Generator Repair in Charleston, SC
Fast, reliable standby generator repair and service across Charleston and the Lowcountry.
A standby generator is only valuable when it actually works. After a storm rolls through Charleston and the power goes out, the last thing you want is a generator that won’t start or shuts down minutes later. All Plumbing provides professional generator repair and maintenance throughout the Lowcountry — whether your unit is throwing a fault code, running rough, failing to transfer power, or simply hasn’t been serviced in years. Our certified technicians diagnose and fix it so your generator is ready when you need it.
Common Generator Problems We Repair
Standby generators are reliable machines, but they require regular maintenance to perform at their best. The following are the most common generator issues ALL Plumbing technicians encounter across the Lowcountry:
Generator Won’t Start This is the most common and most alarming problem homeowners discover — typically during a power outage when they need the unit most. Causes include a dead battery, low oil shutoff activation, fuel supply issues, a failed transfer switch, or a fault code that has locked out the unit. We diagnose the root cause and restore reliable starting.
Generator Starts but Shuts Down Quickly If your generator starts and then cuts off within minutes, the likely culprits include low oil levels triggering the safety shutoff, overheating due to blocked air circulation, a dirty air filter, or coolant issues on larger liquid-cooled units. This is a problem that needs to be resolved before it matters — not during an outage.
Generator Runs Rough or Surges Rough running, surging, or RPM instability typically points to fuel system issues — old or contaminated fuel, a clogged carburetor or fuel injector, or a failing voltage regulator. Lowcountry humidity can cause fuel to degrade faster than expected, particularly in units that sit idle for extended periods.
Transfer Switch Problems The transfer switch is the component that automatically disconnects your home from the utility grid and connects it to the generator when power is lost. A faulty transfer switch means your generator may run but your home stays dark. We diagnose and replace transfer switches for both automatic and manual standby systems.
Low Power Output or Voltage Issues If your generator is running but appliances are not operating correctly — lights dimming, HVAC struggling, electronics behaving erratically — the issue may be a voltage regulation problem, a failing alternator winding, or a load imbalance. These issues require professional diagnosis.
Oil Leaks and Fluid Issues Generators with oil leaks can trigger low-oil shutoffs and, left unaddressed, can cause serious engine damage. We identify the source of the leak and repair it before it becomes a more costly problem.
Battery Failures Standby generators rely on a battery for automatic startup. Generator batteries typically last three to five years and should be inspected and tested regularly. A failed battery means the unit cannot start automatically during an outage — defeating the purpose of the system.
Corroded Connections and Wiring In the Lowcountry’s salt air and humid environment, electrical connections on outdoor generator enclosures are subject to accelerated corrosion. Corroded connections cause unreliable operation and are a safety concern. We inspect and restore electrical connections as part of our service process.
Generator Brands We Service
ALL Plumbing technicians are trained to service and repair the major standby generator brands used throughout South Carolina, including:
- Generac — the most widely installed residential standby generator brand in the US, including Guardian Series, Protector Series, and PowerPact units
- Kohler — commercial-grade residential generators known for their durability and quiet operation
- Briggs & Stratton — standby units commonly found in residential applications
- Champion — portable and standby generators requiring service or repair
If you have a brand not listed here, contact us and we will advise on whether we can service your unit.
Generator Maintenance: The Key to Reliable Performance
Most generator failures during actual outages are preventable with routine maintenance. ALL Plumbing recommends the following maintenance schedule for standby generators:
Annual Service (minimum):
- Oil and filter change
- Air filter inspection and replacement
- Spark plug inspection and replacement as needed
- Battery test and replacement if required
- Transfer switch inspection and testing
- Fuel system inspection
- Load test to confirm full output capability
- Inspection of enclosure, exhaust, and connections
Bi-Annual or As-Needed:
- Coolant system service for liquid-cooled units
- Fuel stabilizer treatment for units with extended idle periods
- Enclosure cleaning and connection inspection
Many homeowners discover during an annual service visit that their generator has a developing problem that would have caused a failure during an outage. Proactive maintenance catches these issues before they matter.
Weekly Exercise Cycle:
Most modern standby generators include an automatic weekly exercise cycle that runs the unit for a short period to keep components lubricated and the battery charged. If your generator is not set up for automatic exercise, we can configure this during a service visit.
Generator Repair FAQs (Charleston)
My generator won’t start — what should I do before calling a Charleston repair tech?
Check the fuel supply first, then confirm the unit isn’t in “off” or manual mode and that the battery disconnect switch is on. If the battery is dead or corroded (common after a hot, humid Lowcountry summer), the unit still may not start. That’s a mechanical or electrical issue best handled by a professional — call All Plumbing at 843-761-8002 and we’ll diagnose it.
How quickly can you get to my generator after a storm in Charleston?
Demand spikes across Charleston and the Lowcountry right after a hurricane or major storm, so response time depends on volume — calling early gives us the best chance to reach you fast. This is exactly why we recommend a pre-season service check: a maintained generator is far less likely to fail when the grid goes down.
How long does a generator repair typically take?
Most repairs — a battery replacement, oil-system service, or transfer-switch fix — are done in a single visit. More involved repairs, like replacing a control board or an alternator, may require ordering parts. We give you a clear timeline before we start.
My generator passed its weekly test cycle but failed during an actual outage. Why?
This is one of the most common calls we get in Charleston. The weekly self-test only runs the engine briefly with no load — it doesn’t confirm the generator can carry your home’s full electrical demand. Issues with the transfer switch, voltage regulation, or fuel supply often show up only under real load. A professional load test catches these before the next outage.
How often should I have my standby generator serviced in the Lowcountry?
At minimum, annually. Charleston’s heat, humidity, and salt air are hard on batteries, connections, and enclosures, so we recommend a yearly service — ideally in spring, before hurricane season — plus the weekly exercise cycle. Coastal and salt-marsh-adjacent homes may benefit from more frequent connection and corrosion checks.
My generator is making an unusual noise — is that a problem?
Often, yes. Knocking, surging, excessive vibration, or a change in normal operation usually signals a developing mechanical issue. Don’t wait for the next outage to find out — call us and we’ll inspect it.
Can you repair a generator that’s been sitting unused for years?
Yes. Long-idle generators often need specific attention — degraded fuel, battery failure, dried gaskets, and corroded connections. We assess the condition, address the issues found, and confirm the unit is ready for reliable service.
Is generator repair covered by homeowners insurance?
It depends on your policy and the cause of the failure. Storm or surge damage may be covered; normal wear typically isn’t. We provide documentation of the issue and repair so you can submit a claim. Check with your insurer for specifics.
Which generator brands do you repair in Charleston?
We service Generac, Kohler, Briggs & Stratton, and Champion across the Lowcountry. As a certified Generac dealer, Generac units get factory-level support. Don’t see your brand? Contact us and we’ll advise.
Do you install new generators too?
Yes. If your unit is beyond economical repair or you’re ready to upgrade, we handle full whole-house generator installation across Charleston and the Lowcountry.
Make sure your generator is ready before hurricane season. Schedule a generator checkup or repair with All Plumbing today to ensure reliable backup power when you need it most. Don’t wait for the next storm to find out your generator isn’t ready. Call 843-761-8002 or schedule generator repair online.
