Excess Flow Valve Notification

Excess Flow Valve Notification for Residential Customers

Safety Benefits & Installation of an Excess Flow Valve

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.).

Safety Benefits

An EFV is a safety device that is designed to automatically stop the flow of natural gas when, or if the flow of gas through the device exceeds a pre-determined rate.

The device is normally installed at or 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. Such incidents account for about 1/3 of the natural gas pipeline incidents in the United States.

While the use of an EFV may help to limit the effects/damages of such an incident, the best prevention

against such incidents is to ensure that those who may have reason to be excavating on your property, dial 811 or call Claiborne Utilities District at 423-626-4282.

Installation of an EFV

If you would like to have an EFV installed in an existing residential natural gas service line, we will complete such an installation for $350.00.

These costs are 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 costs, will be the responsibility of the property owner. If the property owner requests and is paying for the installation of EFV, Claiborne Utilities District shall install the EFV by a mutually agreeable date.

As with any mechanical device, an EFV may malfunction, thereby causing a temporary loss of natural gas service. Should such a malfunction occur within (1) year of the date of installation, repair or replacement costs will be the responsibility of Claiborne Utilities District. Any need for repair or replacement of an EFV which may occur beyond this (1) year "warranty" period, will result in time and material charges to the customer of record.

Questions may be addressed to:

Claiborne Utilities District

423-626-4282