Excess Flow Valves
Eligibility and Installation
- Customer eligibility: Many customers already have an excess flow valve (EVF) installed on their existing service line; those who do not may be eligible to have one installed. Most residential and small commercial customers will be eligible, but not all gas systems can have EFVs. If you are interested in determining if you are eligible to have an EFV installed, please contact MidAmerican Energy at 888-427-5632.
- Safety benefits: An EFV is designed to shut off the flow of natural gas if a service line breaks. This may decrease the potential for property damage and/or injury.
- What an EFV cannot do: Installation of an EFV will not protect against leaks on customer appliances or house piping. EFVs also do not protect against small leaks at the gas meter or beyond the meter on customer piping.
- Cost and installation: Depending on your location, the cost of installing the EFV will be shared between the customer and MidAmerican Energy. The average installation cost is estimated to be $800, but it can be lower, and in some cases much higher. The actual cost will depend on the installation complexity. In Iowa and Illinois, the customer cost will be at most, $400 and MidAmerican will cover the cost beyond that amount. The installation of customer requested EFVs in Nebraska and South Dakota will be entirely the customer’s responsibility. The installation will be scheduled at a mutually agreeable date pending the approval of any required permits and ground excavation conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an excess flow valve?
An excess flow valve (EFV) is a mechanical safety device installed on a gas service line. In the event of damage to the gas service line between the street and the gas meter, the EFV will minimize the flow of gas through the service line.
How do EVFs work?
A spring pushes a valve open against the oncoming gas flow. Sensing a change in pressure, the spring forces the valve closed, minimizing the flow of gas. EFVs are designed so that when your gas appliances are operating normally, the flow is not enough to push the valve shut – however, if the line is damaged there is enough flow to push the valve shut. When gas lines are repaired and service is restored, the valve automatically resets itself.
How will an EVF affect my gas service?
An EFV may interrupt your gas service if the service line is damaged. To report a damaged service line or if you smell gas in or outside of your home, leave your home and call 800-595-5325.
The EFV and gas meter installed at your house will be sized based on the appliance load in the home. If you add additional gas appliances, such as a pool or spa heater, gas fire pit, or gas fired back-up generator, the additional gas appliances may create a total gas demand too high for the current gas meter. The additional load may also affect the operation of the EFV. Should the meter, EFV or gas line need upgraded due to additional load, there could be a charge to you.
Are EFVs installed on new service lines?
Yes, federal code requires the installation of an EFV on new and replaced gas service lines to residential and small commercial customers on eligible systems.
How do I know if I am on an eligible system?
Service lines are evaluated for the EFVs based on system pressure. Pressures vary by location, so each request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Contact us at 888-427-5632 to discuss eligibility.
Where does an EFV get installed?
The EFV is installed underground on the service line.
If I am interested in an EFV on my existing natural gas service line what do I do?
Contact MidAmerican Energy at 888-427-5632 and a customer service representative will put you in contact with the customer design technician for your area. There will be a service charge associated with the installation of an EFV on an existing service line. Charges can vary by location. The technician will evaluate your location to determine if the service line is eligible for an EFV installation and advise you of the cost to install.
If my service line is eligible and I want to proceed, when does the EFV get installed?
MidAmerican Energy will work with you to establish a mutually agreeable time for installation. We will need to interrupt your natural gas service to install the EFV. After installation is complete, a serviceman will need to access your house to relight appliances.
Will installation of an EFV disturb my property?
Most installations will require disturbing the ground. An EFV installation will involve digging in your yard or right-of-way and could involve pavement removal to expose the main and or service line. We will restore your property after the work is complete, the cost for the restoration work is included in the service charge.