Tag: Emergency Elevator Repair

The Ups and Downs of Elevator Replacement and Repair

Here is a guide to projects for elevator replacement and repair.

The odds of getting stuck in an elevator is 1 in 5000 if you use it daily. Getting stuck in an elevator can be a nightmare. If your building runs an elevator, you have a responsibility to ensure users’ safety every day.

US government oversight on elevator maintenance is relatively strict. Non-compliance with the department of buildings could land you in trouble. The policies cover elevator repairs, maintenance, use, and inspection personnel.

The number one reason for elevator accidents is human error. It’s the fault of the person operating it or riding in it. Keep reading to learn about the ups and downs of elevator replacement and repair.

Elevators require special tools to service

Common Elevator Problems

On average, 325 million people use elevators globally. This makes elevators seem like they are self-sufficient with minimal to no maintenance. This is simply not true.

Elevators are susceptible to numerous problems, especially with poor maintenance. Here are some of the common problems

Worn Sheaves

Elevators use sheaves of cable to make the cars rise and fall. Without these, elevators would be very difficult to operate. When sheaves wear down, they cause problems with the elevator’s performance.

Sheaves run on a track and have to be strong enough to withstand high tension. If they don’t work properly, the elevator can stop in between floors. Alternatively, the elevator could move at an accelerated rate.

A worn sheave is a serious maintenance problem in a hoistway. It causes intermittent failures of the hoistway door. It can even cause a carriage to fall.

The sheave most frequently worn is the bottom one on the down side. It gets the most use and wears out before the top sheave. Worn sheaves are often not diagnosed correctly by first-line service personnel.

Power Failure

Elevator power failure is a common occurrence caused by numerous factors.

One of the most vulnerable parts of elevators is the gearbox. This converts electrical power into rotational power to drive the elevator car.

The gearbox’s components are subjected to high levels of stress and pressure. That’s why it often fails. Other common reasons for elevator power failure include:

Inadequate maintenance
Faulty wiring
Overloading
Water damage
Vandalism

Overloading elevator carrying capacity is a common cause of elevator power failure. Weight determines the amount of power required to move the elevator.

Wiring problems can be caused by improper installation and age. Also, electrical surges caused by lightning strikes can cause power failure. While this doesn’t happen often, it does happen.

To avoid these problems, service your elevator regularly. Communicate with your elevator contractors in case of such problems.

Bearing Malfunction

Elevator bearings bear the load and protect the elevator from wear and tear. They provide support to moving parts. Different types of bearings are required for elevator movement.

However, they all share common features like a ball, roller, or cage. The problem with elevator bearings is that they are exposed to the elements. They are subject to wear and tear.

Elevator bearings wear out over time because they can be subject to a variety of forces. This includes friction, temperature changes, wind, and vibration. It takes one misalignment or a single defect to ensure that your elevator will fail.

Elevator bearings are installed on the top and bottom of each car of an elevator. This makes them susceptible to damage. They can be damaged if not installed properly – either missed or hit by another part.

This can lead to wear and tear or even damage other parts of the elevator.

Contamination

Elevator oil provides lubrication for motors, cables, and other elements of an elevator. It also acts as a dust repellent. This keeps the insides of an elevator clean and free from dust build-up.

Elevator oil is composed of hydraulic fluids and mineral spirits. The hydraulic fluids in an elevator oil are made from synthetic hydrocarbons to prevent contamination.

Elevator oil contamination is a common phenomenon. It causes elevator malfunctioning and breakdowns. Most times, it is caused by improper handling and storage of the lubricants.

Other causes of oil contamination include worn seals or parts. Wear releases small metal particles in the oil, which affects an elevator’s functionality.

To avoid oil contamination, regularly change the elevator oil and filter. This helps prevent contaminants from entering the elevator oil and bearings. Oil pressure is a key indicator of the health of your elevator.

Regularly check your oil pressure gauge so it is within an acceptable range.

Misaligned Motor Drive

Every elevator has a motor that makes it move. The motor is connected to a drive system, which turns the motor.

The process is very simple in theory. However, it can be quite complex in reality because of the misalignment of the two components. This misalignment can result in malfunctioning of the elevator.

The causes of misaligned motor drive of an elevator include:

Elevator tilting forward or backward due to uneven flooring
Faulty positioning of the track wheels on the rails
Motor control board or drive board is not set properly
The sensors are not aligned properly
Loose connection of the wires on the motor control board
Worn out bearings and bushings of the elevator

Call for elevator repair service in case of a misaligned motor drive. If your elevator has a misaligned motor board, replace the entire motor board. If a specific piece of the motor board is broken, replace that piece.

Make sure to purchase the same brand and model that was in the elevator previously.

Elevator Maintenance Tips

The elevator is one of the most vital parts of a commercial building. It’s also one of the most often overlooked. Most people take elevators for granted and only pay attention when they break down.

Don’t wait for an incident to try these elevator maintenance tips to promote safety.

Conduct Daily Inspections

Most daily elevator inspections are done haphazardly. Some property managers will do their elevator inspection once a month.

Others do it every three months. Neither of these methods is good enough. Daily inspections are a necessity.

Here are things to inspect daily:

Elevator Doors

Inspect the door of the elevator; it should open and close with ease. If there is any issue, call your building maintenance company immediately.

Door Sensors

The door sensors tell the elevator if the doors are open or closed. If the door sensors are not working, the elevator will not move. Get into the car and press a button that says “door open” or “door close.”

Traction Locks

These are located on the side of the elevator car and should be checked daily. They are designed to keep the elevator from moving if the door is open.

Car Position Indicator

This tells the elevator where it is in the shaft. If this is not working, the elevator will not move.

Elevator installation and maintenance is a valuable asset

Schedule Regular Maintenance

The average lifespan of an elevator is 25 years. Most elevators are replaced before they reach the end of their lifespan.

Many times, elevator owners fail to conduct routine maintenance and repairs, resulting in breakdowns and a high cost for replacement.

How often should you plan for maintenance? The answer depends on the building’s elevator usage. If an elevator travels 10,000 miles a year, schedule maintenance annually.

Most elevators have a schedule that calls for a full inspection every 1-2 years. Consider minor repairs every six months.

Elevators should be serviced by a professional licensed to do so. They know what to look for and how to keep your elevator running at optimal level. Government oversight makes it a legal requirement that only qualified personnel must inspect and maintain an elevator.

Change Oil Regularly

Elevator oil is one of the most important aspects of a working elevator. The proper interval for changing elevator oil is simply once a year. That doesn’t mean you just replace it once a year.

You should also test it to ensure there aren’t any other issues with the machine.

If your elevator oil is getting old, it’s time to replace it. Elevator oil has a shelf life of about 12 months. After that, the properties of the oil change.

Don’t Service Your Elevators to Avoid Government Oversight; Do It For Safety

Government oversight on elevator installation and maintenance is a valuable asset. However, effective maintenance of your elevators should be a personal responsibility. Don’t wait until people are stuck or for a major incident.

Talking to elevator contractors for repair and maintenance should be a regular routine.

Elevator Repair Costs by Part — Don’t wait until it’s too late to isnpect your elevator

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.

Call For Your Free Estimate Today! 631-491-3392

Click Here For More Information On Home Elevators

How Long Does it Take to Fix an Elevator?

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 maintenance should be top priority for your passengers

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.