How Prevalent is the use of CSST (corrugated stainless steel tubing) with the hearth industry in the rest of the country. Has anyone had any code, or inspection related issues with using this product.
We have used it on fireplaces and furnaces (Gastite brand) since 1993 with no problems. The manufactures have a detailed instruction guide with sizing charts.
Read the manual from cover to cover.
Some common errors I see:
1) grounding of the piping system incorrectly. Usually the ground wire is undersized, and/or in the incorrect location.
2) protection from nail penetration
3) not sleeving the CSST where it passes into the fireplace box
4) use of 'soap' as a leak detector. Chlorine, brass and stainless don't mix well.
5) using it in exterior applications without protection or stripping the casing back so the stainless is exposed
6) having it pass through the furnace cabinet to attach directly to the gas valve
7) using it as an appliance 'whip' behind a range or dryer
In a related subject - Maxitrol regulators using vent limiters need to be installed horizontally (with the vent up) so the vent limiter can work. I don't know how many I've seen installed vertically on the drop to the furnace or water heater.
I've used gastite brand for approx. 8 years and have recently switched to Trac-pipe. Depending upon the inspector, you may or may not be allowed to whip into a fireplace even if it is jacketed. Safe bet for me, just don't. I do love this stuff for retro installs though.
I've used gastite brand for approx. 8 years and have recently switched to Trac-pipe. Depending upon the inspector, you may or may not be allowed to whip into a fireplace even if it is jacketed. Safe bet for me, just don't. I do love this stuff for retro installs though.
Same here, we used Gastite but switched to TracPipe for a huge cost savings. Almost every plumber in the area uses it for everything. Most of the time a main trunk is run in with hard pipe and then CSST is branched off to each appliance. Except the furnace and water heater which are right under the trunk line are usually 1/2" hard pipe. We see primarily Wardflex (cheap IMO) and Gastite, and sometimes other unknown brands.
Same here, we used Gastite but switched to TracPipe for a huge cost savings. Almost every plumber in the area uses it for everything. Most of the time a main trunk is run in with hard pipe and then CSST is branched off to each appliance. Except the furnace and water heater which are right under the trunk line are usually 1/2" hard pipe. We see primarily Wardflex (cheap IMO) and Gastite, and sometimes other unknown brands.
Plus trac pipe has higher EHD, at least thats the way it used to be over gastite. been using trac pipe for years, I still like to break out the old power threader on those show case your talent jobs
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