Excess Flow Valve Installation

Florida Public Utilities (FPU) maintains a network of natural gas mains and service pipelines that deliver safe and reliable natural gas to communities in our service areas. In accordance with recent federal regulations, you may request that FPU install an excess flow valve (EFV) on your existing gas service line.

What is an Excess Flow Valve?

EFVs are mechanical safety devices installed inside a gas distribution service line between the street and the residential meter. If natural gas flow significantly increases (like from a damaged line), the EFV will close to minimize flow. Once the line is repaired and the correct pressure is restored, the EFV will automatically reset. Although not required for the normal, safe function of your gas service line, an EFV might help mitigate the consequences of a service line break by restricting or stopping gas flow.

Safety Tips – What EFV’s Can and Can’t Do:

Safety Benefits

What an EFV can do: An EFV is designed to shut off the flow of natural gas automatically if a service line is ruptured. One example is a service line dug into by a homeowner or contractor during excavation. Restricting the gas flow after a gas service line is damaged may decrease the potential for property damage and/or injury.

What an EFV cannot do

What an EFV cannot do: An EFV will not protect against leaks on customer appliances or house piping. EFVs also do not protect against leaks on the gas meter or slow leaks on the service line.

How Much Does EFV Installation Cost?

Customers are responsible for the cost of an EFV installation. The average installation cost is typically $1,000, but the actual cost will depend on installation difficulty. We will inform you of the cost before you make the final decision to install an EFV. Your EFV installation will be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon date, pending the approval of any required permits and weather conditions.

An EFV is designed to last the lifetime of the natural gas line, but, there may be costs incurred for maintaining or replacing an EFV at a later date. The average cost for maintenance is typically minimal to none and the average cost of replacement is $1,000. However, the actual cost will depend on various factors, and we will inform you of these costs to the best of our ability.

Am I Eligible to Have an EFV Installed?

Many customers already have an EFV installed on their existing service line, as most residential and small commercial customers are eligible for this equipment. However, EFVs do not operate on all gas service lines and certain parameters may exist where installation of an EFV is not warranted.

To determine your eligibility, please contact Florida Public Utilities at 800.427.7712.

Call 811

For your safety, call 811 to have gas lines and other buried utilities marked before digging in your yard.

EFV Frequently Asked Questions

Federal code changes require we notify customers about this supplemental device. However, an EFV is not required on existing natural gas service pipelines.

Much like a backup camera in a newer car model, an EFV is an enhancement to your already safe natural gas service pipeline.

Typically, single-family homes built after the year 2000 have an EFV installed on the natural gas service line. If your home was built before then, it probably doesn’t have one installed. To verify whether an EFV has been installed on your property, please contact FPU at 800.427.7712.

If you’d like to have an EFV installed on the natural gas service line at your property, please call 800.427.7712 to set up an appointment.

Yes. The average installation cost is typically $1,000, but the actual cost will depend on installation difficulty. This charge will not appear on your monthly FPU bill. Instead, you will receive a separate bill, mailed to your billing address.

To avoid tripping the EFV following installation, call FPU at 800.427.7712 if upgrading or adding gas equipment that may significantly increase your gas usage.