We moved into a new home a couple of months ago since then, we have become aware that generator we have was installed contrary to best practices. In other words, it's too close to eaves. It's too close to windows that open. It's too close to a door. And gas line rated for indoor appliances was used to connect the generator to a BBQ gas line. On top of all that it's a 22kw. Based on my calculations, we really need a 26kw. But I'm sure that we can make do with the 22kw by making good decisions while it's running.

I got an estimate from one company to move that thing less than 20 feet. They want to charge me $7000 to move that generator! They'll have to tunnel underneath the sidewalk, which is the worst part that's about $2000. The rest is their standard pricing for running gas lines and electric lines "less than 20 feet".

I'm in Magnolia. This is a company that just installs and maintains generators. Y'all think I might have better luck contacting a plumber and an electrician?

Their estimate for installing a 26kw generator in the same location that we're going to move the existing generator to is about $15,000. So moving the generator cost almost as much as a generator itself.

I sure would love to hear, suggestions and ideas on how to make this less expensive process.

Call this guy, he will help you!

Moving the thing is going to be the most difficult, will need a not small tractor with front end loaded.

Also probably need to drain all the oil out of it just to be sure none will slosh around internally somewhere it's not supposed to be

I think you at least want another opinion. $7k for standard "less than 20ft" of electrical and plumbing sounds pretty dang high. The details always matter, but that to be the minimum sounds ridiculous.

They do make exhaust extension kits - could that be an option to get you away from windows/doors/vents? Doesn't sound like it based on what they told you, but worth looking into.

I think this guy may have installed the generator himself… if not we have NO IDEA who did install it. It's an 8 year old Generac.

You definitely want to be safe. Just curious if your generator is SWrI certified. It will have sticker from Southwest Research Institute if it is.

You can move them with dollies.

You have bigger issues than just the window, but we swapped out glass on a window (changing it to a window that didn't open) when installing our generator.

https://texags.com/forums/61/topics/3481326/replies/68288538

Is this the same house?

Milwaukees Best Light said:

---

Maybe just don't open the window while it is running. CO is not some magic chemical that kills you on contact. It takes a pretty significant concentration to get you. If you are running the ac, you will be fine. Maybe buy a couple extra CO detectors and go on a nice vacation.

---

Like you know anything about air quality

depending on sqft of tunneling under sidewalk required, might be cheaper to bust out a panel and repour with sak Crete later. Just a thought

It's straight across a single person wide sidewalk. Probably not cheaper.

What? Ya it would be. Cut a 8" wide section out of the concrete dig trench for line (by hand) re-bury and then fix sidewalk.

Gonna be out like $250-$500

I didn't even see someone already said it would be cheaper to remove sidewalk. Womp womp.

Diggity said:

---

Somehow these folks managed to not kill themselves for 8 years. I would just leave it alone.

---

Can I at least change out the dryer line for an outdoor rated gas line?

But seriously, they were an older couple with no kids in the home. We have three kids sleeping upstairs. I might need to get some plug-in CO detectors.

Have you even run the generator to determine how it handles the load from your home?

Maybe the patio grill gas stub is undersized?

Biggest money saver is going to be digging your own trench with a larger gas line size. Usually a BBQ connection comes off just anywhere within the gas lines in the house at 1/2". You're going to need a 1" connection teed off right after the meter, where one half of the T goes into the house for all your gas stuff and the other end goes out to your generator.

I used this company when digging/installing my own gas line. Worked like a charm. I actually went up to 1.5" OD but that was overkill.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/HOME-FLEX-Underground-1in-IPS-New-Install-Kit-1-1in-x-100-ft-Pipe-2-1in-Couplers-2-1in-Meter-Risers-Gas-Line-Detection-18-429440-010/309182809

If anyone has any use for about 100' of 1.5" gas line, DM me and I'll give it for free.

Depends on how long the run is and what all is on the branch.
1/2" will work is you upside the meter to 2 lbs and put regulators at each fixture.
Usually, this is less than running new gas liness

YZ250 said:

---

You definitely want to be safe. Just curious if your generator is SWrI certified. It will have sticker from Southwest Research Institute if it is.

---

I'm curious what the significance of a SwRI-certified generator is!

one MEEN Ag said:

---

Biggest money saver is going to be digging your own trench with a larger gas line size. Usually a BBQ connection comes off just anywhere within the gas lines in the house at 1/2". You're going to need a 1" connection teed off right after the meter, where one half of the T goes into the house for all your gas stuff and the other end goes out to your generator.

I used this company when digging/installing my own gas line. Worked like a charm. I actually went up to 1.5" OD but that was overkill.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/HOME-FLEX-Underground-1in-IPS-New-Install-Kit-1-1in-x-100-ft-Pipe-2-1in-Couplers-2-1in-Meter-Risers-Gas-Line-Detection-18-429440-010/309182809

If anyone has any use for about 100' of 1.5" gas line, DM me and I'll give it for free.

---

If this is still available, I'm interested in taking it off your hands. However, I do not have any stars to PM but would be more than happy to give you an email/phone # to get intouch. I'm located a bit southwest of Houston.

Absolutely. Put an email up and I'll contact you. Its approximately 100' left of a 250' roll of 1.5" PE yellow pipe. Homeflex brand. It has sat for two years in my garage. Its wound up in about a 5.5' diameter coil. Would be happy to give it a new home. Stuff is tough as nails. Was the most unweildy thing I've ever had to manage until my oldest son turned three.

one MEEN Ag said:

---

Absolutely. Put an email up and I'll contact you. Its approximately 100' left of a 250' roll of 1.5" PE yellow pipe. Homeflex brand. It has sat for two years in my garage. Its wound up in about a 5.5' diameter coil. Would be happy to give it a new home. Stuff is tough as nails. Was the most unweildy thing I've ever had to manage until my oldest son turned three.

---

... is the best way to reach me. Thank you.

Got it, you can take it down. You can also keep it up but I hope you've never said anything controversial on the political or outdoor board.

In addition to CO poisoning the other danger to keep in mind is the fire danger of the generator. If it is SWRI certified then the generator can be placed as close as 18" to your house. You still have to have 5 ft clearance above and 3 ft clearance at the ends.

I can't DM but I'll take the gas line if it's in Houston.

281-798-7919