a local firehouse and talk to the team leader that's on duty. Visit SEVERAL firehouses to get different opinions.

What are the Two Gas Line Install Choices?

These are traditional black iron pipes that I installed in 1987. Each end of a piece of pipe must be threaded. It's messy and hard work, but I must admit I sort of enjoy it. The pipe is extremely durable and rarely has a lightning strike cause a fire in a house with black iron pipe. © 20187 Tim Carter

Is it Easy to Install Additional Gas Lines?

Adding additional gas lines at a future date is not a problem if you plan for the possibility during the original installation. The CSST systems can be installed one of two ways:

When was corrugated stainless steel tubing approved for residential use?

This material was approved for residential use in 1988 by the National Fuel Gas Code.

Can you use soft copper for gas lines?

Yes, you can use approved soft copper for gas line work. If you are not able to get CSST tubing and can't handle working with black iron pipe, consider using soft copper. It offers all of the same advantages of the CSST systems. Soft copper is approved for interior residential gas piping in many cities and towns.

Is Black Iron Gas Pipe Labor Intensive?

Black iron pipe is very labor intensive. A typical black iron pipe installation requires a professional to precisely measure, cut, and thread the individual pieces of pipe. All of these steps are very time-consuming.

What is the gas line?

The gas supply line, also known as the building line, is the plumbing that runs throughout the house. Individual appliances are served by branch lines.

How long is a flexible connector?

Accessible and three or six feet long: The flexible connectors cannot pass through walls, floors, or ceilings, and they cannot be hidden. Except for gas stoves and laundry dryers, the flexible connector length is normally limited to 3 feet.

Why are flexible connectors used in earthquakes?

Flexible connectors are more likely to be utilized on all appliances in earthquake-prone areas because they give some protection against gas piping leakage or rupture during an earthquake. To find out what is and isn’t permitted in your area, consult your local gas code.

What is CSST gas?

CSST is a flexible, corrugated stainless steel tube that is used to provide natural gas and propane to homes, businesses, and industries.

What is the most common material used in gas piping?

Steel, copper, and brass are the most prevalent materials for gas piping. In some cases, galvanized steel, copper, brass, or CSST (Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing) can be used, but copper is prohibited by some utilities. Copper is widely used in different parts of the world.

Can gas piping be used as a grounding system?

The use of gas piping as a grounding mechanism for the electrical service is prohibited by most authorities. In many areas, however, bonding the gas piping to the electrical grounding system is required.

Who is responsible for the piping on a gas meter?

The homeowner is normally responsible for the pipework downstream of the gas meter. The gas company is normally responsible for the piping upstream of the gas meter, as well as the meter itself.

When to use new gas connector?

Code requires that a new gas appliance connector must be used for a new appliance, when moving an appliance to a new location, or as a result of damage (ANSI Z21.24/CSA 6.10 and ANSI Z21.75/CSA 6.27). It is a good idea to always install a new gas connector when you replace an appliance. Again, we highly recommend that you immediately replace any uncoated brass connectors with a quality stainless steel or brand new, coated connector and as always, before installing any product, check your local plumbing codes..

Do gas connectors last?

No, the stainless connectors that we sell will generally last as long as your house (if not repeatedly moved or physically damaged). Sometimes older, non stainless steel, coated or uncoated budget gas connectors can be a real safety hazard.

What is the difference between a gas flare and a NPT thread?

Gas connections are made using either NPT (F/M/IPS) threads , or a flare connection. Flares are easily identified by their unique semi-conical end , while NPT threaded connections are the same threads you see throughout most plumbing.

What is included in a gas appliance connector kit?

Pro Tip - Keep an eye out for gas appliance connector kits, which include everything you need to hook up whatever you're installing. We offer several commercial kits that include connectors, fittings, adapters, valves, and restraining hardware. If you need only a valve with your connector, you can purchase the two as a complete set.

What is a swivelmax adapter?

The SwivelMAX adapter for allows for vastly increased movement and positioning of the connector and the appliance - especially helpful in cramped kitchens and for awkward appliances.

Do new appliances come with gas connectors?

New appliances may come with a gas connector, but that's not terribly common. Chances are you'll have to purchase one independently. And clearly if your existing connector is damaged or severely bent/kinked, you need to replace it ASAP. If you're lucky, the old connector may still have a tag giving you the details you need to make ...

Do you need a service valve for gas lines?

Note: If the room's gas line doesn't have a service (or shutoff) valve, one must be installed. A valve at the appliance allows for easy servicing (you won't have to go to the meter or tank to turn off the supply) and safer operation.

Can you reuse a gas line?

When a gas appliance is replaced, you might think it's fine to reuse the flexible, corrugated connector (aka supply line) that connected the old unit to the home's gas supply. It's not - many plumbing codes and most manufacturer guidelines prohibit their reuse. As you might guess, this has everything to do with safety - namely, preventing leaks. Crushed threads, kinks, or damage incurred during appliance removal can lead to a dangerous situation once gas starts flowing again. Worse yet, leaks aren't always immediate after this kind of damage, making safe reuse more than a matter of a simple soapy water test after installation.

What is bonded gas line?

The risk is tremendously reduced when CSST flexible gas lines are “bonded “ (BONDED DEFINED: Connected with wiring to take electrical current away from CSST flexible gas lines in the event of a lightening-strike on or near the home). Lightning-strikes have a documented history of creating holes in CSST gas lines, allowing the gas to escape and dramatically increasing the risk of gas-fueled fires in the home. Confined gas fumes that are in a closed room or an unoccupied home can lead to an explosion.

What is the difference between natural gas and propane lines?

Underground natural gas lines are primarily polyethylene. Propane lines coming to the home are either copper or polyethylene. Polyethylene flexible gas piping is engineered and certified for underground installations. These lines are made in many sizes, from quite large to residential-service lines going to individual homes or a home’s exterior equipment like pool heaters or backup generators.

What is a flash shield?

CounterStrike® or FlashShield® is a patented CSST innovation based on existing yellow CSST flexible gas piping products. It is engineered to significantly decrease the potential for lightning-induced damage to fuel gas piping systems IF, installed correctly.

Why do you need to bond CSST gas piping?

CSST flexible gas piping must be bonded to reduce the risk of damage due to a lightning strike on the home. The most common issue that home inspectors find is the CSST system is not being properly bonded.

What to do if you feel gas fumes?

WARNING: IF YOU SMELL What you feel is a GAS or propane fume — LEAVE YOUR HOME & LAWN. THEN CALL 911 & YOUR LOCAL GAS SUPPLIER.

Can gas lines be damaged by lightning?

Most homes have gas lines in their attic, walls & basements. CSST flexible gas lines in the attic are a prime candidate for damage from lightning strikes. Especially if they are not protected with Bonding to ensure electrical energy is carried away from the pipe (versus carried by the pipe).

Is CSST gas line safe?

Homes built with CSST flexible gas Lines before the Building Code required bonding were built correctly to the Building Code at the time they were built. BUT that does not mean they are safe. These homes may, or may not have bonded gas lines.

What Is a Flexible Gas Line?

If you’re wondering what the hype is with flexible gas lines, let’s clear some things up. Flexible gas lines are made from corrugated stainless-steel tubing (CSST). These extremely flexible pipes are made from stainless steel and often come coated in a trademark yellow casing, though they can sometimes be black. This clever revamp of the traditional black steel pipes allows natural gas to travel to your fireplace, furnace, stovetop, and any other appliances that use natural gas.

Who was the woman who burned her gas lines?

Elizabeth George of Fishers, Ind., never gave much thought to her natural gas lines until lightning struck her neighbor's house in June and it burned to the ground. One month later, George's house nearly suffered the same fate when lightning struck her house but didn't catch it on fire. Now her gas lines are foremost in her mind.

Can stainless steel pipe cause fires?

This flexible gas line became a popular replacement for black steel pipes, and while the upgrade is less likely to leak gas, corrugated stainless- steel tubing can lead to major house fires—if struck by lightning.

Are Flexible Gas Lines Dangerous?

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.

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1.Are Flexible Gas Lines Safe for Your Home? - Angi

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