What is CSST? - CSST vs Black Iron Pipe

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CSST vs Black Pipe for gas applications:
It can be argued that CSST lacks the pricing advantage over black pipe, however, it easily makes up for the difference since black pipe uses a multitude of fittings and shorter pipe runs (pipe nipples), which, when added together, either meet or more often exceed the CSST price point. According to GRI (Gas Research Institute), using CSST instead of black pipe can reduce labor alone by as much as 65%. We’ve prepared a list of additional comparison points below for further consideration.
CSST is flexible and thus requires a fraction of the fittings used for the rigid black pipe
installation - this makes installation much quicker and easier.
Less connections also means less potential leak points.
Inherent flexibility also makes the CSST piping a preferred choice in areas prone to
earthquakes or soil shifting.
Black pipe lacks the arc-resistant jacket, which makes it more prone to electrical arc damage.
No special tools or machinery for cutting and threading is needed for CSST pipe.
A lot less support is required due to lighter weight of the CSST, which makes it a piping of
choice for attics and crawlspaces. Less support also equates more freedom of movement and
resistance to screw penetration.
Light weight makes is easier to store and transport the CSST gas tubing.
ProFlex CSST connection system is the easiest and most installer-friendly in the industry.
Unlike most black gas pipe, which is imported, ProFlex is made in the USA and 100% factory-
tested.
Contact us:
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800-818-3201

[@rickybrown9348]

I was employed be a propane company in the late 90's. In 1999 I built my current house and installed CSST pipe connecting a furnace, range, water heater and clothes dryer. I installed and preformed the installation myself without any assistance. the system has worked very well for 22 years.

[@gebronthomasson6960]

He said for indoor use..Can it be run under a house(off the ground)under a pier and beam house?

[@truthseekerKJV]

Regardless of how long it worked, you risked the lives of everyone who lived or visited your house.

[@why6212]

​@@truthseekerKJVdo you work for a gas co like op or are you just talking out of your ass?

[@basketballjones6782]

@@truthseekerKJV Yeah! How dare he think he might be able to install a properly working system himself without assistance as a mere homeowner?! Doesn't he know that a professional installation will never ever have any possibility of ever having any safety issues and will never ever risk lives of everyone who lived or visited his house?!

[@No_bread-and-circuses]

@@basketballjones6782 I remember some song called basketball jones in the 80s. Maybe it was a comedian that did it. Now you’ve got me on a mission! You must be an old dude too. Lol

[@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123]

Your videos are good, to the point and informative !!! Thank you for that !

[@bobsmyth7590]

Thank you-very eye to eye video. I have run miles of pipe- black pipe, and you nailed it- we- me, feel Comfortable doing it- but the labor, weight, less fittings- I'm old, hurting & challanged physically- this is looking good- very well done video-

[@tomasmucha2133]

Retired Union Pipefitter.....amen to what you said brother.

[@tomasmucha2133]

Also; hated thread pipe....much rather weld where permissable.

[@dylankadow8428]

Can you make a video on how to ground the black csst? There is no video on it on youtube

[@jeremywilson2001]

I'm guessing you just attach clamp to a fitting

[@TheElevenBravo]

You always do a fantastic job! Thank you so much for all your videos and insights!

[@madman432000]

Does the stove electrical connection function as a ground bond for CSST? The stove chassis is grounded and the gas valve is connected to the stove chassis and CSST connected to the gas valve on the stove all through metal one way or the other. So there is a bonding clamp on CSST and you can run that to a bonded water line or to the ground system directly?

[@RealEstateInvestingForDummies]

The csst unit is bonded and grounded. However, the house built back in 2005, shows all csst pipes connected the yellow coating(jacket) are being peeled off about 3-4 inches from the connection. Is this very dangerous even with the bonded and grounded csst unit? Your reply is much appreciated! Realtor in Tulsa, OK

[@brianjohnson933]

I'm an electrical contractor. As long as the CSST is all inside or under your house, its not a concern. The gas is contained inside of the metal tubing. The yellow sleeve just identifys' it as a GAS LINE. Make sure it is BONDED(grounded-that is), that's all. If any of the CSST goes outside the house, then it would need to be fixed. Outside, it could get corroded. And it could be struck by lightening.

[@Jimbo234GW]

Technically, according to a lot of inspectors, as long as the appliance that csst is connected to has 3 prong grounding, extra bonding is not required. But if I run csst outside at all or stub it out, I ground it to be extra safe.

[@basketballjones6782]

@@brianjohnson933 Lightening would be good for the pipe. Like my ex girlfriend, it's already heavy enough and could stand to lose some weight.

[@tsinay40]

Hi very interesting concept! How would I connect existing black pipe to csst for setting up a stove?

[@joshuamoore24_7]

I have ran houses with gas tite and sometimes installed hard pipe metal drops from the gas right in the attic, or just the gas tite with the wrought iron stub outs.

[@anasashraf5735]

what is the minimum bend radius for a 50 dia. CSST pipe?

[@Ea-n7x]

I am trying to create a 3/4 natural gas hose for my generator hook up. Can I use this to run above ground outdoors? Do you recommend another material hose that I can use to create a natural gas hose that will have quick connect fittings to my gas meter and generator

[@gilbertfamily3824]

Are there any gas pressure or flow issues is CSST vs iron pipes that you, or others have seen? Reason I ask I have CSST running to my 60k BTU garage furnace, and there is a pressure drop at that furnace versus no pressure drop at my main home furnace. Trying to troubleshoot, thanks for your opinion.

[@ryankramer]

Have you used a manometer to test the valve on the garage furnace?

[@gilbertfamily3824]

@@ryankramer Yes. It reads 9 inches on the in side....but the outlet side reads only 2.5 inches of water column? Replaced 5 vales now on the machine, same thing everytime, so we dont think its the valve. Could the run of CSST be too long? Would switching back to iron pipe help flow? Thanks.

[@emmber19]

@@gilbertfamily3824 Black iron ID and black iron have the same ID, black iron has less if you don't ream after cutting. It sounds like you might have undersized piping.

[@reliableenergysolutionsmir6813]

It can definitely be used outdoors.

[@yolo_burrito]

That’s trac-pipe a different type of CSST.

[@sonofthunder.]

havnt seen the black csst,my gasflex from lowes, uses orange silicone o rings,nuts n washers, gastite all brass,I did bond electrically,for lightning,the instructions must be followed to the T,not overtightening the o rings,will crush,,cant touch metal pipes,ducting,copper waterlines,can be grounded to panel ground rod,or bronze clamp to bonding copper waterline,careful to route without chaffing sharp edges,and keep all connections accessible,

[@arcadiaphon5842]

Quick question, can csst be used for inert gas like argon gas?

[@gebronthomasson6960]

You said indoor use only..But if off the ground can it be run under a house on a pier and beam house?

[@timothybaldwin616]

I have had black (lightning resistant and grounded) CSST piping that was installed outside my house along the outside wall struck TWICE by lightning. Both cases caused a pin hole leak in the thin wall CSST. The second time, the propane leak caught fire, causing $ 20,000 damage to the outside wall of my house. Damage would have been worst if I was not at home. The lightning protection expert I hired told me to NEVER use CSST anywhere in your house! I am replacing my CSST with black iron piping properly grounded. STRONGLY RECOMMEND NOT USING CSST!

[@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123]

Is that because you had it outdoors ? I thought it was for indoors only ? Just curious if that would happen if it was installed only indoors ? So many opinions, hard to decide what to use 😞

[@aron6998]

@@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123 I would say if you are the one installing the pipe use csst and electrical bond it to your panel, however if you are paying someone to install your piping use black iron, this is only bc csst is extremely easy to run just make sure your connections are never inside a wall cavity and if it’s ran in an attic space never have the csst piping laying on ceiling joists

[@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123]

@@aron6998 thank you !!!

[@ryankramer]

CSST isn’t rated to be installed outside. It’s an interior product only. Strange installation. (Or was it sleeved?)

[@timothybaldwin616]

@@ryankramer The CSST was inside of a black sleeve. Installed by two Amerigas techs., so I assumed they knew what they were doing. I finally decided to use copper piping inside of a yellow sleeve, properly grounded. More expensive, but worth it in my opinion.

[@vikingwind25]

Good job explaining CSST. Thanks.

[@joshcowart2446]

Gas tire being cheaper labor wise may be a thing of the past. We switched to mega press fittings with black iron so you cut out all the cutting and threading time but still get the cheaper pipe.

[@randyhughes3044]

Mga Press is nice but the tool is expensive and you still have more leak potentials because of the amount of fittings still needed.

[@joshcowart2446]

Ive been using it for two years and only had one leak on a pressed fitting and that was tying onto an old pipe. However with gas tite I’ve had a lot. It’s usually due to whoever cuts it not getting a clean cut. Actually gas tite was fine. It’s flash shield that I have issues with. When you could just strip the pipe it was simpler but when you have to strip one layer on part of it and all of it on the rest it messes people uo

[@joshcowart2446]

Randy Hughes as for the expense of the tool, you’re absolutely right. If you can afford it and use it a lot it easily pays for itself but it’s a huge investment at first. What also makes it more expensive is I’ve only ever seen the propress set. Then you have to buy the megapress heads separately. If they sold a megapress only kit, which they may now, it would be cheaper

[@VideoGrabBag]

Threw most thorough comparison video ever

[@richardseifried7574]

Can this pipe be used outside under the sun?

[@lukeandersen1480]

Why would you say it can't be used outdoors or underground. Underground is approved if sleeved. Outside is also approved

[@PEXUniverse]

Hi Luke, We do apologize for the confusion and thank you for bringing this to our attention. While CSST connections can be used outdoors, they can not be fully exposed. Most CSST lines are buried underground and/ or placed in a protective enclosure to prevent any damage. We will also be updating this video shortly.

[@noanyobiseniss7462]

Should I replace my Iron pipe with CSST in my RV while I am fixing a leak?

[@carmenr.jimersoncross-safi695]

I never hear the comfort lime mentioned regarding durability of pex limes in tornado hit structures. If it snakes thru basement with connectors tied to floor joists overhead, how safe is it to shelter crom the storm in the basement safe space? We would need to leave home to avoid explosion... yes?

[@ryankramer]

I would think if your studs got ripped out by a tornado, either type of pipe is going to be damaged and you would need to evacuate immediately after such a storm passed.

[@rikkicanbuild9964]

This makes me very happy. CSST here we come.

[@theallaroundguy2399]

So the appliance connector is also flexible. I don’t understand the difference between that small flexible hose and regular CSST. They are both flexible hoses that carry gas so I don’t understand how they’re totally different?

[@PEXUniverse]

You're right, the small flexible hose and CSST have the same purpose: to deliver gas safely. Although, the small hose doesn't have the same level of safety when it comes to transporting the gas farther than a few feet. It also depends on the volume of gas that needs to be moved. It's similar to the difference between using a household hose for watering your plants vs the water line that connects to your fridge (and leaving it in the sun). They both do the same job but one is more effective and you'd be able to trust CSST to withstand someone stepping on it or any circumstances where durability is involved...more than a common appliance hose. If you need to transport gas farther than a small room, that's where CSST comes in. - Hope this helps!

[@theallaroundguy2399]

PEX Universe So they smaller Appliance connector hose does not to be need to be bonded or anything?

[@wcampbell32]

Great video

[@Davvidd702]

Can black iron pipe be used underground? Or is something else better to use underground?

[@PEXUniverse]

It depends on your local code. Otherwise you shouldn't use threaded joints underground, they must be welded

[@George_us]

No, Iron pipe will rust underground, of course therer is a galvanized version of iron pipe, however I usually see copper used underground. I am using CSST myself outside underground going through 2" electrical gray conduit from my propane tank to the house.

[@thebigroy]

Called Proflex today. The staff said he has the yellow in his house. His house was struck by lightning twice...it held up both times he said

[@tommytmt]

This guy has great hair haha.

[@robgordon6849]

How do you hook up termination plate, not many threads on plate at inside of wall how do I attach pro flix shut off valve.

[@elonmusk8667]

WHAT PIPE SHOULD YOU USE TO GO IN DIRT UNDER CEMENT?

[@Cotronixco]

Yellow PE

[@randyhughes3044]

Right off the bat he makes 2 statements that are wrong. CSST can be run outdoors and you can run it underground as long as you sleeve it in a plastic conduit.

[@davemabey169]

Running CSST outdoors is illegal in our area, west coast WA, inspectors require black pipe ONLY, can't even stub out the CSST brass termination fitting on the outside of a building. So statements are correct, it's just your area that is different!

[@Jimbo234GW]

@@davemabey169 Coastal NC allows outdoor use of csst if it is protected below 8' in height and we are allowed to stub it out. We cannot run it underground.

[@dinarevollo8468]

CSST gotten too expensive and bounding or grounding as well, of course, is much quicker to run it. However, with steel pipe you can sleep well even if you get lightening strike.

[@FredD63]

I’ve installed 1000’s of feet of Trac piping and Black pipe in homes and haven’t had any problems with either.. Be safe and alert when installing either type of gas piping and the stuff you buy at the box stores isn’t the same you buy at a supplier and the connectors are a lot different in quality I use snap fittings without a fail QUALITY MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE … So don’t be cheap when it could cost you or others their life… 🇺🇸✌🏼👊🏼🔨

[@lawrencecarpenter638]

U didnt inform the viewers that buying csst and its fittings requires u to be a licensed installer.And u gotta get certified to install it.Gastite is the csst pipe I prefer.And not just because I'm certified to run it.Im also certified to run Tracpipe and Wardflex.Gastite just has a better more reliable connection point at the fittings in my opinion.

[@Jimbo234GW]

Having used gastite, proflex and trac pipe .... i prefer proflex for ease of sealing joints, however, trac pipe has higher volume capacity .... that being said, there is more profitability in using proflex. I would NEVER use flash shield, even if it were the only csst on the market. Specially after that stunt they pulled in texas.

[@Omnipotant_1]

You can just go buy CSST, it’s in most hardware stores. I’m not sure where the requirement to be a licensed installer comes from. Perhaps state specific ?

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

I loved using US made black pipe until recently. Now it’s granular, spalls easily and is complete junk from China.

[@wildmanofborneo]

Seems like the threads rip even with brand new Ridgid cutters

[@sparkyjpb9344]

One person's house? I have personally seen 5 houses that caught fire due to CSST! I would NEVER use CSST !

[@dannyalvarado3067]

Really? I was about to run gas line for a stove for my in laws

[@Jimbo234GW]

CSST is the way to go. Especially with Trac pipe [more volume]. The costs of the machines needed and the labor involved using black metal pipe makes CSST a much less expensive choice. Actually, any CSST that is connected to an appliance that is plugged into a 3 prong socket, is considered grounded.

[@metalflexiblehoseEsnekmetalhor]

corrugated stainless steel tubing machine sales

[@jackt6112]

CSST inside of a house makes sense if you need to run gas through ceiling rafters or do something quick and dirty. Other than that, use black pipe or hot-dipped galvanized, with black iron being a little cheaper. Those that tell you that galvanized is not good for gas because galvanized flakes off and causes a problem are the same people who will tell you that playing with toads gives you warts. In fact when you get new black pipe, you need to sight down it to check for crap. You will find oil and chips but when you find dense spirals of steel from machining you might want to push out before using it. Galvanized pipe is always perfectly clean because it was required before the hot-dip and and it will be transporting potable water. Pipe is solid for tightening fittings on and you don't need to worry about someone putting a nail through it.

[@basketballjones6782]

Someone never lived back in the day when galvanized pipe was crap which flaked off internally.

[@jopalolive]

I have heard that some areas of the country have gas with high sulfur content, which can make the galvanized flake off. It can also void the manufacturer's warranty on gas appliances. Allowed here in NM, but AHJ defers to the manufacturers.

[@johnplaid648]

Why do we need a geography lesson when we click on your link for csst?

[@Fetecheney]

To give context behind one of the pros of csst. Jeez man, he only spent 30 seconds on his "geography lesson". Don't be an ass.

[@johnplaid648]

@@Fetecheney STAY AN ASSHOLE. IT BECUMS YOU. TODAY'S GEOGRAPHY LESSON WILL BE FOR YOU TO FIND YOUR ASSHOLE WITH BOTH FINGERS. THEN INSERT THUMBS AND WALK ON YOUR ELBOWS.

[@Fetecheney]

@@johnplaid648 lol, you made my day. Seriously thanks for the laugh. Stay healthy man

[@claysr100]

you talk to much