As of April 14, 2017, the Boaz Gas Board is required to comply with the updated Pipeline Safety Regulation 49 CFR 192.383 regarding the installation of Excess Flow Valves (EFV).
Potential Benefits of EFVs
You may request that Boaz Gas Board install an excess flow valve on the gas line to your property. EFVs are mechanical shut-off devices that can be installed in the gas pipe running to the gas meter at your property (the “service Line”). An EFV is designed to stop the flow of gas if the service line is broken, for example, by an excavation accident. Stopping the flow of gas from a broken service line significantly reduces the risk of natural gas fire, explosion, personal injury and/or property damage.
If you notify us that you want an EFV, we will contact you to set up a mutually agreeable date when we will install an EFV on your service line.
EFV Installation Cost
Boaz Gas Board customers will be billed for the cost of installing the EFV. The average installation cost typically ranges between $500 – $1,000, but the actual installation cost will depend on the difficulty of installation. We will inform you of the actual cost before you make the final decision that you want an EFV.
Maintenance/Replacement of EFV
EFV replacement may be necessary if you add additional gas appliances, such as a pool heater or emergency generator that exceeds the capacity of the EFV. EFV replacement may be necessary if the EFV malfunctions (sticks open or closed). Industry experience is that EFVs rarely malfunction. If it is necessary to replace the EFV on your service line, Boaz Gas Board will replace the EFV at no additional cost.
EFVs cannot be installed on some service lines due to high gas flow, low pressure, or other factors. If you request an EFV but your service line cannot accommodate an EFV, we will let you know.
What an EFV Will Not Do
EFVs are not designed to protect against small service line leaks, gas meter set leaks, or a leak that occurs beyond the gas meter (ex. on house piping or appliances).
*Installation of an EFV is not mandatory.
*The Boaz Gas Board makes no express warranty for continued proper EFV operation under normal use conditions and/or false EFV closures under any gas system operating condition.
*Additional Information may be obtained by calling the Boaz Gas Board office at 256-593-6764.
If you wish to have an EFV installed on your service line, please call the Boaz Gas Board at the above number and have the following information ready: Customer Name, Customer Number, Service Address, and current telephone number. This information can be found on your monthly bill.
Diagram of Typical EFV Installation
