Natural gas customers served by the Town of Trion have the option of requesting a safety device designed to reduce the risk of fires, explosions and property damage if an underground gas service line is accidentally broken.

The Town of Trion Gas Department offers customers the opportunity to request installation of an excess flow valve, commonly called an EFV, on the natural gas line leading to their property.

The mechanical device is installed in the service line that carries natural gas to a customer’s meter. If the line is severely damaged, such as during excavation or digging, the valve is designed to automatically restrict the flow of gas, reducing the possibility of a dangerous gas leak.

However, the valves do have limitations. They are not designed to stop leaks that occur inside a home or business, including leaks involving appliances or piping beyond the gas meter. They also may not activate when a service line develops a small leak.

Customers interested in having a valve installed can contact the Town of Trion Gas Department to request an inspection. The department will determine whether installation is possible and provide an estimate of the cost.

Installation costs vary depending on the location of the gas line and the difficulty of accessing it. For example, lines located beneath asphalt or concrete may be more expensive to access.

Once the cost has been determined, the department will contact the customer to arrange a mutually agreeable installation date.

The town says customers may also be responsible for replacement costs if they add gas appliances that require greater gas capacity, such as a swimming pool heater or emergency generator.

However, customers will not be charged for replacement if an existing excess flow valve malfunctions.

Not every gas service line qualifies for installation. Valves cannot be installed where they could interfere with normal gas service or necessary maintenance, or where the service line’s meter capacity exceeds 1,000 cubic feet per hour.

The Town of Trion’s notice explains that customers can request these valves under federal natural gas safety regulations that took effect in 2017.

Gas officials also remind residents to call 811 before digging to have underground gas lines and other utilities marked. The free utility-location service helps prevent accidental damage to buried lines.

Additional information is available through the Town of Trion Gas Department.

Sources: Town of Trion Gas Department — Excess Flow Valve Customer Notice; U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.