In South Louisiana, a generator isn’t just a luxury—it’s a lifeline. Whether it’s a hurricane or a winter freeze, we rely on these machines to keep our lights on and our families safe.
However, a generator can be dangerous if not handled correctly. Our own Travis Hargrave was recently featured on KATC News to discuss the critical safety steps you need to take before pulling that starter cord.
The Invisible Danger: Carbon Monoxide
One of the most important takeaways from the KATC report is the danger of carbon monoxide (CO). As Travis and other experts pointed out, CO is “the silent killer” because it is odorless and colorless.
The Hargrave Safety Rule: Never, ever run a portable generator inside a home, garage, or even near an open window. Your generator needs to be at least 20 feet away from the house in a well-ventilated area to ensure exhaust doesn’t seep back into your living space.
Why Your Gas Line Matters
Many Lafayette residents are moving away from portable gas-can generators and installing whole-home standby systems. This is where professional plumbing expertise becomes vital.
- Proper Sizing: Your generator needs a specific amount of gas pressure to run correctly. If your gas line is too small, the generator will fail right when you need it most.
- Leak Prevention: Natural gas and propane lines must be installed and tested by a licensed plumber to prevent leaks that could lead to fire or explosions.
- Permit & Code Compliance: In Lafayette Parish, gas work must be permitted and inspected. At Hargrave’s Plumbing, we ensure every installation is 100% up to code for your peace of mind.
Travis’s Generator Maintenance Checklist
To make sure you aren’t left in the dark, follow these pro tips:
- Fresh Fuel: If using a portable unit, don’t use old gas. Use a fuel stabilizer to keep it fresh.
- Test Run: Fire up your generator before the storm hits. Waiting until the power is out is too late to find out it needs a spark plug.
- Check Your CO Detectors: Ensure you have working carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home, especially near sleeping areas.
Your Local Gas Plumbing Experts
At Hargrave’s Plumbing, we do more than just fix leaky faucets. We are licensed gas piping specialists. Whether you need a new gas line run for a standby generator or a safety inspection of your current setup, we are here to help.
Thank you to the team at KATC for highlighting these essential safety tips. You can watch the full report on their website to hear more from Travis and other local experts.
Need a gas line for your generator? Don’t DIY your safety. Call the “Acadiana’s Choice” experts at Hargrave’s Plumbing at [Insert Phone Number] or visit us at www.hargravesplumbing.com.
