An elevator breakdown can happen without warning, leaving building managers scrambling and tenants frustrated. Knowing what to do and who to call can help you resolve the situation safely and quickly. Here’s what you need to know about emergency elevator service:
Stay Calm
If there are people stuck inside your elevator, they should use the emergency call button or intercom to request help. If they need medical attention they should call 911 for assistance. They should stay calm and never try to force the doors open. Trained professionals will be able to assist.
Who to Call for Emergency Elevator Service
As noted above, if there are people inside the elevator, they should use the emergency call button or intercom for help. If they don’t get a response, they should call 911. If there is no one trapped inside, notify your building manager or facilities team immediately.
At Southwest Elevator, we offer 24/7 service for emergency situations. Contact us to learn how we can serve you.
The Emergency Repair Process — What to Expect
When you call Southwest Elevator to initiate the emergency repair process, here’s what you can expect:
First, our team will do an initial assessment. All of our technicians are certified by the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC). Since 1901, this organization has developed highly trained, safety-minded elevator technicians. Because our team is certified through the IUEC, you can rest assured that you’re getting the best advice possible.
Our team will then develop a plan to fix your elevator. We’ll work to get your equipment back up and running as quickly as possible. Before restoring service, we’ll complete a safety inspection. We’ll also offer documentation, as needed.
Common Causes of Elevator Breakdowns
There are a variety of common causes of elevator failures. These can include:
- Power outages or electrical failures
- Worn or broken cables and pulleys
- Door sensor malfunctions
- Overloading or misuse
- Lack of routine maintenance
Our team of IUEC-trained technicians can quickly diagnose the issue to get your equipment back up and running.
How to Prevent Future Breakdowns
Preventing future breakdowns doesn’t have to be difficult. At Southwest Elevator, we recommend regularly scheduled preventive maintenance. Our team will visit your site on a monthly basis, checking your elevators for any small issues that might become major problems. Addressing these little items early on can help you avoid costly repairs or breakdowns in the future.
If your elevator is aging, it could be time to invest in a full modernization, rather than small repairs. Elevators are designed to operate around the clock for decades. However, as time passes, the numerous components involved in the system can become worn down, fall out of modern design trends, and even start to cost owners more money in maintenance and energy usage.
Modernization allows companies to identify outdated or worn-out components inside the elevator car and in the infrastructure. This might include the machine drive, speed governor, various rail systems, pulley systems, and buffers. The Southwest Elevator team can help you determine if a full modernization is needed. Contact us for more information.
Why Choose Southwest Elevator as Your Partner?
Whether you need emergency elevator service, regular maintenance, modernization, or even a new elevator build, Southwest Elevator is here to help. As a leading independent provider, we’re ready to take on your next project. Our company was founded in Fort Worth, Texas, by current CEO and third-generation elevator contractor, Tom Cavinder. In addition to our leadership team, our company is composed of numerous elevator repair technicians certified by the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) who receive ongoing education throughout the year.
When you work with us, you get a team that believes in service above all else. Other companies provide standardized solutions that may not work with your specific application. Our team tailors every project to your budget, project details, and preferences. This ensures that your elevator system will meet your goals for years to come.
Contact Us Today
If you’re ready to learn more about what we can do for you, reach out to us today.