Natural Gas Excess Flow Valves
Cedar Falls Utilities started installing excess flow valves in 2010 on all new or replaced natural gas service lines that serve single family residential customers on our high-pressure gas distribution system. Beginning in April 2017, excess flow valve installation has been expanded to include multifamily and small commercial customers that are served from our high-pressure gas distribution system.
Certain residential and small commercial customers may request the installation of an excess flow valve on their existing natural gas service lines if they are connected to the high pressure gas distribution system.
Excess Flow Valves Reduce Flow of Gas During a Leak
An excess flow valve is a safety device designed to significantly reduce the flow of natural gas in a service line that has been damaged. This can happen in many ways, the most common is an excavation incident between the gas main and the gas meter at your property. The decreased flow of natural gas reduces the risk of personal injury and property damage that could occur if the escaping natural gas ignites. However, an excess flow valve is not designed to protect against minor gas leaks on the service line or gas meter, a natural gas leak occurring on the customer piping after the meter or a gas leak inside a home or business.
Excess Flow Valve Eligibility
Only customers connected to CFU’s high pressure gas system are eligible to add an excess flow valve. Neighborhoods and streets in red on this map are on the high-pressure system. If your street is yellow, you are on the medium pressure system and an excess flow valve cannot be added to your service line.
If you choose to add an excess flow valve to your service line, you will be charged $800 to cover the cost of installation. CFU will be responsible for the maintenance costs for the excess flow valve after the initial installation.
If you are interested in an excess flow valve installation or would like more information, please contact CFU’s Gas Service Department at 319-268-5340. A CFU representative will determine if your gas service is connected to the high-pressure gas distribution system and evaluate other technical requirements. If your natural gas service line meets the requirements for an excess flow valve, we will work with you to schedule a mutually agreeable date for installation.
Common Causes of Gas Service Leaks
The illustration below shows some typical causes of leaking service lines, including excavation damage. Remember, the best prevention against damaging your gas service line is to have all underground utility lines located and marked before digging. This free locating service is available by calling the Iowa One Call System at 811.
