Report Gas Leaks
Learn how to detect natural gas and safely respond to the situation.
Modernizing our systems
We take a number of steps to help ensure safe, reliable natural gas service to your home or business:
- Regularly inspecting natural gas equipment and rights-of-way
- Replacing aging gas lines and modernizing our system
- Giving advanced training to emergency responders and our employees
- Our Gas Control Center operates 24/7 and uses state-of-the-art technology to constantly monitor certain aspects of our gas systems
- Adding odorant to natural gas to produce a “rotten egg” smell if a leak occurs
- Reminding everyone to always call 811 before digging in your yard
- Recording the position of our lines with GPS technology
We also want you to know about automatic shut-off devices, which are an additional safety measure that are installed at certain points throughout our natural gas systems. Automatic shut-off devices are designed to operate like circuit-breakers, so when they sense operating pressure that is too high or too low, they automatically shut off gas flow.
We are continuously working to modernize our natural gas system and provide additional layers of protection. Here’s a quick look at the different locations where these safety devices may be installed:
- Regulator stations: Strategically placed throughout the system, regulator stations are designed to control and adjust the flow of gas before it reaches the natural gas main line (typically located in or near the street, alley or easement) that serves your neighborhood
- Service lines: This pipe runs from the main line to the meter that serves your home or business
- Gas meters: Located at your home or business to measure the flow of gas
Work in your neighborhood
As we work with our contractor partners across Maryland to install additional automatic shut-off devices, you can expect:
- In some cases, we may need to schedule an appointment with you to complete the installation
- Columbia Gas crews and contractors accessing and monitoring our facilities in your neighborhood, which may lead to increased noise and vehicle traffic
- Because natural gas lines are buried, in some cases we may need to dig to access our facilities during the installation process. We promise to restore any area that was disrupted as a result of our work
More safety tips
Call 811 Before You Dig
Big or small – begin your next home improvement project with a call to 811.
Impostors and Scams
If you are unsure about a person claiming to be a representative from our company, ask for ID and call us.
Learn more about Excess Flow Valves
Excess Flow Valves (EFVs) are a type of automatic shut-off device, which are an additional safety measure that may be installed on certain underground service lines running between the natural gas main (typically located in or near the street, alley or easement) and your gas meter.
Get your questions answered
Where can I learn more?
This notice is being provided pursuant to a federal rule. If you are interested in learning more, please call us at 1-888-460-4332.
Thank you for your response.
Have we been installing EFVs on our service lines?
As part of our regular system maintenance and upgrade programs, we have been installing EFVs on all eligible new and replacement service lines since 1995. Through our ongoing system enhancement programs, over time, we plan to install EFVs on all eligible service lines.
Thank you for your response.
If my service line does not have an EFV, can I get one installed now at my own expense?
Although an EFV is not necessary for the normal, safe operation of a gas service line, customers may have one installed on an eligible service line at their own expense. The cost of installing an EFV is approximately $1,610, taking into account work time, materials, excavation and any necessary site restoration activities. If you contact us at 1-888-460-4332, we can assist you in determining if your service line is eligible for installing an EFV and what the costs could be. If you decide to proceed with installation of an EFV and meet the eligibility guidelines below, we will work with you to provide it at a mutually agreeable date.
Thank you for your response.
Which service lines are eligible for an EFV?
Many service lines are eligible for an EFV, but here are some conditions under which we would not install an EFV:
- Gas deliveries on the line exceed 1,000 standard cubic feet per hour
- The line does not operate at a pressure of 10 pounds per square inch gauge or greater throughout the year
- There have been contaminants in the gas stream that could interfere with the EFV's operation or cause loss of service to the customer
- An EFV could interfere with necessary operation or maintenance activities
- An EFV meeting regulatory performance standards is not commercially available
Thank you for your response.
Am I responsible for maintaining the EFV?
No. Once installed, the cost to maintain and replace an EFV is our responsibility.
Thank you for your response.
What are EFVs designed to do?
EFVs are designed to automatically restrict the flow of natural gas if a service line is damaged or broken. Although not necessary for the normal, safe operation of a service line, a potential safety benefit is that EFVs automatically minimize or shut off gas flow if a service line is damaged or broken.
Thank you for your response.
How do I know if I have an EFV on my service line?
If your natural gas service line was installed on or after January 1, 1995, it’s likely that you already have an EFV in place. To confirm that you have an EFV on your service line, please call us at 1-888-460-4332.
Thank you for your response.
Safety is Knowing
Learn how to keep your home or business safe.