How Do I Clean the Sediment Trap in a Generac Air-Cooled Home Standby Generator?

The sediment trap removes contaminants (moisture and fine particles) from gaseous fuels before they enter the fuel regulator. This accumulated moisture and particles must be emptied from the sediment trap per local codes and guidelines.

  • Feb 26, 2024
  • Knowledge

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How Do I Clean the Sediment Trap in a Generac Air-Cooled Home Standby Generator?
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How-Do-I-Clean-the-Sediment-Trap-in-a-Generac-Air-Cooled-Home-Standby-Generator

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Cleaning the Sediment Trap

Generator owners should reference these articles before cleaning the sediment trap.
 

Environment

This article applies to 10 kW - 26 kW Guardian series generators manufactured after 2017. 

 

Maintenance Interval for Sediment Trap Inspection/Cleaning

Cleaning the sediment trap is listed as part of a generator's maintenance schedule, however, the specific interval is dictated by local codes and guidelines and changes based on location. 
 
Contact your local authorized Generac Service Dealer for your local codes and guidelines. See the How Can I Find a Generac Service Dealer in My Area? article for more information.


Who can perform Sediment Trap Inspection/Cleaning?

Sediment trap inspection and cleaning should be performed by a service professional unless local codes state otherwise. See the How Can I Find a Generac Service Dealer in My Area? article for more information.
 


Inspection/Cleaning of Sediment Trap 

Before Sediment Trap Inspection/Cleaning 

Consult the Owner's manual 
 

The process covered in this article applies to air-cooled Guardian (10-26 kW) series generators. Owners should always reference the user manual for maintenance tasks. See How Do I Find a Copy of My Home Standby Generator Owner's Manual and Spec Sheets?  for more information.

 

Maintenance Safety 
 

Owners should reference What Safety Precautions Should I Take when Performing Maintenance on My Generator? to ensure maintenance is performed in a safe manner.

 

Performing Sediment Trap Inspection/Cleaning

 
1. Remove the intake side panel, see the How Do I Remove the Generator Side Panel? article for more information.

2. Turn the generator fuel supply OFF.

3. Unscrew and remove the cap (A).

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4. Use a clean-out tool (not provided) to remove accumulated moisture and particles from the cap and body (B).

5. Wipe the inside of each component with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth.

6. Seal the threads of the cap with the appropriate sealing compound. Install the cap and hand-tighten it.

7. Tighten the cap with an appropriately sized pipe wrench. DO NOT over-tighten.
 
After Sediment Trap Inspection/Cleaning
 

After performing routine maintenance or service work on the Sediment Trap, Generac recommends performing a fuel system leak test by an authorized professional unless local codes and guidelines state differently. 

8. Turn the generator fuel supply ON. Inspect for leaks by spraying all connection points with a non-corrosive gas leak detection fluid. The solution should not be blown away or form bubbles. see How to perform a Fuel System Leak Test for more information.

9. Install the intake side panel.
 

See also

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