Elevator pit sump pumps

Over the last few weeks I have been to a few buildings that have had sump pump issues.   This is to remind building owners to make sure they are maintaining their sump pumps properly. Most of the time this may include having the elevator maintenance person help you with access to the elevator pit.

Regular sump pumps – Regular sump pumps need to be checked from time to time to make sure their fittings are tight and the pumps are working.  We got a call from a building indicating their fire detector in the elevator pit was not working correctly.  Upon closer inspection of this the person checking the fire recall detector almost got hosed down by a loose connection on the sump pump.  While the sump pumps are not elevator equipment, we are the only trade that has easy access to these devices so take a look at the sumps during your inspection and notify the office or the building owners if a plumber is required to remedy a sump issue.

[Notice the fire detector in the top center of the picture]

Oil sensors in sump holes – There is a newer device that will shut the sump pump off if there is oil in the sump hole.  I was at a building where the oil detector shut off the sump pump and the building shut off the oil detector’s alarm because it was making too much noise.  Shutting off the alarm did remedy the nuisance of the beeping, but the pit flooded and damaged some elevator equipment.   If you do hear a device beeping, call your elevator company so they can work with you and identify what is occurring.  As this is not an elevator device a building representative may be required to be there so we can figure out what the issue is and the next step to rectify it.

[Damage from the sump oil detector shutting the sump off and allowed pit to flood]

If you have any questions or would like information from Colley Elevator you can go to www.colleyelevator.com, email Craigz@colleyelevator.com or call 630-766-7230.