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 the flow of gas through the device exceeds a pre-determined rate. The device is normally installed near the service line’s connection to the gas distribution main, and protects against the uncontrolled escape of natural gas should the service line be broken or 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.

The use of EFVs has been typically precipitated by service line incidents caused by excavation companies digging, and accidentally hitting and breaking, service lines.  While the use of an EFV may help to limit the effects and 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 call the Ohio Utility Protection Services (OUPS) at 1-800-362-2764 or 811.

Installation of an EFV

  • If you would like to have an EFV installed in your existing natural gas service line, we will complete this installation for you.  The costs for completing this installation will be your responsibility.  If you decide you would like to have an EFV installed, we will provide a cost estimate based on your specific situation. We anticipate that most installations will be between $1,000 and $2,000.  This cost includes labor and material only, and does not include costs associated with paving or landscaping work that may be required following the installation. These costs will be the responsibility of the property owner.
  • If you decide that you would like to have an EFV installed, we will work with you to determine a date for installation.  This installation will be completed on a date that we mutually agree to.

Requests for EFV installations or questions may be addressed by calling Suburban Natural Gas Company at 740-548-2450.