How Long Does It Take to Fix an Elevator?
What do you know about elevator repair? Feel free to read about elevator repair services in this detailed overview on the subject
On one rainy morning, you’re already running late for work. As you rush through the door, you decide to try to save some time by taking the elevator instead. But when you go to press the button to summon the elevator, you notice an “out of order” sign taped to the doors.
If you own the building, the dread you’re feeling right now is probably even worse. Now you have to deal with the elevator repair service cost. How do you know what the problem is and how much it’ll cost to repair?
The good news is that there are a few common problems elevators have that are easy for a repair service to identify. Read on to learn how much different elevator repairs cost right now.
Elevator Repair Service Cost
If you own a building with an elevator, then chances are you only call for an elevator repair service when there’s a problem with it. Otherwise, you might only think about it when it’s time for its regular inspection.
Unfortunately, elevators have a lot of parts that can have problems. This means that the cost of each elevator service call ranges between $150 and $4,500. However, the national average right now is about $800.
This means it’s a good idea to try to narrow down how much your next service call will cost.
Elevator Repair Costs by Problem
The first way to narrow down how much each service call will cost you is by the problem you’re having. If you notice these four common issues, you should call an elevator repair service as soon as possible.
Stuck Doors
One of the most common elevator problems is when the doors either won’t open or take a long time to open. Repairing this usually costs between $800 and $1,000.
Slow Response
Another elevator problem that will only get worse with time is a slow response. If it takes a long time for your elevator to get from one floor to the next, then it’s time to call a repair service.
Fixing this issue usually costs between $550 and $4,500 depending on what’s causing it.
Strange Noises
You might hear loud squeaking or other unsavory noises when your elevator opens or moves. This is an indication that some part or other is straining or loose. That’s a problem that should never be ignored.
These issues cost between $550 and $1,000 to repair since many parts might make strange noises.
No Power
Finally, if the elevator isn’t getting enough power, then it might not lift as much weight as it should. It might even stop running completely. You should be sure to call a repair service if this happens to be the case.
This service call costs between $4,000 and $4,500 on average.
Elevator Repair Costs by Part
Another great way to narrow down how much your elevator repair service call will cost is by part. Elevators have a lot of moving parts that get old and wear out. This is why it’s so important to get regular elevator inspections and to call a repair service whenever there’s a problem.
Door
Elevator doors lose power, get stuck, won’t close completely, or close too fast. These are serious issues that need to be resolved as quickly as possible, and the last two can cause people to get hurt.
Repairing elevator doors often costs between $150 and $2,750 depending on the issue they’re having.
Panel
The panel is where the elevator buttons are for people to select their desired floor. Usually, these only stop working if there’s a power outage in the building, but wear-and-tear also affects them over time. That means the panel eventually needs replacing.
This replacement usually costs between $3,500 and $4,000.
Controller
The controller is located outside of the elevator and is responsible for getting passengers to the right floor smoothly. It also knows when the elevator is at capacity or if the door is blocked. If the elevator seems jerky, fast, or slow, then this is often a problem with the controller.
The average cost of replacing the controller is between $4,000 and $4,500.
Cab Wiring
The inside of the elevator is known as the cab. Cab wiring is responsible for all electronics inside the cab such as lighting and HVAC. It’s important to keep this updated since faulty or old wiring could lead to an electrical fire.
Replacing cab wiring usually costs between $4,000 and $4,500.
Motor
The motor is responsible for moving all of the elevator’s parts including raising and lowering the cab. It needs realigning regularly or you’ll have even more wear-and-tear on the motor than necessary.
Motor repairs or replacements cost between $11,500 and $12,000, so it’s best to keep them maintained.
Piston
You normally only need to worry about this part if you have a hydraulic elevator. This means that the elevator is pushed upward rather than pulled. Oil poured into cylinders causes these pistons to rise and lift the elevator.
This part costs between $2,800 and $3,500 depending on what the issue is.
Jack
The other part that needs attention in hydraulic elevators is the jack. It moves the oil into the cylinder to raise the pistons. Problems with the jack can cause both injury and environmental issues.
Repairing them also costs about the same as a whole new elevator, between $50,000 and $60,000.
Cloth Traveling Cables
In normal elevators, the cab is raised and lowered by a pulley system. This system uses thick wire rope designed for strength and flexibility called cloth traveling cables. The good news is that most elevators have a safety installed to prevent a free fall in case the cable snaps.
Replacing these cables costs between $2,500 and $3,500.
Elevator Repair Cost by Project Range
You can also narrow down your price by project range. Keep in mind that the true national average in the United States is $800 for a basic service call.
On the low end, for example, you’ll pay only about $150. This is usually for simple repairs to the door sensor.
The mid-range is an average cost of between $550 and $1,000. This is for stuck doors or similar issues.
The high-end for a basic service call costs about $4,500. A good example of this is a cable replacement.
Of course, other major issues can cost up to $60,000 if you aren’t careful. Replacing a jack or motor can be very expensive.
Elevator Inspection
The United States government requires every commercial elevator to have an inspection at least once a year. In private homes, this law varies by state, but it’s still a good idea to get these elevators inspected regularly as well. This ensures that your elevator is safe for anyone to use.
An inspector will look at every part of your elevator to ensure it’s in working order. They’ll even tell you if any maintenance should be done soon. These inspections usually cost between $150 and $600 each.
Elevator Maintenance
Elevator maintenance, in this case, refers to a contract with a repair service to provide regular preventative inspections and maintenance. This includes aligning the motor, ensuring the doors don’t stick, and that the cables are still looking strong.
What this means is that you’ll never need to worry about your elevator not working. There won’t ever be a need for you to call for an emergency repair service, because your elevator will always be in perfect working order. Furthermore, you’ll feel confident that anyone who steps into your building’s elevator is safe from injury or worse.
Many elevator repair companies offer contracts to both commercial buildings and private homes for regular elevator maintenance. These cost between $350 and $600 annually. However, it means that you can be sure you won’t be blindsided by expensive emergency repairs unless something drastic happens in your building.
Not to mention that it means that the elevator is safer for you to use as well.
Emergency Elevator Repair
The other side of this coin is emergency elevator repair. In these cases, you need someone to come out and fix your elevator’s problems as soon as possible. This service falls outside of any maintenance contract that you might have for your elevators.
Usually, when you need an emergency service, it’s because something in your elevator is already broken. Because these emergency repairs need to happen quickly, repair companies need to send someone to your building in a rush. This means that there’s an extra charge for needing repairs on such short notice.
And that’s assuming no one is stuck inside of the elevator or injured.
Needless to say, these emergency services cost a lot more than your regular maintenance appointments. This means that emergency elevator repair services usually cost between $1,600 and $2,000. This includes the $75 average that most technicians charge hourly for service.
Find Out Your Elevator Repair Service Cost Today
In the end, the truth is that no matter the elevator repair service cost, you need to keep your elevator maintained for it to be safe to use. It doesn’t matter if you need your doors repaired or the jacks. An unmaintained elevator is dangerous to anyone who uses it.That’s why you should partner with an elevator repair service you can trust.
Island Elevator is Ready to Help!
Island Elevator is here to help you understand all facets of your Elevator Repair, Maintenance, & Modernization costs in the new year. Our team is here to help ensure your home and business vertical transportation equipment receive the regularly scheduled maintenance necessary to help you avoid a major catastrophe, reduce the possibility of a costly repair, and ensure the safety of your passengers, tenants, and family.
