Excess Flow Valve Regulation
The U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) provides regulations the natural gas industry must practice to provide natural gas safely to customers. One regulation is for excess flow valves (EFV) or a curb valve be included in new natural gas installations for multi-family and commercial customers. Customers may request the installation, as it is not required, for existing natural gas services.
What is an excess flow valve (EFV)?
An excess flow valve (EFV) is a mechanical shut-off device that can be installed in the natural gas service line to the customer. An EFV is designed to shut off the flow of natural gas automatically if the service line breaks. EFVs may not close if the leak on the service line is very small. Stopping the flow of natural gas from a broken service line significantly reduces the risk of a natural gas fire, explosion, personal injury and/or property damage.
NOTE: EFVs are not designed to close if a leak occurs beyond the meter. This would include any interior leaks that may occur in piping or appliances.
Do I currently have an EFV on my gas service line?
The city of Rocky Mount proactively began installing EFVs on single-family residences in 2001 before they were required. Your natural gas service may already have an EFV device installed. Please call (252) 467-4800 to verify.
Should I request an EFV on my natural gas service line?
Beginning April 17, 2017, the city of Rocky Mount will automatically install EFVs or curb valves on all new natural gas service installations per the PHMSA regulation. (Most residential customers will receive an EFV; however, a similar device called a curb valve will be installed when the flow of natural gas exceeds the capabilities of the EFV.) EFV installation is optional for existing customers with natural gas services installed prior to 2001 (single-family residential customers) or April 17, 2017 (multi-family and commercial customers). Customers may request an EFV installation by calling (252) 467-4800. A representative from the natural gas division will contact you to set up an appointment to install the EFV on your service line. The natural gas division guarantees the installation within one year of your request.
How much will it cost to have an EFV installed?
There is no cost to install the EFV. However, if your service has an existing EFV and you increase your natural gas usage above the capacity of the EFV, there is a cost associated with the change that will be determined based on the job requirements. Circumstances that may increase your natural gas usage are the addition of gas appliances, pool heaters, or backup generators.
The maintenance and replacement, due to failures of the EFV, will be free of charge. However, industry experience is that EFVs rarely malfunction.
How is an EFV installed?
The EFV will be located at the front of the property in the right-of-way where the natural gas service line is located. Please refer to the illustration below.
To install the EFV, natural gas division crews must first request underground utilities be located. An installation crew will dig on your property with excavation equipment to access the natural gas service line. If this is not possible, the crew must replace the natural gas service line to install the EFV. (There are some circumstances that may not allow an EFV to be installed. If this occurs, an explanation will be provided by a representative of the natural gas division.) The crew installing the EFV will restore your yard to its previous state.
For additional questions, contact the Energy Resources natural gas division at (252) 467-4800. For your safety, always call 811 to have natural gas lines and other buried utilities marked before allowing anyone to dig in your yard.
