Gastite CSST Tubing

Gastite CSST tubing is a corrugated stainless steel gas piping system used to run natural gas and propane lines inside residential and commercial buildings as a flexible alternative to rigid black iron pipe. Gastite's tubing is manufactured from ASTM A240 type 300 stainless steel with a minimum wall thickness of point-zero-one-zero inch, wrapped in a UV-resistant polyethylene jacket rated to ASTM E84 standards. The flexible corrugated design lets a single run bend around obstructions and framing without the multiple threaded fittings a rigid pipe run would need, cutting installation time on both new construction and retrofit gas piping. Proper bonding and grounding, along with manufacturer-specified fittings, are required for a code-compliant Gastite installation.

Subcategories

• 3/4 Inch and Smaller CSST: Smaller-diameter Gastite tubing covers most residential appliance runs, including furnaces, water heaters, and ranges, and is available in long coil lengths that reduce the number of couplings needed on a typical branch line. Sizing still needs to follow a gas pipe sizing chart based on total appliance BTU load and run length rather than simply matching the old pipe's diameter. Coils in this size range are easier to snake through joist bays and wall cavities than rigid pipe of the same nominal size.
• 1 Inch and 1-1/4 Inch CSST: Mid-size Gastite tubing serves higher-BTU appliances and longer runs where a smaller diameter would create too much pressure drop across the line. These sizes are common on commercial kitchen equipment and larger residential systems combining several appliances on one branch. Confirming total connected load in BTU per hour is necessary before stepping up to these sizes rather than assuming a larger pipe is always the safer choice.
• 2 Inch CSST: The largest standard Gastite size handles the highest-BTU commercial applications and main runs feeding multiple branch lines in a single building. Installing 2 inch CSST typically requires more rigid support and strike plate protection at framing penetrations given the tubing's larger bend radius and weight. Sizing calculations for runs this large should be confirmed against the manufacturer's published capacity tables rather than a rule of thumb.
• Fittings, Strike Plates & Bonding Accessories: Gastite fittings, strike plates, and bonding clamps are matched to the tubing size and are required for a code-compliant installation, since CSST systems depend on manufacturer-specified fittings and bonding to prevent damage from a nearby lightning strike or electrical fault. Strike plates protect the tubing anywhere it passes through wood framing where a drywall screw or nail could otherwise puncture the jacket. Skipping bonding requirements is one of the most common code violations found on CSST gas piping inspections.

Buying Guide

Sizing a Gastite CSST run starts with adding up the BTU per hour rating of every appliance the line will serve, then following the manufacturer's sizing chart for pipe diameter against total run length and the number of fittings in the path. Undersized tubing causes a pressure drop that can starve appliances at the end of a long run, showing up as a water heater or furnace that won't reach full output even though the gas valve and burner are functioning correctly. Gastite CSST Tubing installations require bonding and grounding per the manufacturer's installation instructions and local code, since CSST systems are more vulnerable to damage from nearby electrical events than rigid black iron pipe. Strike plates are required everywhere the tubing passes through a framing member within a specified distance of the surface, protecting the corrugated jacket from a misplaced fastener during finish work. Fittings have to be the manufacturer's specified type for the tubing brand and size in use, since mixing fitting brands on CSST systems isn't supported and can create a leak path that's difficult to diagnose later. On larger commercial runs, confirming total connected load against the pipe sizing tables before ordering avoids discovering a pressure problem after the tubing and fittings are already installed. Keeping common sizes and matching fittings on hand covers the bulk of both new construction and retrofit gas piping jobs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What material is Gastite CSST tubing made from?

Gastite CSST tubing is manufactured from ASTM A240 type 300 stainless steel with a minimum wall thickness of point-zero-one-zero inch, wrapped in a UV-resistant polyethylene jacket. The stainless steel core is what allows the tubing to flex around obstructions while still holding pressure safely.

Does Gastite CSST require bonding and grounding?

Yes, CSST systems including Gastite require bonding and grounding per the manufacturer's installation instructions and local code, since the corrugated stainless steel is more susceptible to damage from a nearby electrical event than rigid black iron pipe. Skipping this step is a common reason a CSST installation fails inspection.

How is Gastite CSST tubing sized for a gas appliance run?

Sizing starts with totaling the BTU per hour rating of every appliance the line serves, then matching that load and the total run length, including fittings, against the manufacturer's pipe sizing chart. Undersizing the run causes a pressure drop that can prevent appliances at the far end from reaching full output.

Where are strike plates required on a CSST installation?

Strike plates are required anywhere the tubing passes through a wood framing member within the distance specified by the manufacturer and local code, protecting the tubing's jacket and stainless steel core from a misplaced nail or drywall screw. Missing strike plates are a frequent finding during rough-in inspections.

Can Gastite CSST fittings be mixed with another manufacturer's CSST tubing?

Mixing fitting brands with a different manufacturer's CSST tubing isn't supported and can create a connection that doesn't seal reliably over time. Using the tubing manufacturer's specified fittings for the size and brand installed is required for both code compliance and reliable performance.