With power outages in Louisiana becoming more frequent — and more severe — standby generators have become a priority for many homeowners. But the rush to get one installed can lead to costly mistakes. Before you sign any contract, here’s what you need to know about doing it right.
Unlicensed Installations Are a Real Risk
After every major storm, a wave of unlicensed contractors surfaces, offering quick generator installs at unusually low prices. Some of these jobs are done without permits — and non-permitted generators violate local codes, can void your homeowner’s insurance coverage for related damages, and may require removal at your expense if discovered.
The Hidden Danger: Electrical Feedback
A generator that isn’t properly connected to your home’s electrical system can create a hazardous condition known as feedback — where current is pushed back into the utility grid. This can injure or kill utility workers and neighbors sharing the same transformer, and it exposes you to serious liability. Only a licensed electrician and plumber, working together with the proper permits, can prevent this.
What a Proper Installation Looks Like
A correctly installed standby generator typically takes four to six weeks from planning to completion. The process requires a licensed electrician, a licensed plumber (for gas line work), and in some jurisdictions, an architect or permit expediter. Cutting any of these steps short results in a system that may fail exactly when you need it most — during a storm or extended outage.
Reliable Plumbing’s Role in Generator Installs
We don’t install the full generator system, but we handle the plumbing side — specifically the gas line connection — which must be done by a licensed plumber to meet Louisiana code. If you’re planning a standby generator installation, make sure the plumbing component is on your checklist and done by someone with the right license.
Planning a generator install? Call Reliable Plumbing at (225) 929-9510 to discuss the gas line work. We’ll make sure your installation meets code.