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Landrum and the northern Spartanburg County area sit at a higher elevation than most of the Upstate, which means colder winters, more ice storms, and more power outages from downed trees and lines. That’s why so many Landrum homeowners have invested in standby generators — and why keeping them maintained is critical.
Our technician Hunter handles generator system checks throughout the Landrum and Campobello area. Here’s what he sees and what homeowners need to know.
Why Generator Maintenance Matters
A standby generator sits idle for months between outages. When the power goes out, it needs to start instantly and run reliably for hours or days. Without regular maintenance, generators develop problems that only reveal themselves during the worst possible moment — when you actually need backup power.
What Hunter Checks During a Generator Service
Engine oil and filter: Generator engines need oil changes on a schedule based on run hours, not just calendar time. Even a generator that rarely runs accumulates hours during weekly self-test cycles.
Air filter: A clogged air filter reduces engine performance and can prevent starting in cold weather.
Spark plugs: Inspected and replaced on schedule. Fouled or worn spark plugs cause hard starting and rough running.
Battery: The starter battery is tested under load. A weak battery is the number one cause of generator failure during outages. Batteries last 3-5 years and should be replaced proactively.
Coolant level and condition (liquid-cooled units): Coolant degrades over time and needs periodic replacement.
Fuel system: For natural gas or propane generators, Hunter checks gas pressure, connections, and the fuel delivery system. For diesel units, he checks fuel quality and filters.
Transfer switch: The automatic transfer switch (ATS) is the brain that detects an outage and signals the generator to start. Hunter tests the transfer sequence to verify it operates correctly and transitions smoothly.
Load test: Running the generator under load verifies it can actually produce the power it’s rated for — not just idle.
Landrum-Specific Considerations
Ice storms: Landrum’s elevation makes it more susceptible to ice storms that bring extended outages. A generator that runs for 4-5 days straight during an ice event needs to be in top condition.
Propane supply: Many Landrum generators run on propane. During extended outages, propane supply can become scarce. Hunter recommends maintaining at least a 75% fill on your propane tank entering winter.
Well pumps: Homes on well water (common in the Landrum area) lose water when they lose power. A properly sized generator keeps the well pump running — but the generator must be maintained to deliver when needed.
Tree coverage: Landrum’s dense tree coverage means more debris in and around generators. Hunter checks the enclosure for leaf buildup, rodent nests, and debris that can obstruct airflow or damage components.
How Often Should You Service Your Generator?
- Annual professional maintenance: At minimum, once per year before storm season (fall)
- Monthly self-test: Most modern standby generators run a weekly self-test automatically. Verify this is happening — listen for the generator starting and running for its programmed test duration.
- Post-outage inspection: After any extended run (4+ hours), schedule a service to check oil, coolant, and overall condition.
Don’t Wait for the Outage
The time to discover your generator has a dead battery or fouled spark plugs is during a $200 maintenance visit — not during an ice storm when the power’s been out for 12 hours and temperatures are dropping.
Serving Landrum and Northern Spartanburg County
Our team covers Landrum, Campobello, Inman, Chesnee, and all of northern Spartanburg County. We also service homes in Polk County, NC (Tryon, Columbus) for generator maintenance.
YOUTUBE EMBED: One Drain – Waldrop Plumbing Air Electric TV Commercial — @YallCallWally
Call Waldrop Plumbing Air Electric at (864) 536-0887 to schedule generator maintenance.
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