EFVs

Excess Flow Valves (EFVs) are safety devices installed on natural gas distribution pipelines to reduce the risk of accidents. EFVs are required for new or replaced gas service lines servicing residences and commercial facilities.

This includes new or replaced branched service lines servicing SFRs, multifamily residences, and small commercial entities consuming gas volumes not exceeding 1,000 standard cubic feet per hour (SCFH) as defined in 49 CFR 192.383(a).

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) requires the use of either manual service line shut-off valves (e.g., curb valves) or EFVs, if appropriate, for new or replaced service lines with meter capacities exceeding 1,000 SCFH. This final rule also requires operators to notify customers of their right to request installation of EFVs on service lines that are not being newly installed or replaced.

An EFV will not:

• Protect against a slow leak

• Close because of small leaks beyond the gas meter

• Handle an added load in gas flow from high-use items

If you are interested in having an EFV installed on your service line, call the City Office at 325-884-2511 to arrange for the service. The installation cost will be $1,500.00.

If it becomes necessary to remove and maintain or replace your EFV, you must agree to pay for all costs of materials and labor associated with the maintenance/replacement of the EFV.

The City makes no warranties for the continued proper EFV operation under any circumstances, or during conditions in which the valve inadvertently closes during system use.

In the event that a customer’s home is sold, it is the customer’s responsibility to notify and disclose to the new homeowner, in writing, that an EFV has been installed on the natural gas service line.

Additional information…

• EFV’s will not be installed on your service lines if any of the following conditions are applicable

  • The service line does not operate at pressure of 10 psig or greater throughout the year.

  • An EFV could interfere with your proper operation, or cause loss of services

  • An EFV could interfere with necessary operation of maintenance activities

  • The capacity of the meter on the service lines exceeds 1,000 cubic feet per hour, although there are EFV’s available for installation services with meter capacities greater than 1,000 cfh

• What might trigger a need to replace your EFV?

  • If you add additional, major gas appliances, such as a pool heater or an emergency generator that excess the capacity of the EFV

  • IF the EVF malfunctions: if it sticks open, or closed (although experience is that EFVs rarely malfunction.