Dear Tim,
Thank you for a host of useful tips and data on your site!
I am collecting bids for installing gas to two appliances in my new
construction home. The meter and two appliances form a triangle: The meter
is about 25 feet from the water heater, the heater is about 25 feet from my
range, and the range is about 40+ feet from the meter. Of course, there are
some walls in the way, and the line(s) have to cross the garage to get into
the house...
I am wondering if my situation is closer to house A or house B in your
table, and also how up-to-date the material prices are above.
Thanks,
-Vicki in Portland, OR.
Cost Comparison: CSST, Copper, Black Iron
Summary:
Need to determine the most cost effective gas line installation? CSST
might win over copper or black iron. Here is a comparison chart to help
you decide.
Cost Comparisons
You are faced with a large gas line installation project. What is the most cost effective method? Well, it depends. If you have a reasonable plumber in your area who has been trained on how to use CSST, then it might be the hands down winner. The type of job also makes a difference. If there are lots and lots of bends, twists, and turns, then CSST and soft copper might massacre black iron.
You will have to get bids and see how it all turns out. One thing is for sure. As CSST becomes more and more accepted by professionals, the cost of the material will drop and this will benefit you the consumer. You will also find that improvements will allow homeowners to install the material with relative ease. Many companies who now make CSST do not want the average homeowner to install their product. They want plumbers to attend special, and necessary, training sessions.
Following is a cost comparison of four different jobs. Look at the numbers closely, especially the material and labor differentials. There are four different situations: House A is a small house with just a furnace and hot water heater. House B is a medium-sized house with a furnace, hot water heater, and two other gas appliances. House C has mid-level pressure - 2 PSI - a furnace, hot water heater and 4 other gas appliances. House D has mid-level pressure, two furnaces, two hot water heaters and six other gas appliances. CSST will usually only save money on larger jobs. Table Data courtesy of Omegaflex:
|
|
House A | House B | House C | House D | |
|
Copper
|
Material
|
$51 | $90 | $98 | $148 |
|
Labor
|
$133 | $253 | $400 | $720 | |
|
Total Cost
|
$184 | $343 | $498 | $868 | |
|
Black Iron
|
Material
|
$50 | $87 | $100 | $149 |
|
Labor
|
$160 | $300 | $500 | $880 | |
|
Total Cost
|
$210 | $387 | $600 | $1,029 | |
|
CSST
|
Material
|
$134 | $216 | $250 | $306 |
|
Labor
|
$100 | $160 | $220 | $420 | |
|
Total Cost
|
$234 | $376 | $470 | $726 | |
|
Savings with CSST
|
.
|
($50) | ($34) | $28 | $142 |
|
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Comments:Welcome! I, Tim
Carter, don't answer questions
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Tim page if you want a question answered. Once there, look
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