Emergency Generator Repair: What We Offer For All Of Our Valued Current Customers

A storm is raging in the dead of summer, and you just know the power is going to fail. Or, a massive winter snow storm may be bearing down on your community, and infrastructure is struggling under the strain. In either situation, a lack of electricity could be problematic at best, downright dangerous at worst. But you have a standby GENERAC generator–you’re protected against a worst-case scenario! Then, it happens; the power cuts out. You confidently wait for your generator to kick on, but nothing happens. You run out to the unit and try to troubleshoot, but there’s still no response. It’s a good time to remember that your friendly, local source for residential generators in Cleveland–Generator Pros–offers emergency service.

What Emergency Generator Repair Entails

Emergency generator repair is easy to define. It’s simply the process of diagnosing and correcting a generator problem when dependable backup power is needed urgently. So for instance, during an ongoing outage when you risk extreme, unsafe temperatures. That said, for someone who relies on medical or mobility equipment, any outage could be an emergency, no matter how long it lasts.

Emergency generator repair is a combination of steps that allow highly skilled and experienced technicians to evaluate, diagnose, and solve the issue. It involves rapid troubleshooting, electrical and mechanical repair, component replacement when necessary, and testing to confirm that the generator is ready to operate properly.

Initial Troubleshooting And Diagnostics

When one of our customers calls our emergency service line, a technician will be dispatched to your home. They will first spend some time to determine why the generator isn't operating correctly. Since GENERAC generators involve complex mechanisms, the troubleshooting process can include steps like reviewing fault codes and alarms and inspecting the electrical, fuel, starting, and control systems.

Identifying The Cause Of The Failure

After initial troubleshooting, technicians will pinpoint the system or component at fault. Part of this process involves understanding the underlying cause of the breakdown. This includes asking questions and ascertaining whether the generator simply won't start, or if it starts but then shuts down, since these symptoms can have different causes. From a failure to transfer power, battery or starting-system problems, fuel delivery issues, and electrical faults to control panel or sensor problems, overheating, low fluid levels or leaks, Generator Pros experts will find the root cause of your generator’s breakdown. They will run diagnostic testing and pay attention to unusual noises or vibration and inconsistent voltage or power output.

Electrical System Inspection

GENERAC generators sit outside, exposed to the elements. While the housing does protect the internal components, simply being in extremes of temperature and humidity along with the potential impact of pests, like opportunistic mice, can wear down components or expose them to potential hazards. Technicians may inspect components such as wiring, connections, breakers, controls, batteries, charging systems, and other electrical components to locate faults affecting generator operation.

Fuel System Troubleshooting

Depending on the generator and fuel type–natural gas, liquid propane (LP), or diesel–technicains may need to inspect the fuel system to determine if the source of the problem lay there. They may need to inspect the fuel supply, the actual fuel lines, fuel filters, regulators and any fuel pumps. Injectors or other delivery components could also be the culprit and so will require a once-over. The fuel system is central to a standby generator’s operation, since it can't provide reliable emergency power if fuel isn't reaching the engine properly.

Battery And Starting-System Repair

Battery failure or weakness is the most common cause behind a standby generator that won't start. Causes such as sulfation, when long idle times lead to lead sulfate crystals, or old age leading to faulty trickle chargers and a loss of charge are common findings. Corrosion can also cause terminal buildup that then blocks key electrical connections and prevents ignition. Technicians can inspect the battery, charger, terminals, cables, starter, and related components.

Engine And Mechanical Repairs

Common issues can include fluid leaks, cooling-system problems, broken or compromised belts and hoses, clogged filters, and worn engine components. Lack of proper component lubrication and mechanical overheating are also often to blame. Emergency repair service can address any or all of these issues, but the extent of the repair will depend on the cause of the failure. 

Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) Troubleshooting

Sometimes the generator itself and its many systems and components aren’t the only concern. If everything else has been checked and tested and the unit seems fine, the issue could be with the automatic transfer switch. This switch is responsible for transferring the electrical load to generator power when utility service fails and preventing any backfeed into the grid. Technicians can inspect the ATS and associated controls when the generator is otherwise operational, but isn't supplying your home with power as it should.

Replacing Failed Components

Once the problem is diagnosed, technicians will find the needed parts in the supply they bring along to the appointment and replace any broken or failed parts. Common emergency repairs include replacement of batteries, filters, sensors, switches, relays, belts, hoses, electrical components, and other failed parts.

Testing After Repairs

Getting the unit to function properly is the first step, but a repair visit doesn’t end there. Instead, technicians will take the time to verify that the repaired system is operating correctly and that one solitary startup is not a fluke. Depending on the equipment and service performed, this may involve repeated checking of startup and shutdown. Technicians may also verify voltage and frequency, fluid levels and transfer switch operation. They will ensure that no warning indicators are engaged and will do a thorough inspection before determining that overall generator performance is where it should be.

When To Call For Emergency Generator Repair 

If your standby GENERAC generator will not start and you’ve done all the troubleshooting you feel comfortable doing, it’s time to call Generator Pros for 24/7 emergency service. But besides failing to start, there are other reasons why it may be a good idea to call in a professional. These can include a unit that:

• Won’t automatically activate
• Starts and repeatedly shuts down
• Displays a warning or fault code
• Produces abnormal sounds or odors
• Leaks fuel, oil, or coolant
• Overheats
• Doesn't transfer the electrical load
• Produces unstable power

If you notice these problems during routine testing and maintenance, contact us to schedule a service appointment–this scenario requires standard generator maintenance. However, if these problems are happening during an active outage, emergency repair is a safer option. This is especially true if there are signs of fire, fuel leakage, electrical hazards, or other immediate safety concerns. In those cases, the equipment should not be operated until it can be safely evaluated by a technician.

Remember that routine generator maintenance is preventive, while emergency generator repair is reactive. Standard maintenance can include inspections, fluid and filter service, battery checks, testing, and other work intended to identify problems before an outage occurs. But if something has already malfunctioned or the generator cannot be relied upon, the priority is diagnosing the failure and restoring safe, dependable operation as soon as possible–this is when you would call Generator Pros for emergency service.

What To Expect If You Are One Of Our Customers When You Call For Emergency Generator Service

The power goes out, but instead of quickly transferring power and keeping your electricity flowing, you’ve noticed that your GENERAC generator is not starting up, stalling out, or that some other operational failure is happening. This is when you call Generator Pros for emergency service. Explain the issue and we will be there as soon as possible with a range of parts and supplies to hopefully fix the issue.

Upon arrival, the technician evaluates the generator and the specific failure is diagnosed. They then make necessary repairs and test that both the generator and transfer are operational. This is the best case scenario, however sometimes a repair may require a follow-up visit, since the ability to complete a repair immediately can depend on the nature of the failure and availability of required replacement parts. While technicians arrive with stocked trucks to fix common issues like dead batteries, tripped breakers, or simple fuel feed problems right away, emergency generator repair is not always resolved in a single visit–multiple visits are sometimes required. 

If specialized parts that are not commonly stocked need to be ordered or if severe damage has caused more issues than can be safely repaired in one visit, then your generator may not be repaired right away. This is the exception, not the rule, but we wanted to let our customers know that it is a possibility.

Benefits of 24/7 Emergency Generator Repair

When you expect your generator to kick into gear and it doesn’t, it’s always comforting when you get an immediate response from a skilled technician. That’s what you’ll find when you rely on Generator Pros for emergency repair service. Our technicians are available 24/7 to diagnose and fix issues, thereby minimizing downtime and preventing further complications. You also benefit from the expertise and reliability of our technicians, since only the best are on call for your emergency needs. At Generator Pros, we only employ experienced professionals who are qualified to troubleshoot and make repairs on a range of GENERAC generators. Repairs are conducted efficiently, ensuring that you don’t have to be without power any longer than necessary. Because we offer these services, we also stock an array of spare parts, enabling on-the-spot fixes for common problems. This means that, more often than not, your repair will be completed within the initial service call. Knowing that there is always an expert team just a call away gives you the most important benefit of all–peace of mind. 

Generator Installation And Maintenance In Cleveland

At Generator Pros, we know that life is unpredictable. You’ve done your best to prepare for those inevitable what-ifs–that’s why you have a standby generator in the first place. But things happen, and sometimes, a generator could fail when you need it most. This isn’t a common problem, since new GENERAC generators are as reliable as they come, but as a unit ages and is regularly used, breakdown becomes more of a risk. When that happens, you want to trust that there’s a pro on your side.

If you find yourself without a functioning standby generator during the next storm, don’t hesitate–give Generator Pros a call for emergency repair and service. As one of our valued customers we’re here to help get you back up and running.