What Is The Code For Water Heater Installations? Additionally, any piping installed downstream of the structures point of delivery cannot extend through any other townhouse unit besides the one being served by the piping. Speaking of the status of your gas lines, knowing which kind you have is key to determining whether or not your home is at risk of a gas line fire or leak. Many U.S. cities and towns (if not most) have adopted the provisions of the International Code Councils International Residential Code. Flexible Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) will also be allowed as per the manufacturer's guidelines. CSA design-certifies gas connectors up to 6' (72"). Drip legs are required on all black iron gas supply lines in Massachusetts. Use this button to show and access all levels. This code is updated every 3 years and it is known as a model code. Adding additional gas lines at a future date is not a problem if you plan for the possibility during the original installation. The feedback will only be used for improving the website. The CSST must be electrically connected and grounded to avoid damage to the line. Read More: How to Locate Underground Gas Lines Before You Dig. Please limit your input to 500 characters. You can practically tie it in a knot it's so flexible. The requirements of IRC's Chapter 24 do not apply in a municipality, county or parish that has not adopted its provisions. By July 1 of each year, OVM must compile a report detailing the progress made towards these requirements. An older home is likely exempted (grandfathered-in) from current CSST gas line code, but homeowners that have flexible gas lines should have it evaluated by a qualified plumber or electrician. Some plumbers will tell you it's faster and cheaper to install this new CSST piping. CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local plumbers to installflexible gas lines in your home. Flexible gas lines (also known as corrugated stainless steel tubing - CSST) have been installed in millions of homes in the U.S. and around the world. If the CSST isnt properly bonded electrically, this can lead to a disaster. Sediment traps are short pieces of pipe that capture 'sediment' and other particles that are in gas. Photo: Serhii Ivashchuk / iStock / Getty Images. A .mass.gov website belongs to an official government organization in Massachusetts. Visit SEVERAL firehouses to get different opinions. A qualified electrician or plumber should check the proper installation of the flexible gas line. If you use copper for gas lines in your home, be sure to paint them yellow and label them with red lettering "GAS LINE" so a future weekend warrior doesn't mistake them for a water line! DEAR TIM: The natural gas lines that are being installed in our new home are not the heavy black iron pipe. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Subscribe to the FREE Ask the Builder newsletter to receive professional advice for your home. Let's look at exactly why that happens: CSST is extremely thin compared to the traditional 4 mm black pipe. An official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, This page, 248 CMR 4.00: Massachusetts fuel gas code, is, for 248 CMR 4.00: Massachusetts fuel gas code. When you use CSST, you can minimize potential gas leaks. These are traditional black iron pipes that I installed in 1987. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. As a general rule, however, at least one shut-off valve should be installed, when the flexible gas line is connected to the "black iron" or hard gas line. . Watch this video to see what you think about the dangers of the material. See connectors that are listed CSA according to ANSIZ21.75/CSA 6.27 Connectors for outdoor gas appliances and prefabricated homes (folder #204593) Please find your question and my detailed answer now at the end of the above article on this page. 20187 Tim Carter. All rights reserved. I hardly ever find a drip leg on flex piping though. You can also see the pipe sizing chart for the manufacturer Gastite here. In addition to the permit requirements of 248 CMR 3.00: General Provisions Governing the Conduct of Plumbing and Gas Fitting Work Performed in the Commonwealth, for gas installations of over 5,000,000 BTU/hr the following is required: 5.1.3 Dual Fuels Installed in Buildings and Structures. We will use this information to improve this page. The Valves shall: Current through Register 1493, April 14, 2023. (Reference Massachusetts Department of Transportation Laws and Rules 700 CMR 7.07). The pipe in the walls acts as an interior lightning rod. What's more, the threaded joints on both sides of the fitting can also be potential leak points. I have to check. Home Inspector Secrets is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. I happen to be a master plumber and given the choice, I'd install traditional threaded black iron pipe. Read More: How to Fight Code Enforcement. We will use this information to improve this page. Flexible gas connector tubing is intended for limited movement after installatin. Read more about our editorial standards. Is it Easy to Install Additional Gas Lines? Since the CSST gas line has such a thin metal wall (0.3 mm thick), it is important to protect the gas line from nail punctures. Generally, appliance manufacturers will provide specifications for pipe size that are often dependent on British Thermal Unit (BTU) inputs such as furnaces or boilers. An illustration of a magnifying glass. If properly installed, your chance of a fire from CSST is as rare as a lightning strike. Galvanized pipe shall not be used. You are in the right spot! Current through Register 1492, March 31, 2023. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation may not enter into, renew, or renegotiate a contract with a fuel provider for services on the Massachusetts Turnpike without requiring the provider to offer alternative fuel. b. Flexible gas lines (known as CSST) are safe to use if properly installed in a home. Re: Running gas line under the deck. Flex Gas Lines Need To Be Installed With Supports, Flex Gas Lines Should Be Electrically Bonded And Grounded For Safety, Flex Gas Line Pipe Size Is Based On A Few Factors. Use this button to show and access all levels. They have worked well for many years. Flex corrugated pipelines have been involved in a number of legal disputes over the years. The flexible gas line code in the IRC doesn't explicitly state how often it needs to be supported, but it says you must follow manufacturer instructions on spacing. It's messy and hard work, but I must admit I sort of enjoy it. The entrance into the building has to be above grade and then you can pipe down into the crawlspace and run the gas piping. A line pressure regulator that reduces gas pressure from the range of greater than 0.5 psig (3.4 kPa) and less than or equal to 5 psig (34.5 kPa) to a lower pressure. 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. Alternative fuel is defined as an energy source that is used to power a vehicle and is not gasoline or diesel. The manufacturer may not recommend it as well. 248 CMR 3.00: General provisions governing the conduct of plumbing and gas fitting work performed in the Commonwealth. Some CSST manufacturers will require a minimum of flex line support every 4-feet, but other companies may only need support every 8-9 feet. Are any known to be better than the rest , I will be using a 12 vlave systym , seems to be all around the same price , just under $200.0, Plumbing, Piping, Water Heating, Wells, Air & Water Filtration and Conditioning, Troubleshooting a Refrigerator Water Line, Water leaking after first A/C use of the year. Photo at left: coated corrugated flexible stainless steel gas connector tubing. The manufacturer will specify where and when shutoff valves will need to be required. In the state of Massachusetts, installation must be performed by a qualified or licensed contractor, plumber, or gasfitter qualified or licensed by the state. Copyright Home Inspector Secrets 2023 suggestions. Additionally, any piping installed downstream of the structure's point of delivery cannot extend through any other . There's signs of flames shooting out of the burner area. Dominic, short answer: Generally not, but there are flexible gas appliance connectors listed and approved for outdoor use, including some . When purchasing new motor vehicles, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts must purchase HEVs or AFVs to the maximum extent feasible and consistent with the ability of such vehicles to perform their intended functions. The minimum test duration shall be one hour and the maximum test duration shall be 24 hours, irrespective of system design. Is it safe to use? This code came in as a response to damage to flexible gas lines and fires in homes struck by lightning. DEAR BETSY: Congratulations! Saying that the jurisdiction in charge may refuse it. Chris, if the gas valve is in front (before) of the flexible gas connection, this is the most important thing close this valve. Our commitment is to provide clear, original, and accurate information in accessible formats. Table of Contents Contact The International Residential Code doesn't specify the wire to be used for bonding, but it ismost commonly a #6 AWG copper conductor and installed where the solid gas pipe gas line first comes into the home. We write helpful content to answer your questions from our expert network. Section G2415.3 (404.3) prohibits installing pipes through ductwork, clothing chutes, chimneys, elevator shafts and dumbwaiters. You don't solder it like water lines. A larger diameter mainline CSST pipe supplies gas to smaller branch tubes that feed each appliance. How many turns past finger tight or snug do compression fittings need to go, what's a reasonable range (I know, don't overtighten, but I don't want the things coming apart!)? More on this in a just a moment. Website operating As you can see, there is a significant multi-year gap in which Building Codes did not require proper bonding of flexible gas lines. Many homeowners scratch their heads when they see bending yellow gas lines in their homes instead of the traditional black steel pipes. d) A flexible appliance connector shall not be used on gas pressure in excess of V2 pound per square inch gauge (P.S.i.G.). CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local plumbers who install gas lines. Flex gas lines or CSST typically have a lifespan of around 30-years. Please let us know how we can improve this page. You may freely link As you said, the new CSST is installed like electrical wire. Hundreds of thousands of houses have these corrugated appliance connectors in service right now. All of the gas lines that feed each appliance start at a central distribution point or manifold. Before installing gas piping systems to residential structures, be sure to check your local code enforcement ordinances. It must also be recommended for that use by the manufacturer (so no after-market repurposing is allowed). The Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters ("Board") has voted to provide this interpretation to its licensees and inspectors with regard to the installation of corrugated stainless steel tubing ("CSST") installed underground exterior to a building. The thin walls of CSST might not seem to handle as much of a strike as black iron. If youre wondering what the hype is with flexible gas lines, lets clear some things up. Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. Make your practice more effective and efficient with Casetexts legal research suite. Over the years, I have inspected so many homes with flexible gas lines, also known as CSST. That would never happen with a piece of traditional black iron pipe. If your house was built in the United States between the early 90s and mid-2000s, you likely have natural gas piping made from corrugated stainless steel tubinga popular, flexible replacement for black steel pipes. Home Building Code Flex Gas Line Code. A CSST that is not correctly grounded or bonded can leak natural gas or become ignited, leading to a major fire hazard. 5.5.1.1 Gas Pressure Boosters. Are there advantages to using this pipe? She has written extensively for publications and websites in the business, management and legal fields. i'm trying to figure out if flexible lines are allowed for domestic water and natural gas in MA. The pipe is extremely durable and rarely has a lightning strike cause a fire in a house with black iron pipe. Connections are made with common flare fittings that tighten with standard wrenches. The number 1600 quoted in a note in the table above comes from the source we see in note 4 BrassCraft Gas Products, 39600 Orchard Hill Pl, Novi, MI 48375, USA +1 248-305-6000, Website: www.brasscraft.com/Below is a copy of the Company`s original information on flexible gas interconnections. She holds a B.A. All piping installations must be both visually inspected and pressure tested before being rendered operational. Can you put two hoses together? All Massachusetts agencies must use a minimum of 15% biodiesel (B15) in all on- and off-road diesel engines, provided that the Commonwealth Office of Vehicle Management and other appropriate agencies have determined that a B15 goal is appropriate. This type of gas line tubing is very popular among builders and contractors because of its ease of use, flexibility and its ability to save on labor installation costs especially over black iron pipe. I call them out on black iron piping only. If you would like to continue helping us improve Mass.gov, join our user panel to test new features for the site. Section 10.08 - Traps and Cleanouts. Over the years I have inspected so many homes with flexible gas lines,also known as CSST. A flexible gas line is an ingenious method of supplying natural gas to fireplaces, furnaces, cooktops, clothes dryers and any other gas appliance. Each end of a piece of pipe must be threaded. Flex lines are all the hvac guys are running inside the house. All flex gas lines installed in new homes are required to be electrically bonded and grounded to prevent fire damage from lightning strikes. 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. Alternative fuel is defined as an energy source that is used to power a vehicle and is not gasoline or diesel. Many of the manufacturers of this material require professional installers to take a short training course that familiarizes them with the small nuances of this unique gas piping system. A flexible appliance connector should be used instead to connect from the CSST to these appliances. However, newer CSST (usually black jacketed, not yellow) has an arc-resistant jacket that is already considered bonded when installed to a grounded appliance such as a furnace. Flexible gas line code is a set of government regulations that controls flex gas line installations. I have seen three fires in our own community as a result of CSST failure. These extremely flexible pipes are made from stainless steel and often come coated in a trademark yellow casing, though they can sometimes be black. We respect your email privacy. That includes the Chapter 24, which sets out requirements for the installation and operation of gas piping systems to residential buildings. Keep in mind running, installing, or repairing a gas line often involves two different fields of expertise. Read Also >> What Is The Code For Range Hood Venting? Errant screws or nails used to attach cabinets, trim, pictures, etc. You should also see the citations both in this article and in the references at the bottom of the page. Complete the form below and each week you'll get: Unsubscribe at any time. Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world. Keep reading! If CSST is installed along drywall or in an area where nails can be used, it must be protected by a metal coating. Requirements for an ASME Boiler Pressure Vessel, How to Locate Underground Gas Lines Before You Dig, ICC Publish Access: International Residential Code - Chapter 24 - Fuel Gas, ICC Public Access: International Fuel Gas Code, Archive.org: Full text of "ICC IRC (2012): International Residential Code", Legal Beagle: How to Locate Underground Gas Lines Before You Dig, Legal Beagle: How to Get a General Contractor's License, Legal Beagle: How to Fight Code Enforcement, Legal Beagle: General Conditions in a Construction Contract, Legal Beagle: Requirements for an ASME Boiler Pressure Vessel, LNG (liquefied natural gas) installations, Temporary LP gas piping for buildings under, Portable LP gas appliances that arent connected to any fixed piping system, A prohibition against gas piping that penetrates any of the structures foundation walls at any point thats below grade; and. If you care to, read an article that was published in April of 2003 in the Dallas News regarding banning this installation in the city of Frisco, Collin County, Texas. The CSST has many advantages. Thank you for asking. Flexible gas lines are safe so long as you have little lightning, Require special installation tool for fittings. Repeated bending, flexing, extreme vibration, stretching, can cause metal fatigue, cracks, holes and dangerous gas leaks. I was afraid of CSST because of the thin nature of the pipe. & RockLife part of the Bonavox Foundation, Youngest Legal Marriage Age in United States, Wilson Huhn the Five Types of Legal Argument (3D Ed. Can you cut into the pipe at a future date to install an added gas appliance? This flexible gas line has a very thin metal wall that is only about 0.3mm thick and can become a fire hazard if not properly installed. In addition, manufacturers require a protective coating to prevent nails from damaging flexible gas lines. A qualified electrician or plumber should verify proper installation of the flexible gas line. However, new homes with CSST require electrical bonding or grounding to protect against lightning strikes. The only specialized tool you need is a flaring tool made to fit the pipe size you are working with. This is a long time, no doubt, but not as long as traditional black steel pipes, which can last up to 75 years. The regulation also mandates that steel and wrought iron pipe be marked with labels reading "Gas" and "ASTM D 2513." Accessible and three or six feet long: The flexible connectors cannot pass through walls, floors, or ceilings, and they cannot be hidden. What is the code that prohibits connecting flexible gas connectors? Sep 3, 2015. Flex lines are all the gas company will use for new connections other than the rigid pipe going up to meters. These short appliance connectors are usually only 12-72 inches long. 5.6.8.5 Other Fittings. You're now the proud owner of some wonderful corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST). Alternative Fuel and Advanced Technology Vehicles, Project Assistance & Funding Opportunities, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 6C, Section 75 and Chapter 90, Section 1, Massachusetts Department of Transportation Laws and Rules 700 CMR 7.07, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 7, Section 9A. If you have questions on the article I mentioned, you may contact the Dallas News. Have run thousands of feet of Gal piping for gas in exterior applications, cold gal your exposed threads on joints. These local governments may have other ordinances or regulatory codes. This flexible gas piping has a very thin metal wall, only about 0.3-mm thick, and it can become a fire hazard if improperly installed. Department 248 CMR - BOARD OF STATE EXAMINERS OF PLUMBERS AND GAS FITTERS, Title 248 CMR 5.00 - AMENDMENTS TO NFPA 54, Section 5.05 - Modifications to Chapter 5, Gas Piping System Design, Materials, and Components, Section 5.04 - Modifications to Chapter 4, General, Section 5.06 - Modifications to Chapter 6, Pipe Sizing. I am a licensed home inspector in Virginia and have inspected thousands of homes. Please republish the image if you can. Flexible appliance connectors also have a corrugated pipe except that the corrugation is visible and there is no plastic sheathing. I've had no issues with them at all and I even had to do a kitchen remodel where I extended an existing line. Is 1/2 turn past finger tight a good place to start for both fittings (are the big ones and the small ones the same)? We perform original research, solicit expert feedback, and review new content to ensure it meets our quality pledge: helpful content Trusted, Vetted, Expert-Reviewed and Edited. Always verify the flexible gas line code with your local state or city and with the manufacturer. This page is located more than 3 levels deep within a topic. Please do not include personal or contact information. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the official website. An official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, This page, Policies, Regulations, and Statutes for Plumbers and Gas Fitters, is, Policies, Regulations, and Statutes for Plumbers and Gas Fitters. For comparison, 'black iron' gas pipe will usually last around 50-100 years. If CSST is installed along drywall or in some area where nails may be used, it needs to be protected with metal plating. Additional terms and conditions apply. An AFV powered by compressed natural gas or propane may only use Massachusetts tunnels if the vehicle conforms to applicable federal regulations and industry standards, displays required markings to identify its alternative fuel system, and is not used to transport fuel. Individual plumbing fixtures shall be separately trapped by a water seal trap placed as close as possible to the fixture outlet. Many of my fellow contractors who install gas lines thought it was unsafe. Gas piping shall not penetrate building foundation walls at any point below grade. Virtually all state and local code authorities permit its use and many contractors are finally embracing it. Copyright DominicThank you for asking if we can use CSST or equivalent flexible gas line connectors outdoors or not. A flexible gas line is an ingenious method of supplying natural gas to fireplaces, furnaces, cooktops, clothes dryers and any other gas appliance. Although the manufacturer states that it is completely safe, in fact safer than ridged black pipe, it has some serious issues. (Reference Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 7, Section 9A). CLICK HERE to get FREE BIDS from Plumbers to install Flexible Gas Lines. #3. Read Also >> What Is The Code For Bathroom Fan Venting? The manufacturer accepts no responsibility for improper installation, and does not provide in any great detail, of detrimental or catastrophic failure if done so. Mass.gov is a registered service mark of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. All agencies must purchase the most economical, fuel-efficient, and low emission vehicles appropriate to their mission. It's important to realize you need to think about overall safety. If you need assistance, please contact the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters. If you would like to continue helping us improve Mass.gov, join our user panel to test new features for the site. Who Can Help With Running or Installing a Gas Line? When it comes to house fires, you shouldnt worryobsessively at leastabout your CSST. Sorry. The IRC has two tables to determine pipe size in Chapter 24 for flexible gas lines. A CSST that is not correctly grounded or bonded can leak natural gas or become ignited, leading to a major fire hazard. For as long as I have been in the home building business, we always used similar brass appliance connector tubing when gas was supplied to a clothes dryer, a cooktop, or a gas range. A typical black iron pipe installation requires a professional to precisely measure, cut, and thread the individual pieces of pipe. I have this flexible gas line in my own home in central New Hampshire and never worry about it at all. If you need assistance, please contact the Trial Court Law Libraries. in Speech from Catawba College and a J.D. Thank you for your website feedback! If you do have a leak, these fittings are almost always readily accessible for adjustment. Electrically bonding the CSST will ground the gas line and help prevent damage and subsequent fire risk. All Flex gas lines installed in new homes must be electrically plugged in and grounded to prevent lightning damage. If you have lots of pipes to run, this may be the way to go. Reviewed by Michelle Seidel, B.Sc., LL.B., MBA. Gas piping shall enter and exit a building at a point above grade and the . There are lots of instances of houses that have been destroyed in gas fires because CSST pipe was ruptured by a lightning strike. Additionally, the project inspector must approve the use. I responded to this very interesting email with a few thoughts of my own. 2014), Why Was Law and Order Los Angeles Cancelled. can puncture this pipe. Please limit your input to 500 characters. MassDEP prioritizes projects that benefit environmental justice communities. Virtually all state and local code authorities permit its use and many contractors are finally embracing it. Studies have confirmed that a lighting strike near a home can puncture the membrane of CSST as result of the power surge. A lock icon ( That said, when CSST pipes burst, the pipe turns into a potential giant lightning rod. Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. The provisions of this section shall only apply to premises owned gas meters, which are comprised of a secondary meter and meter assembly installed on the downstream portion of the gas piping system of a serving gas supplier's meter. I'm here to help you maintain, inspect, and renovate your home! In the state of Massachusetts, the connector length is currently restricted to a maximum of 36". 248 CMR 4.00 through 8.00, collectively the Massachusetts Fuel Gas Code, governs theinstallation of fuel gas piping systems, fuel gas utilization equipment, and related accessoriesthroughout the Commonwealth. For more information, including funding amounts and how to apply, see the MassDEP Apply for a DERA Open Solicitation Grant website.