A gas piping system that employs Prevention through Design, such as the Jones Stephens PEXALGAS® gas piping system, is an alternative to traditional corrugated stainless-steel tubing (CSST) used for natural gas and propane installations in residential construction. The system uses a flexible composite made of cross-linked polyethylene and aluminum (PEX-AL-PEX). The system employs specialized fittings and connectors designed for PEX-AL-PEX pipes, allowing for quick crimp connections. The safety benefit for installers lies in the system's tube being thicker than CSST, which provides a more blunt edge after a cut thereby reducing the risk for laceration injuries.

At its core, the Jones Stephens PEXALGAS® piping system utilizes high-quality PEX-AL-PEX (cross-linked polyethylene-Aluminum- cross-linked polyethylene) pipes, renowned for their durability, flexibility, and resistance to corrosion and scaling. These pipes are available in various sizes and configurations to accommodate different flow rates and applications.

The system incorporates user-friendly connections with crimp fittings that eliminate the need for more time-consuming brazing, soldering, or mechanical joints.

From a construction safety standpoint, installers derive a safety advantage from the system's tube being thicker than CSST, resulting in a smoother edge after being cut (figure 1). This reduction in sharpness significantly decreases the likelihood of laceration injuries.

Figure 1. A blunt edge of a cut PEXALGAS® (Photo courtesy of Jones Stephens Corp.)

How to install

Step 1. Cut the pipe using a PEX-AL-PEX pipe cutter (figure 2), making sure it's a right angle cut. Check the blade for sharpness and tidiness to avoid damaging the pipe.

Figure 2. The provided PEX-AL-PEX pipe cutter with the system making a cut. (Photo courtesy of Jones Stephens Corp.)

Step 2. Calibrate and chamfer the pipe to achieve a perfectly round inner circumference. Ensure the reamer used for this task is in good condition to prevent pipe damage and maintain a proper seal.

Step 3. Remove any leftover material inside the pipe. Insert the fitting onto the pipe, checking the sleeve inspection holes to ensure proper insertion.

Step 4. For crimp machines, align the crimping jaw with the fitting's body and crimp by pressing the start button on the crimping machine. Make sure to use crimping jaws provided by Jones Stephens with a compatible crimping profile (TH) for the fitting you're installing. For manual crimpers, align the crimping jaw with the fitting's body and close the tool completely until it clicks.

Step 5. Remove the crimping jaw and check the metal sleeve inspection holes to confirm that the pipe remained fully inserted throughout the connection process.

As is the case with any construction tool, equipment and material, users should follow manufacturer safety recommendations and comply with any applicable local, state or federal regulations. 

Jean Christophe Le, MPH - CPWR The Center for Construction Research and Training