Excess Flow Valve Safety

Excess Flow Valves

You may request that M.U.D. install a mechanical shut-off device called an excess flow valve (EFV) on the natural gas service line to your property.  An EFV is designed to significantly reduce the flow of gas if the service line outside of the structure becomes damaged, lessening the possibility of a natural gas fire, explosion, personal injury and/or property damage.

Federal law did not require EFVs to be installed on newly constructed homes until June 2008. If your home was built prior to June 2008, you most likely do not have an EFV installed on the service line to your home. Customers who want to have an EFV installed on their service line that was installed prior to June 2008 may do so at their expense.

You most likely already have an EFV installed if:

  • Your home/building was built since June 2008
  • Your gas service line was replaced since June 2008

You may call Customer Service at 402.554.6666 to verify if you have an EFV on your service line.

EFVs are NOT designed to close if a leak occurs beyond the gas meter (on house piping or appliances). EFVs also may not close if the leak on the service line is small. If you add gas appliances, like a pool heater or emergency generator, there is a possibility that the additional gas flow may cause the EFV to close.

If you notify us that you want an EFV, we will contact you to set up a mutually agreeable date when we will install it. You will be responsible for the installation cost of $800 (installment plans are available).

Note: EFVs cannot be installed on some service lines due to high gas flow, low distribution system pressure or other factors. Each situation will be evaluated upon request.

For more information, call Customer Service at 402.554.6666.

Excess Flow Valves FAQs

  • Will events like severe weather impact the excess flow valve?

    No. Excess flow valves are designed to operate only if there is damage to a natural gas service line that results in a significant leak or drop in pressure.

    Excess flow valve diagram

  • How do I know if I already have an excess flow valve (EFV)?

    Federal law did not require EFVs to be installed on newly constructed homes until June 2008. If your home was built prior to June 2008, you most likely do not have an EFV installed on the service line to your home. Customers who want to have an EFV installed on their service line that was installed prior to June 2008 may do so at their expense.

    You most likely already have an EFV installed if:

    • Your home/building was built since June 2008
    • Your gas service line was replaced since June 2008

    You may call Customer Service at 402.554.6666 to verify if you have an EFV on your service line.

  • Who will install the excess flow valve?

    If you notify M.U.D. that you want an excess flow valve installed on your natural gas service line, we will contact you to set up a mutually agreeable date when we will install it. You will be responsible for the installation cost of $800 (installment plans are available). For more information, call Customer Service at 402.554.6666.

  • Can excess flow valves be installed at multifamily dwellings?

    Yes. Excess flow valves are also designed for multifamily residences that do not exceed volume restrictions. For more information call Customer Service at 402.554.6666.

  • Will an excess flow valve stop the flow of natural gas inside my home?

    No. Excess flow valves do not protect against leaks beyond the meter assembly/house piping. If you smell natural gas inside your home, leave immediately and call M.U.D. at 402.554.7777 or 911 from a safe location.

  • How do I know if an excess flow valve can be installed at my house?

    Due to operating characteristics and limitations, in some instances, excess flow valves cannot be installed. M.U.D. would need to make an evaluation to determine whether or not an EFV can be installed on your property. Each situation will be evaluated upon request. For more information call Customer Service at 402.554.6666.

  • How long will an excess flow valve last?

    Excess flow valves are designed to last the lifetime of our natural gas distribution system. M.U.D. will maintain the EFV after installation just as we maintain our entire natural gas distribution system at no additional cost to the customer.

  • Will the installation of an excess flow valve increase my gas use and my bill amount?

    No. Installing an excess flow valve will neither increase nor decrease natural gas consumption at your home or business.

  • Will an excess flow valve protect against all types of gas leaks?

    No. An EFV is designed to significantly reduce the flow of gas if the service line outside of the structure becomes damaged, lessening the possibility of a natural gas fire, explosion, personal injury and/or property damage. Small leaks which can also be dangerous over time may not be detected by the valve. Any time you smell natural gas, leave immediately and call M.U.D. at 402.554.7777 or 911 from a safe location.