Is stainless steel pipe good for natural gas?

In my experience, both types of piping work fine, and the IRC and the National Fuel Gas Code allow both — along with corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) and copper tubing (with some limitations) — to be used for natural gas distribution piping.

Is corrugated stainless steel tubing safe?

The concern with CSST is if it comes in contact with electricity, the pipe can become energized. And in some cases, such as a lightning strike, the CSST can become damaged and start a fire. However, CSST that is properly bonded and grounded is considered to be generally safe even when struck by lightning.

Is CSST gas pipe safe?

Like all approved gas piping systems, CSST is safe when properly installed. CSST must be installed by a qualified professional and in accordance with the Manufacturer’s Design and Installation Guide, which includes bonding and grounding of the system.

Is galvanized steel good for gas lines?

You do not want to use galvanized pipe for gas because of the galvanized coating. Over time pieces of the galvanized steel will flake off and clog your gas regulators and burner units. Never mix galvanized and black iron or where they touch corrosion will be accelerated.

What is the best pipe to use for natural gas?

CSST tubing, or corrugated stainless steel tubing, is good for installing gas appliances. These corrugated pipes can bend around corners reducing the number of joints and fittings. Easier to work with than steel pipe and weighs a lot less.

What kind of pipe is used for natural gas outside?

Steel, copper, brass: The most common gas piping is black steel. Galvanized steel, copper, brass or CSST (Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing) also can be used in some areas, but some utilities specifically prohibit the use of copper. In other areas, the use of copper is widespread.

How long can you run CSST gas line?

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 long does CSST last?

Flexible 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.

Do natural gas lines need to be grounded?

CSST Gas Lines Must Be Grounded Introduced in the US in 1990, CSST has been installed in millions of buildings. Since 2009, US building codes have required CSST to be bonded and grounded for safety, but that was not required during the first 18 years.

Will natural gas corrode galvanized pipe?

Today using galvanized pipe generally presents no threat. If pipe is in the ground it will tend to corrode faster (depends on the soil conditions). Many areas do not allow galvanized pipe underground for gas piping and factory coated steel pipe must be used.

What kind of tubing is used for gas?

CSST tubing, or corrugated stainless steel tubing, is good for installing gas appliances. These corrugated pipes can bend around corners reducing the number of joints and fittings.

Where can I find corrugated steel tubing for gas piping?

Look for corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) used as gas piping in buildings constructed in the U.S. or Canada after 1990 and also look for it in older buildings where gas piping was newly installed or modified since 1990. CSST is also installed in other countries.

Is corrugated stainless steel tubing code compliant?

Code compliance: corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing should be installed to meet the installation requirements of sections G 2415 and Fuel Gas Code section 404.1. Additional local regulations may apply and may extend or supercede these model code guides.

Can flexible copper tubing be used for gas lines?

One would think that excluding concerns for corrosion, similar worries apply to (and generally prohibit the use of) flexible copper tubing when used for gas piping: it is not routed within building cavities. Instead in those situations it’s common to use steel piping for such gas lines.

How many homes are built each year with corrugated steel tubing?

According to the CSST Safety Website (below), corrugated stainless steel tubing is installed in about 500,000 new homes each year.