How to connect the ends of CSST

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artooks
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How to connect the ends of CSST

Post by artooks »

Hi,


I have a corrugated SS Coil, the problem is the end part of the coil had two brass fittings that unfortunately rusted so I had to cut them down, now I have left with two bare openings of the CSST, I put a silicon hose and fixed it with a pipe clamp, and it looked ok, I wanted to try it to see if It will leak and it did not a huge amount but drips coming, I believe it is due to the structure of the CSST where it is like a thread and when I clamp it down it does not fully tighten the hose because of the thread like open parts in its structure, so what can you reccomend is there a fitting that I can install to this CSST ?

Thanks
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Salt Must Flow
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Re: How to connect the ends of CSST

Post by Salt Must Flow »

I'd just replace the CSST with a new one that has the fittings on the end and plumb it properly from there. You should be able to buy some SharkBite, Push to Connect fittings that screw right onto the threads and just insert the blue/red tubing.
artooks
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Re: How to connect the ends of CSST

Post by artooks »

Salt Must Flow wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 2:47 pm I'd just replace the CSST with a new one that has the fittings on the end and plumb it properly from there. You should be able to buy some SharkBite, Push to Connect fittings that screw right onto the threads and just insert the blue/red tubing.
Well thanks I used to have a push to connect fittings but as I said I do not have them, as I am abroad it is not easy for me to get a new one straight away, is there a fitting that can go over this one ?
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Salt Must Flow
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Re: How to connect the ends of CSST

Post by Salt Must Flow »

artooks wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 2:59 pm
Salt Must Flow wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 2:47 pm I'd just replace the CSST with a new one that has the fittings on the end and plumb it properly from there. You should be able to buy some SharkBite, Push to Connect fittings that screw right onto the threads and just insert the blue/red tubing.
Well thanks I used to have a push to connect fittings but as I said I do not have them, as I am abroad it is not easy for me to get a new one straight away, is there a fitting that can go over this one ?
The only thing I can think of doing is to use a good amount of silicone caulk withing the corrugations in the CSST before installing the hose. You can wipe off any excess and lastly clamp it. The caulk might seal the joint to get by until the CSST can be replaced.
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elbono
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Re: How to connect the ends of CSST

Post by elbono »

Some users of CSST fill the corrugations with RTV and hose clamp tubing over that like your pictures. I was never satisfied with how that came out so I soldered brass hose barbs in the ends.

There's some pics here viewtopic.php?p=7706415#p7706415
and other ideas too. Soldering CSST to brass or copper is no harder than soldering copper to anything made of stainless.
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greggn
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Re: How to connect the ends of CSST

Post by greggn »

artooks wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 2:34 pm
so what can you reccomend is there a fitting that I can install to this CSST ?

CSST fittings are easy to install. I just did a pair myself recently. Of course, getting them may be an issue if you're not in the US.


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https://www.homedepot.com/p/HOME-FLEX-1 ... /203073896
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artooks
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Re: How to connect the ends of CSST

Post by artooks »

greggn wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 4:23 pm
artooks wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 2:34 pm
so what can you reccomend is there a fitting that I can install to this CSST ?

CSST fittings are easy to install. I just did a pair myself recently. Of course, getting them may be an issue if you're not in the US.


Image


https://www.homedepot.com/p/HOME-FLEX-1 ... /203073896

Thanks

My CSST OD is 3/8 do you think 1/2" will also fit ?
MooseMan
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Re: How to connect the ends of CSST

Post by MooseMan »

If you can't get the fittings Artooks, for an alternative "Permanent" fix you can fill the grooves with 2 part epoxy glue.
Just mix some up, smear it into the grooves so they are over full, slide your hose over and clamp up. Once the epoxy has gone off you will be watertight.
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Re: How to connect the ends of CSST

Post by greggn »

artooks wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 11:46 pm
My CSST OD is 3/8 do you think 1/2" will also fit ?

Full disclosure: I've installed one (1) pair of 1/2" fittings.


That said, I would not think it would be water-tight due to the oversize of the retaining ring. Unfortunately, a quick search returns few 3/8" fittings for sale.
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Re: How to connect the ends of CSST

Post by Swedish Pride »

I jammed some copper pipe in there and soldered it together
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artooks
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Re: How to connect the ends of CSST

Post by artooks »

greggn wrote: Wed Feb 21, 2024 6:36 am
artooks wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 11:46 pm
My CSST OD is 3/8 do you think 1/2" will also fit ?

Full disclosure: I've installed one (1) pair of 1/2" fittings.


That said, I would not think it would be water-tight due to the oversize of the retaining ring. Unfortunately, a quick search returns few 3/8" fittings for sale.
Can you please share a link for the 3/8 fittings
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Re: How to connect the ends of CSST

Post by bobpratl »

Swedish Pride wrote: Wed Feb 21, 2024 11:07 am I jammed some copper pipe in there and soldered it together
That is what I did. 2" length of 3/8" OD copper tubing fit snug and a little solder made it watertight. 3/8" compression or press to release fittings work out good on the 3/8" tubes.
artooks
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Re: How to connect the ends of CSST

Post by artooks »

Hi,

After trying a few things, I find a very simple solution, it is very easy I have just wrapped some teflon tape on the corrugations to fill them completaly, I have just wrapped less then half an inch and it worked I tested it now there is not leak at all. It is so interesting to see that sometimes solutions come from very simple things, I also thought using some o-ring on the corrugations, but since this worked there is no need to do that.
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