A generator is essential in an area where the power goes out fairly regularly and stays out for a long time, and it’s useful in places where power outages happen only once in a while, too. Because of this, it’s important to recognize the signs of a faulty generator. Here are some of them.
Your Generator Is Leaking
Leaks in your generator are easy to detect, for you can smell them and often see them. For example, if there’s a puddle of water near your generator, you’ll see a rainbow-colored film on top of it. Also, be aware that the smell of gas indicates a safety hazard. Contact your utility company, and leave your house to seek shelter elsewhere if there’s a storm.
Your Generator Has Obvious Damage
Storms can not only knock out your power but can damage the generator itself. A routine inspection might reveal dings and dents, rust or wires that are frayed or worn out. Vermin such as mice or rats can also chew on your generator’s wires or cords and damage them.
The Generator Doesn’t Start Immediately
A healthy generator starts promptly when you need it. If it doesn’t, or stutters before it starts, this is a sign that something’s not right. Often, the problem is old fuel that’s become sludgy, and the remedy may be draining the old fuel and/or installing a new fuel filter.
Your Generator Isn’t Reliable
When you turn on your generator, it should stay on until you turn it off or it runs out of fuel. A generator that goes on and off without your input may be a sign that it’s damaged, or it’s not powerful enough to keep the lights and appliances on in your home. One thing to do is check that everything you need to run in your home runs when you turn on your generator.
A related problem is a generator that you know is running but isn’t producing electricity. There are a number of reasons for this problem, and it’s best to call a professional electrician to diagnose and repair it.
Your Generator Makes Strange Noises
As with any other system in your home, weird noses such as rattles, squeaks and grinding are signs of trouble for a generator. Since many things can cause a generator to make noises, diagnosing and troubleshooting are also jobs for a professional.
Call Us For Generator Problems
Few things are more anxiety-producing for a homeowner than turning on the generator during a power outage and finding that absolutely nothing happens. If you’re seeing signs that your generator is faulty, don’t hesitate to call our professionals at Rush Electric of Memphis, TN.
