is flexible gas line legal in massachusetts
Sediment traps are short pieces of pipe that capture 'sediment' and other particles that are in gas. If you need assistance, please contact the Trial Court Law Libraries. Flexible connectors are allowed to be used to connect appliances to gas pipelines. Additionally, the project inspector must approve the use. The short flexible connector to your gas-fired stove, furnace, or hot water heater is not CSST. 248 CMR 3.00: General provisions governing the conduct of plumbing and gas fitt, 248 CMR 4.00: Massachusetts fuel gas code, 248 CMR 7.00: Large gas utilization equipment, 248 CMR 10.00: Uniform state plumbing code, 248 CMR 11.00: Education and experience standards and requirements for licensure, Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters. The feedback will only be used for improving the website. Additionally, any piping installed downstream of the structure's point of delivery cannot extend through any other . And that's why I am your guide on the intricacies of home maintenance, saving money, and avoiding costly mistakes. Section G2415.3 (404.3) prohibits installing pipes through ductwork, clothing chutes, chimneys, elevator shafts and dumbwaiters. The code prohibits the use of cast iron pipes in residential gas piping installations. What Is The Code For Dryer Vent Installations? This code came in as a response to damage to flexible gas lines and fires in homes struck by lightning. A larger diameter mainline CSST pipe supplies gas to smaller branch tubes that feed each appliance. 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 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. 248 CMR 3.00: General provisions governing the conduct of plumbing and gas fitting work performed in the Commonwealth. i'm trying to figure out if flexible lines are allowed for domestic water and natural gas in MA. It is also important to note that the IRC leaves out a lot of installation details for CSST and says to follow manufacturer instructions. 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. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Sign up to my newsletter to receive expert advice for your home! Call a qualified, licensed plumber to install a gas line. These short appliance connectors are usually only 12-72 inches long. Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. Generally, the gas lines can be damaged due to any type of environmental or external damage and pose a serious risk to the house. 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. & RockLife part of the Bonavox Foundation, Youngest Legal Marriage Age in United States, Wilson Huhn the Five Types of Legal Argument (3D Ed. In addition, manufacturers require a protective coating to prevent nails from damaging flexible gas lines. They have worked well for many years. The International Residential Code does not specify the wire to be used for bonding, but it is most often a copper conductor #6 AWG and is installed where the gas line of the solid gas line first enters the house. Short answer: Generally not, but there are some flexible gas appliance connectors listed and approved for outdoor use, including some BrassCraft products like the company`s ProCoat stainless steel gas connector. Cast iron is only permitted for flanges, valves, strainers, and filters. Pipe and Fittings in excess of four inches in diameter shall be welded. If you need assistance, please contact the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters. To add a line in the future you need to have an extra gas port on the manifold within the panel. And of course, covering a shut-off valve on a gas line behind drywall is probably a red flag for any code compliance inspector. A CSST that is not correctly grounded or bonded can leak natural gas or become ignited, leading to a major fire hazard. When you use CSST, you can minimize potential gas leaks. One of two tables in the International Residential Code that governs pipe size for CSST. She has written extensively for publications and websites in the business, management and legal fields. 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. 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. Lets look at exactly why that happens: CSST is extremely thin compared to the traditional 4 mm black pipe. 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. 1. If you need assistance, please contact the Trial Court Law Libraries. I responded to this very interesting email with a few thoughts of my own. Keep reading! Alternative fuel is defined as an energy source that is used to power a vehicle and is not gasoline or diesel. Many homeowners scratch their heads when they see bending yellow gas lines in their homes instead of the traditional black steel pipes. All rights reserved. I need to install a compression stop valve on 1/2" copper. 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. These local governments may have other ordinances or regulatory codes. I hardly ever find a drip leg on flex piping though. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. Repeated bending, flexing, extreme vibration, stretching, can cause metal fatigue, cracks, holes and dangerous gas leaks. A shut-off valve must be installed at the rigid piping connection. A parallel CSST manifold system mimics an electric panel. Read Also >> What Is The Code For Bathroom Fan Venting? Any material not explicitly listed in the standards specifications must be specifically tested for the purpose intended, to make sure that the material is safe and will function as intended. The cost to run a gas line is $20 per linear foot, and gas leak repairs will cost around $200, though this price will significantly increase if you need wall or ground excavation. In the state of Massachusetts, the connector length is currently restricted to a maximum of 36". Policies, Regulations, and Statutes for Plumbers and Gas Fitters | Mass.gov Division of Occupational Licensure Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters State Plumbing Code, Board Policies, Variance Applications, and Other Forms offered by Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters Division of Occupational Licensure In short, flexible gas lines are perfectly safe as long as they're properly installed. b. from USC. Each of the cast fittings can be the source of a leak. Please limit your input to 500 characters. It offers all of the same advantages of the CSST systems. I would like to install the pex type manifold systym as I need to replace all of the old plumbing , there are several brands-Apollo , Viega , Wirsbo , manabloc ect . A line drawing of the Internet Archive headquarters building faade. Please limit your input to 500 characters. Since CSST is a very thin metal with a thickness of about 0.3 mm, it is more sensitive to lightning. Most U.S. municipalities have adopted the provisions of the International Residential Code, Chapter 24. I have this flexible gas line in my own home in central New Hampshire and never worry about it at all. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. home improvement and repair website. In some U.S. states such as in Massachusetts, CSST is required to have a metal cover to protect it from lighting and the elements when outside. If CSST is installed along drywall or in an area where nails can be used, it must be protected by a metal coating. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be You are in the right spot! Take a look at the entire pipeline to see if you can intercept the gas supply and shut it down in a more accessible location far in front of the problematic site. 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. Building Codes requiring bonding of CSST flexible gas lines came into practice no earlier than 2007. Errant screws or nails used to attach cabinets, trim, pictures, etc. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Installation procedures and alerts for flexible gas appliance connections You will see a number of manufacturer`s warnings and safety risks, including: Do not install flexible gas connectors in multiple or grouped sets use a single flexible connection line between the appliance and the gas supply connection point. If you have additional questions about codes specific to your area, contact your local building code officer. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the official website. This is often the easiest system to adapt at a future date. But before you decide, realize there's a fire and an explosion hazard with this because of lightning! Is it safe to use? Tell them you think you have CSST and that you want to make sure it's been properly grounded. Connections are made with common flare fittings that tighten with standard wrenches. Gas Company says Stacked Adapter on Appliance Linevalve. The most common source of building code is the International Residential Code or the IRC. I am a licensed home inspector in Virginia and have inspected thousands of homes. DominicThank you for asking if we can use CSST or equivalent flexible gas line connectors outdoors or not. When Utility/Natural Gas and Undiluted Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Propane Gas) systems are installed within the same building or structure, the following additional conditions must be satisfied as well as those conditions required for each individual fuel system: 5.4.2.3 Diversity Factor for Domestic Ranges. 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. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. You may need to clear or refresh your browser`s cache to view the updated page. (Reference Massachusetts Department of Transportation Laws and Rules 700 CMR 7.07). Is Flexible Gas Line Legal in Massachusetts. It's feeding 1/4" OD soft copper tubing. CSA design-certifies gas connectors up to 6' (72"). You can practically tie it in a knot it's so flexible. I agree with Gerry on the furnace. Thank you for your website feedback! If you have lots of pipes to run, this may be the way to go. The manufacturer may not recommend it as well. CSST is not user friendly for a DIY installer. Read More: How to Locate Underground Gas Lines Before You Dig. A parallel CSST manifold system mimics an electric panel. 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. An illustration of a magnifying glass. I could be wrong. 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. Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you. Virtually all state and local code authorities permit its use and many contractors are finally embracing it. It's important to realize you need to think about overall safety. Use an approved pipe thread compound applied to the male threads only (keep at least 2 threads back from end of pipe). Special instructions for appliances inst alled in the S tate of Massachusetts: This appliance can only be installed in the State of Massachusetts by a Massachusetts licensed plumber or gas fitter. In addition, manufacturers require protective plating to prevent nails from damaging the flexible gas lines. What Is The Code For Water Heater Installations? Chapter 24 prohibits the reconditioning or reuse of any pipe, fittings or valves, unless theyre free of debris and are suited to the intended purpose. Some of their arguments never made sense to me. Flexible Gas Line | Here's a flexible gas line. Plumbers and homeowners will need to follow the manufacturer's requirements and they should not bend the CSST too far. Keep reading to learn some of the most important code requirements for flex gas lines and to see the common manufacturer instructions for CSST installations. 1995-2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. These fittings are used each time you change directions or join two pieces of straight pipe together. pagoda | Dec 19, 2006 09:54am | #4. It must also be recommended for that use by the manufacturer (so no after-market repurposing is allowed). And that's why I wanted to create this guide, to educate homeowners on the potential hazards of flexible gas lines and to bring them up on current code. Alternative fuel is defined as an energy source that is used to power a vehicle and is not gasoline or diesel. Re: Running gas line under the deck. There's signs of flames shooting out of the burner area. That would never happen with a piece of traditional black iron pipe. At about 0.2 mm, or the thickness of two sheets of paper, the odds of lightning surging through improperly grounded and bonded CSST rise. The code also provides the method for determining maximum gas demand and adjustments that must be made to compensate for higher altitude installations. (Reference Massachusetts Executive Office of Administration and Finance Administrative Bulletin 13, 2006). This page is located more than 3 levels deep within a topic. State fleets must also acquire AFVs according to the requirements of the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992 and the Massachusetts Office of Vehicle Management (OVM) must approve any light-duty vehicle acquisition. DEAR TIM: The natural gas lines that are being installed in our new home are not the heavy black iron pipe. That's why it's important to check with your local code enforcement and review the applicable requirements for your project before beginning a residential gas piping project. A .mass.gov website belongs to an official government organization in Massachusetts. Several types of gas installations are exempt from these regulations, including: The size of pipes that must be used in residential piping installations for fuel gas are mandated in Section G2413 (402). By July 1 of each year, OVM must compile a report detailing the progress made towards these requirements. How tight to make compression fittings for stop valve on copper? If you would like to continue helping us improve Mass.gov, join our user panel to test new features for the site. Each end of a piece of pipe must be threaded. Top 4 Flex Gas Line Codes (2022 Requirements), Top 5 Flexible Gas Line Manufacturer Requirements, Frequently Asked Questions On Flexible Gas Lines. 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. 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. By July 1 of each year, OVM must compile a report detailing the progress made towards these requirements. However, we don't get frequent thunderstorms here in central New Hampshire. You're now the proud owner of some wonderful corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST). CLICK HERE to get FREE BIDS from Plumbers to install Flexible Gas Lines. In regard to your article on the CSST systems being installed in new homes. Chapter 112, Sections 61 to 65E), Water Filtration and Water Dispensing Systems, Adjustment and Replacement of Gas Controls, Limited LP Installers Connecting Propane Tanks, contact the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters. CSST should never be directly connected to movable appliances like dryers, washers, and ovens. As you can see, there is a significant multi-year gap in which Building Codes did not require proper bonding of flexible gas lines. There's no where in gas code that says flexible gas connectors are illegal to a hot water heater in Mass. Please let us know how we can improve this page. The minimum test duration shall be one hour and the maximum test duration shall be 24 hours, irrespective of system design. We are incredibly worried about the state of general information available on the internet and strongly believe our mission is to give voice to unsung experts leading their respective fields. All information is provided "AS IS." If you have questions on the article I mentioned, you may contact the Dallas News. Accessible and three or six feet long: The flexible connectors cannot pass through walls, floors, or ceilings, and they cannot be hidden. When it comes to house fires, you shouldnt worryobsessively at leastabout your CSST. If you have an older home with CSST, it is important to verify that the electrical bonding and grounding exists and is working properly. When using a flexible gas connector, it must not exceed 3 feet (36 inches) in length. We write helpful content to answer your questions from our expert network. A lock icon ( The manufacturer accepts no responsibility for improper installation, and does not provide in any great detail, of detrimental or catastrophic failure if done so. She holds a B.A. Traditional black iron pipe takes a lot of time to cut and thread. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) provides U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funding for projects that reduce diesel emissions in Massachusetts. If properly installed, your chance of a fire from CSST is as rare as a lightning strike. To see if you have CSST, look for long stretches of yellow-jacketed, flexible tubing in your basement, crawlspace, or attic. If this happens, the electricity from the lightning can arc, puncture a hole in the line, ignite the gas inside, and cause a fire. DoItYourself.com, founded in 1995, is the leading independent suggestions. Over the years I have inspected so many homes with flexible gas lines,also known as CSST. 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. 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! Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. CSST needs to be electrically bonded and grounded to prevent damage to the line. What's more, the threaded joints on both sides of the fitting can also be potential leak points. 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. Since CSST is a very thin metal at around 0.3-mm thick, it is more vulnerable to lightning strikes. Is there another alternative gas piping material? Galvanized pipe shall not be used. To find laws and incentives for other alternative fuels and advanced vehicles, search all laws and incentives. organizations or governmental authorities for further information and access to definitive versions of these important laws. Yes, you can use approved soft copper for gas line work. A flexible appliance connector should be used instead to connect from the CSST to these appliances. Spending hundreds of dollars more for black iron pipe may be well worth it in the long run if you have a house fire. (Reference Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 6C, Section 75 and Chapter 90, Section 1). Although the manufacturer states that it is completely safe, in fact safer than ridged black pipe, it has some serious issues. Please limit your input to 500 characters. Is that toilet piping contraption normal? 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. Many U.S. cities and towns (if not most) have adopted the provisions of the International Code Councils International Residential Code. Please republish the image if you can. Photo: Serhii Ivashchuk / iStock / Getty Images. (a) Sell or offer for sale by advertisement or otherwise or display for sale of gas appliances for use in, or in connection with, a residence. Adding additional gas lines at a future date is not a problem if you plan for the possibility during the original installation. We have reviewed our content for bias and company-wide, we routinely meet with national experts to educate ourselves on better ways to deliver accessible content. . You simply pull the material between two points and cut it to length with simple tubing cutters. Read Also >> What Is The Code For Dryer Vent Installations? This guide isn't meant to detail every code, and I have summarized a few of the most important codes for flex gas lines from the IRC Chapter 24 Fuel Gas. Copyright Chapter 142, Sections 1 to 22; M.G.L. It's not durable as a traditional black-iron pipe. This material was approved for residential use in 1988 by the National Fuel Gas Code. Please limit your input to 500 characters. This page is located more than 3 levels deep within a topic. 5.6.8.5 Other Fittings. You skipped the table of contents section. Flex gas lines or CSST typically have a lifespan of around 30-years. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, cooking is by far the number one cause of house fires nationwide, making up 50.2% of residential fires. To find laws and incentives for other alternative fuels and advanced vehicles, search all laws and incentives. in Speech from Catawba College and a J.D. Website operating Can gas connectors be placed underground? Want to learn all about flex line gas code and proper installation? Betsy F., Augusta, GA, Pipe Threading Compound To Permanently Seal Black Iron - Great Video, Sizing Gas Lines - Tim Carter Can Draw Your Gas Line Plan. You don't solder it like water lines. The IRC's Chapter 24 provisions also mandates standards for steel and wrought iron pipe. The Valves shall: Current through Register 1493, April 14, 2023. (b) Install or cause to be installed a gas appliance in a residence. 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. If you care to, Inert Gas Systems Safety - Avoid the Flammable Fire Triangle. Old homes with flexible gas lines were up to code when the home was built. The Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters have Temporary banned the use of All Types of CSST Gas Piping Material including the new Counter Strike CSST effective Friday November 28, 2008. The feedback will only be used for improving the website. 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. 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. (a) Separate Traps for Each Fixture. Flex Gas Line Should Not Be Connected To Movable Appliances, Protective Plating Should Be Installed When CSST May Be Punctured, The Maximum Allowable Bending Radius of Flex Gas Lines, Sediment Trap Will Likely Need To Be Installed, Where To Place Smoke Detectors? The CSST`s electrical bonding grounded the gas line and prevented subsequent damage and fire hazards. Black iron is so much thicker that it may actually take a lightning strike better. Individual plumbing fixtures shall be separately trapped by a water seal trap placed as close as possible to the fixture outlet. There are requirements for inspection, testing, and purging of pipe installations. All agencies must purchase the most economical, fuel-efficient, and low emission vehicles appropriate to their mission. 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. Some of these violations can be life-safety hazards, so avoiding these mistakes is crucial. 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. 21. Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. 404.6 Underground penetrations prohibited. Flexible gas lines are safe so long as you have little lightning, Require special installation tool for fittings. 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. WARNINGRISK OF FIRE To reduce the risk of severe injury or death, follow all installation instructions. What are the Two Gas Line Install Choices? In short, flexible gas lines are perfectly safe as long as theyre properly installed. Read More: How to Fight Code Enforcement. Flexible gas lines are made from corrugated stainless-steel tubing (CSST). Installers should follow the recommendations of appliance manufacturers in installing gas piping or connecting to piping installations. Visit the Solution Center to Explore Articles, Photo: Cavan Images / Cavan / Getty Images. A qualified electrician or plumber should check the proper installation of the flexible gas line.