Gas Meter
A recent federal regulation concerning natural gas pipeline safety requires the City of Brenham to notify its gas customers of their right to request the installation of an Excess Flow Valve (EFV) on their existing gas service line.

Potential Safety Benefits of an EFV
An EFV is a mechanical safety device installed inside a natural gas service line between the natural gas main and the gas meter. EFVs significantly reduce or completely shut off the flow of natural gas if a natural gas service line becomes damaged. Restricting the gas flow after a gas service line is damaged may significantly decrease the risk of property damage and/or injury. An EFV does not protect against leaks on customer house piping or appliances.

How to Tell if I Already Have an EFV
Many customers already have an EFV installed on their existing gas service line. If the regulator on the gas meter loop is painted "red", then that service already has an EFV installed.

Installation and Costs
The cost of retrofitting an existing service line to install an EFV will be at the expense of the customer. The average installation cost is typically $300 to $900, but the actual cost will depend on the difficulty of installation. Customers requesting an EFV installation will be provided an estimated cost and time of installation. Due to operating characteristics and limitations, in some instances, EFVs cannot be installed.

If it becomes necessary to replace the EFV on your gas service line, due to a malfunction, the City of Brenham will be responsible for the cost. If the customer changes their natural gas volume requirements, a new EFV could be required. If so, the customer would be responsible for the cost of this upgrade.

Requesting an EFV
To request an EFV installation estimate, contact:
Public Utilities (979) 337-7400 Monday to Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose natural gas service during installation?
Yes. During installation, we will temporarily interrupt your natural gas service.

Does installation require digging in my yard?
Yes. During installation, we will excavate your service line. Next, we will install the EFV and backfill
the excavation. The last step is to restore natural gas service to your home, which would include relighting pilots.

Do I need to be home during installation? How long will it take?
No, except to restore gas service to your home. The installation process typically takes several hours. The last step is to restore service. The City of Brenham requires a person over the age of 18 to be present any time natural gas service is restored.

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BEFORE YOU DIG - DIAL 811. IT'S THE LAW!

Color codes for Utilities Markings

• Water - Blue
• Sewer - Green
• Gas - Yellow
• Electric - Red
• Reclaimed Water - Purple
• Communications - Orange
• Proposed Evacuation - White

Digging can be dangerous. There are buried utilities throughout the city. Hitting a utility line can be both dangerous and costly. Without knowing the locations of the buried utilities, you jeopardize your safety as well as others and the inconvenience of being without the service.

Before beginning any project that requires you to move earth, DIAL 811. This is a free service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The locate center will contact the city and the utility departments will mark their lines within 2 business days. Wait the required time - at least 2 business days. Once lines are marked, dig with care and dig safely by hand-digging within 18 inches of any marking.