Page 11 - Spring_2021_Montana-Dakota

A GREAt PARtNERshIP: COst-EFFECtIvE Csst OFFERs FlExIBIlIty FOR CONNECtING GAs

Homeowners creating outdoor living spaces will find “When the building moves, the CSST tends to stretch
that corrugated stainless steel tubing, or CSST, offers a rather than break where steel pipe threaded joints can
safe, cost-effective and convenient solution for connect- break,” Torbin said. “In the long run, CSST is less prone
ing a variety of outdoor appliances to natural gas lines. to fail.”
CSST is a flexible, stainless steel pipe covered in yellow
or black plastic coating that comes in long coils that can GREAtER FlExIBIlIty
be easily routed in various configurations. The product CSST is more cost-effective and allows homeowners
eliminates the need for cutting and threading. Unlike steel to add gas piping with minimal damage to lawns or
pipes, which require a joint anytime elevation or direction homes, he said. CSST is also compatible with various
changes, CSST needs joints only at connection points. safety and convenience features, including automatic
“Whether you’re above ground or below ground, you shut-offs, quick connect outlets and high efficiency and
can go from your meter or manifold all the way to the smart gas appliances.
appliance with no joints other than the fitting at the “CSST allows you to create an infrastructure that is easy
meter or manifold and the fitting at the appliance,” said to install, is low maintenance and can give you flexibility,”
Bob Torbin, director of codes and standards, Omega he said. “Depending on how big your outdoor use is go-
Flex Inc. “CSST eliminates intermediate joints and makes ing to be, you can set up as simple or as complex an ar-
it faster and less expensive to install. rangement as you need with relatively low cost and fast
“CSST also lends itself to underground installation,” installation. I see CSST and outdoor lifestyles as a great
he continued. “It allows a lot of creativity in where you partnership with consumer features, smart technologies
place your outdoor appliances because getting the gas and innovative, adaptable piping systems.” n
piping to these locations will be just as easy
as running an underground wire.”

INCREAsED sAFEty
CSST also offers increased safety and
reduced maintenance for homeowners with PhOtO COURtESy Of OmEgA flEx inC.
less risk of leaks, fire, corrosion or breaks
common in more traditional rigid steel pipe,
Torbin said.
“If you can eliminate or minimize joints,
you have fewer leak sites,” he said. “CSST is
made entirely of corrosion-resistant materi-
als. It will reduce long-term maintenance and
eliminate potential leaks through corrosion
and aging.”
Because CSST is flexible, it is also highly
resilient and can reduce the risk of damage
during earthquakes, hurricanes or other
disasters that might cause buildings or the Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing, or CSST, is an ideal match for outdoor rooms because its
ground to shift. flexibility allows it to be installed in a variety of configurations to meet design needs.

Spring - Summer 2021 ❙ naturalLiving 11
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