Falls City Utilities: Excess Flow Valve Notification
As required by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), you are hereby notified that an excess flow valve (EFV) which meets the minimum DOT performance standards is available for installation on your natural gas service line. Please note that such a device is not required for the normal, safe operation of your service line, but could help to mitigate the consequences of a service line failure (i.e. break, rupture, etc.).
Customer Eligibility
You may already have an EFV installed on your existing service line; those who do not may be eligible to have one installed. Most residential and small commercial customers will be eligible. However, EFV's do not operate on all gas service lines and certain parameters may exist where installation of ani EFV is not warranted.
Safety Benefits
An EFV is a safety device that is designed to automatically stop the flow of natural gas when (if) the flow of gas through the device exceeds a pre-determined rate. The device is normally installed at (near) the service line's connection to the gas distribution main, and protects against the uncontrolled escape of natural gas should the downstream line be broken/severed. It should be noted that these devices generally do not protect against slow leaks such as those caused by corrosion, loose fittings, or leaks beyond the gas meter (house piping).
The use of EFVs has been primarily precipitated by service line incidents caused by accidental digging by excavators. The best prevention against such incidents is to ensure that those who may have reason to be excavating on your property first call 811.
Cost and Installation of an EFV
The cost of installing the EFV will be at the expense of the property owner. The average installation cost ranges from $500 to $1,000, but the actual cost will depend on the difficulty of installation. The cost is for labor and material only, and do not include cost(s) associated with paving or landscaping work that may be required following the installation. Such cost, if any, will be the responsibility of the property owner. We will inform you of the actual cost before you make the final decision to install an EFV. The installation of an EFV will be scheduled at a mutually agreeable date pending the approval of any required permits and weather conditions.
As with any mechanical device, an EFV may malfunction, thereby causing a temporary loss of natural gas service. Should such a malfunction occur, repair or replacement costs of the EFV will be the responsibility of Falls City Utilities.
The EFV may require replacement if you add additional gas appliances, such as a pool heater or emergency generator that exceeds the capacity of the EFV. The replacement of the EFV due to this issue will result in time and material charges to the property owner.
