We simply couldn't conduct business as we know it without elevators. According to the National Elevator Industry, there is one elevator for every 317 riders in the United States. These elevators serve thousands of passengers, helping them travel more efficiently and providing accessibility for people with disabilities. However, they must be maintained properly to remain operational. If you manage a property that relies on an elevator, you know that a service disruption can be a huge detriment to your staff and visitors. To care for your elevator properly, it's essential to pay attention to any factors that could indicate a potential problem. Here are some of the most obvious issues that elevator repair companies can help you address.

1. Lapsed Maintenance Period

Elevators need to be maintained, lubricated, and inspected regularly by elevator repair companies. If your elevator has been significantly neglected, the chances you're going to experience a breakdown increase dramatically. According to our team of technicians, a new elevator should be maintained and lubricated on the right schedule just as you would service a car or other vehicle. In our experience, a well-maintained elevator should last between 15 and 20 years. However, neglect can lead to major issues and more extensive repairs.

2. Extended Wait Times

Your elevator's operations should be quick and virtually seamless from the riders' point of view. Nobody likes to wait a long time for their elevator, and an extended wait time is a sign the hydraulic pump could be losing pressure. There could also be a hole or tear in the hydraulic line. If an elevator is struggling to go up or down, it's time for a call to one of your local elevator repair companies.

3. Stopping Between Levels

When your elevator arrives at its destination, its platform should be perfectly flush with the threshold of the floor outside. This prevents tripping and other safety hazards. If your elevator comes to a stop a few inches above or below this threshold, this is known as misleveling, and shouldn't be ignored. Contact your local elevator repair companies promptly to fix this problem.

4. Slow Travel Speed

Have you noticed that it takes longer for your elevator to move between floors? Do you find that the trip to your destination takes longer and longer? This may be attributed to more than just feelings of impatience. If you notice that your elevator takes a significantly longer amount of time to reach locations, this could be caused by strain put on the system from excess weight or other sources. After a visit from elevator repair companies, your system will be back to operating at its intended speed, allowing for more efficient movement throughout your building.

5. Alarming Noises

Elevators should be silent as they operate. Squeaking noises could indicate insufficient hydraulic fluid. Banging and screeching indicate poor maintenance and possible damage to the shaft. If you or any passenger detects these audible signs that something is amiss, the elevator should be scheduled for inspection promptly. Elevator repair companies can identify the cause of these sounds and determine the best course of action for repairs.

6. Frequent Service Disruptions

During the decades of its lifespan, even the most well-maintained elevator units are bound to experience technical difficulties. However, if you notice a major influx of operating issues, constant breakdowns, or complaints from its passengers, your elevator might have larger problems than what should be considered normal. Consulting with elevator repair companies is the best way to diagnose the situation. With their help, you can return to your normal operations and prevent damaging your system. A broken-down elevator is a major headache you want to avoid at all costs.

Your elevators are a critical part of your business. Without elevators, you may be failing ADA compliance, and your employees or guests may simply be stranded in your lobby with no way to reach where they need to go. Call Carlsen Elevator Service Inc to schedule your elevator maintenance and keep your unit running in top-notch condition. We've been in business since 1981, so you can depend on our decades of experience. Our team is ready to handle maintenance, repairs, and even new installations. We would love to assist you. Contact us today for more information and to get started with our services!