FAQ

12. Do I have to chamfer your gas poly pipe prior to installation of your fittings?
a. No. Unlike some push-to-connect gas fitting manufacturers, our gas pipe does not need to be
chamfered prior to installation of our compression fittings.
13. I currently have yellow pipe marked as “CTS”. Can it be used with your underground fittings?
a. CTS means “copper tubing size” which is significantly different that “IPS” (iron pipe sizing)
which is most prevalent in the underground gas category today. So, even though your pipe
may say “1/2” CTS” it will not work with ½” IPS pipe fittings.
14. Does HOME-FLEX
TM
offer an IPS (Iron Pipe Sizing) to CTS (Copper Tubing Sizing)
conversion fitting?
a. Yes. We have a ½” IPS to CTS conversion fitting. Part number 18-429-101. No other sizes
are currently available.
15. The code mandated burial level for my installation is 18” and I have limited room above surface. Can your
riser be cut down to accommodate my installation?
a. No, the riser may never be altered, although the PE end may be cut shorter. You should dig
the trench deeper under the riser to adjust your installation level above ground.
16. Can I use your underground fittings with another manufacturer’s pipe?
a. Yes, so long as the pipe and fitting sizes are the same. All manufacturers of D2513 poly pipe
are held to the same dimensional and material standards.
17. What is “SDR”?
a. This means “standard dimension ratio.” It is the ratio of a pipe’s average outside diameter to
its minimum wall thickness. If adding to an existing underground gas installation, always
ensure that SDR dimensions are the same (mostly SDR-11 (1/2” is usually SDR-9.3)). SDR is
shown on the pipe’s manufacturer’s stripe (along with other information). It may be shown as
“SDR” or “DR”.
18. Can your underground pipe be fusion welded?
a. Absolutely! Please check out our fusion guide in the “resources” section of the homeflex.com
website.
19. Can I use PVC fittings with your Underground gas pipe?
a. No, they are dissimilar materials and cementing/bonding would be an issue. Further, they are
not certified for use together.
20. How do I know what size pipe I need for my installation?
a. One must know the lineal length of the entire installation. You must also know the total btu/h
of all appliances drawing off the gas piping system and, finally, you’ll have to know the
system pressure and capabilities of your natural gas meter or LP tank regulator. Once those
factors are determined, check out the sizing guides in our Design & Installation Manual
available at homeflexunderground.com.
21. How much pressure will your underground pipe and fittings handle?
a. Typically, underground gas systems run at 1/4-10 psi and are stepped down to ¼ psi for
natural gas and ½ psi for LP gas via a regulator either upon entry to the home or at the
individual appliances. Our underground pipe is rated for a maximum of 80 psi and our fittings
are rated for a maximum of 125 psi. All spec/submittal sheets are available in the “resource”
section of homeflexunderground.com.
22. What is tracer wire used for?
a. This is a 14-gauge or thicker wire that is installed beside the poly pipe prior to burial. It
extends to the surface and is wrapped or zip-tied around the riser. A trenching or backhoe
service can connect their sensor equipment to the wire and determine the underground routing