In a recent article, the Des Moines Register reported on several fires that have occurred as a result of lightning strikes to gas lines, causing the failure of corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) feeding gas appliances in homes.
CSST is a flexible gas tubing system that has been used in home construction and remodeling projects for years. CSST is easier to work with when running gas lines compared to traditional iron pipe. However, CSST must be installed correctly, including properly grounding the gas line to prevent lightning from traveling through the CSST.
In homes where the CSST has not been installed properly, lightning can strike an underground gas line – possibly well outside the home – and then travel through the gas line into the home. Once inside the home, the lightning travels from the gas line to a nearby metal object, such as a nail, water pipe, etc, potentially causing the CSST pipe to rupture, which creates a fire hazard.
CSST tubing typically is wrapped in a yellow PVC (plastic) coating and often runs through walls, under floor joists in the basement, and between floors in homes with appliances on multiple levels. You should be able to see the yellow tubing near your gas furnace, gas water heater, gas stove, or gas dryer. If you’re not sure what type of tubing was used in your home, consult a qualified plumber or electrician.
Homeowners who have CSST tubing are urged to have the tubing checked by a qualified plumber or electrician to make sure that the tubing has been properly bonded and grounded. National building codes indicate that CSST is a safe product if it has been installed properly, but again, only a qualified plumber or electrician can tell you if your home’s CSST is safe.
Also – there is another type of gas connector used in homes to make short connections from the gas line to appliances. Some of these types of connectors are called “uncoated brass connectors” and are dangerous because they can degrade over time and crack, potentially causing a gas leak and an extremely hazardous situation. These connectors have not been used in approximately the last 20 years, but may still be present if a new appliance was purchased and an old gas connector was used. Homeowners are urged to not move gas appliances if they suspect that an uncoated brass connector has been used. Homeowners should contact a qualified plumber to have any gas connections inspected and replaced with flexible stainless steel or plastic coated connectors. More information about uncoated brass connectors is available here.
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