Inspecting for water intrusion

During the installation of a home standby generator, the site location must ensure the elimination of potential water sources that could endanger the unit. However, since home standby generators are permanently installed, over time the surrounding environment of the installation site may change. Given that the unit must not operate in or be subjected to standing water, regular inspection for water intrusion is a required regularly scheduled maintenance task.

Environment

 

• Generac Next Generation Series 10-28 kW air-cooled standby generators
• Generac Guardian Series 10-26 kW air-cooled standby generators (2017 to present)

Inspecting for water intrusion is a maintenance task performed during regularly scheduled yearly maintenance. For more information see the How do I perform the yearly maintenance for my home standby generator? article.

Performing a water intrusion inspection

Note: The generator housing lid must be opened to inspect the internal generator. This lid may be locked. If you lost the key, see this article for sourcing a replacement key: Where Can I Get a Replacement Key for My Generator?

• Verify that all potential water sources such as water sprinklers, roof run-off, rain gutter downspouts, and sump pump discharges continue to remain directed away from the unit. 
• Additionally, the interior and immediate area around the enclosure should also be inspected for potential signs of present and/or future water intrusion. Signs of water intrusion may be obvious in the case of pooling of water but may also include less obvious signs such as installation site erosion or discoloration and stains on the enclosure. 
• After a particularly heavy rainstorm, it may be sensible to conduct a quick inspection for signs of potential water intrusion that would be far less obvious during normal conditions. 
• Note that "milky" appearance in oil is expected and not commonly a sign of water intrusion: What Would Cause My Generator Oil to Turn a Milky Color?

What if I'm in a flood-prone area?

If you are looking into installing a home standby generator and currently live in a flood-prone area, Generac recommends using an Independent Authorized Service Dealer. Authorized installers are trained to assess your property and can present potential options that meet local codes for flood-prone areas, such as installing a generator on a raised platform.

See also

• Where Can I Find the Maintenance Schedule for My Generac Home Standby Generator?