[portland3311]

Two questions:

1) Is it okay for CSST flex hose to be tight against the wall and the back of gas stove?

2) Is it okay if a portion of CSST flex hose snakes alongside the stove between the stove and the kitchen cabinet?

[Dchdman]

Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) is used to pipe gas to furnaces and appliances in many newer homes and is found in millions of homes across America.

Though , The thinness of the tubing wall makes it susceptible to damage from direct and in-direct lightning strikes to the structure where it is used. Unlike black iron pipe, which easily withstands the affects of lightning, CSST wall thickness is readily breached when arching occurs. Testing reveals that when a pinhole in the wall of the CSST is created by arcing, ignition of the leaking gas can occur leading to a gas-fueld fire in the structure.

NBC did a 5 month investigation into all of this and found from memory many houses that had been damaged or destroyed by CSST during a lighting strike.

Manufacturers have now placed a statement on the product saying CSST is safer if properly bonded and grounded as required.

Anyway I would seriously not install the tubing yourself and have a professional install it to be safe and not sorry as they can make sure it properly bonded and ground the best way , though yes I believe you can use it like you want to in 1 and 2.

Note = Not trying to dishearten you or suggest you shouldn't use this type of piping though you need to be aware of it's risks now.

( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSou01dOMxY ) ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RcDGZ-e5WA )

[Milo Dolezal]

The corrugated SS piping should be INSIDE the wall, not outside. It should be connected to a rigid Termination Outlet. Gas valve is then attached to the termination plate and Gas Flex then connects between gas valve and gas appliance. In other words, you should not be able to see this CSST pipe snaking through your cabinets.

This particular brand - as featured in the above referenced YouTube videos - is sold in Home Depot and Lowe's. The type of pipe we use is sold in plumbing outlets that caters to the trade. It has three layers of protection over its core s.s. tubing, including rubber sleeve, s.s. wire mesh and another, heavy rubber sleeve, and is black in color. We have to be certified by Manufacturer to be able to purchase it and install it. Some inspectors even ask to see, and record, our certification number during final inspection.

This kind of pipe HAS to be grounded. Just like with any thin wall pipe, if electricity hits it, it will burn hole in it.

Just like with any kind of pipe, you have to follow manufacturer's installation instruction to minimize potential damage to your property. Yes, accidents do happen - but it still doesn't mean it is a bad product and you should replace it with rigid pipe. It is by any means a "cheaper" substitution of rigid pipe.

In my area, this type of gas pipe is approved by State and Local plumbing Codes. Our company has been working with this type of gas pipe for years with 100% success.

As far as your situation goes - I suggest you have your plumber to terminate that CSST pipe inside the wall and installing Termination Plate with 1/2" gas rated ball valve and gas flex.

Hope that heps

Milo