Elevator water damage – Severe storms

Last week in the Chicago area we had severe storms that caused a lot of water damage to elevators.  Here are some pointers for the next time we get a lot of water/severe storms. 

1.    Do not run the elevator until you know that your pit/basement is clear from water

2.    If you suspect your elevator pit may be filled with water, call your elevator company to inspect prior to running the elevator

3.    If you do not have a sump pump, get one!

4.    If your elevator pit frequently gets water, you can install a pit switch to send the elevator away from the floor if the pit fills with water.

 Here are just a few photos of some of the issues we encountered from the last round of storms.

The first photo is from an elevator in Oak Park, IL that does not have a sump pump.  We are at this building many times a year pumping the elevator pit out.  It would be a wise investment to put a sump in the pit.  The damage it is doing to the elevator pit equipment can expensive to rectify.  Packing, hydraulic piping, rails, pit light, pit ladder, pit channels and everything else in the pit should be monitored. 

The next two photos are from a newer elevator installation in Melrose Park, IL.  It appears the sump pump failed and flooded their pit.  Since we are using Victaulic couplings those should all be replaced and the tail sheave got wet so we will have to keep an eye on that.

This is from an elevator from Chicago, IL and 3 elevator pits got flooded.  This is one of the items that was required to be replaced on one of the elevators.  Notice the gunk inside of the switch, water and electricity.   

The Life Jacket is the alternative to replacment of the elevator cylinder, right?  We had a complex that had a couple buildings flood that had Life Jackets.  Not only do we need to fix and clean your typical flood issues, we have the Life Jacket to replair/replace parts on.  

Take away – If you are looking at being better prepared for the next storm surge, call your elevator contractor and have them give you some ideas of what you can do for your specific building.   No one ever plans to have a flood, but we can help you prepare for when you do.  We can help you and your building(s) with elevator outage and expensive repairs. 

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If you have any questions or would like additional information feel free to contact me at CraigZ@colleyelevator.com or 630-766-7230 ext. 107.