Water damage in elevator pits

In the Chicago area we just got hit with a weekend of storms that compounded our already wet spring.  For most buildings we take care of the elevator pit which is the lowest point in most buildings.  This translates to being the point in the building that water is most likely going to accumulate.  One of the reasons elevator maintenance contractors are proponents of having monthly maintenance visits is so we can check to see if your elevator pit is dry.

[This is a bad pit that has water exposure]

[This elevator's muffler is about to let loose after years of water exposure]

[Years of humidity pitting the piston which will in turn damage any packing you put in]

[Years of humidity rusting the top of the piston]

[If the water gets too high it will go into the packing and contaminate the hydrualic fluid]

[Dormant building that had water]

[Water got so high it got through the platform and started rusting the car station]

[Rusty platform - this is what you stand on]

[The hydraulic line may have been compromised]

[Something useful once was in the electrical boxes]

[This didn't happen overnight - water entry point]

[Sill support angle is in bad shape]

Take away – A few things to pay mind to

1.    Make sure your elevator contractor is coming on a regular basis

2.    If you hear strange noises underneath your elevator like water, call your elevator contractor

3.    If your elevator contractor notices water have them do an analysis of your elevator pit equipment.

4.    Work with your elevator contractor to ensure your sump pump is working properly

5.    There are sealing solutions available through a few different vendors with a few different methods; membrane & injection are two.

6. Make sure your elevator contractor is coming on a regular basis

As always feel free to contact us at www.colleyelevator.com, email Craigz@colleyelevator.com or call 630-766-7230.