Why Elevator Pit Cleaning Should Be on Your Summer Maintenance Checklist
Summer is the time when most people plan their vacations and home improvement projects. However, for building owners and facility managers, this is the time to focus on maintenance tasks that often receive little attention, such as elevator pit cleaning. Although elevator pit cleaning doesn’t sound fun, it is a vital task that should be on your summer maintenance checklist. Let’s explore why elevator pit cleaning matters.
What is an Elevator Pit?
An elevator pit is the space located below the lowest destination floor. It is the lowest part of an elevator shaft and houses various critical equipment such as buffers, safety switches, hydraulic cylinders, etc. With regular use of the lift, this space can collect some dirt, oil, grease, trash and even water. Although it isn’t usually visible while the lift operates, this space shouldn’t be neglected and left dirty.
Why Summer is the Ideal Time for Cleaning
The elevator pits are often quite damp, this is especially the case as humidity levels increase in summer, leading to more rainfall. The rain often causes water accumulation in the pits, creating the ideal environment for the growth of mold, corrosion, and pest problems. As buildings typically experience less foot traffic in summer, with schools closed and many people on vacation, this makes it the right time to schedule professional elevator pit cleaning.
Safety First
A dirty and neglected elevator pit can be a fire hazard, cause electrical issues and even affect the lift’s braking systems. Dirt and debris affect the movement of the elevator’s parts and even block emergency systems, preventing them from functioning properly in case of an emergency. Oil and grease buildup also make the area hazardous for maintenance personnel. Therefore, it’s vital to get pits cleaned regularly to ensure smooth operations and maintain safety.
Better Elevator Performance
All electrical systems require some sort of maintenance to function properly. Just like cars need servicing, elevators also need servicing to remove dirt and grime from the pit. Doing this helps prevent faster wear and tear of components. Once the area is cleaned, it can make it easier to identify if there are any signs of corrosion, leaks, or wear and tear. So you can get these issues fixed early on before they turn into bigger problems.
Compliance and Inspections
Regular pit cleaning also ensures that you meet all compliance and safety standards. If your elevator pit is dirty, then it can cause you to fail safety inspections, resulting in hefty fines or even complete shutdowns. Therefore, it’s better to be more proactive and get elevator pit cleaning done to avoid compliance issues and maintain safety.
Avoid Unwanted Guests
Nobody likes pests. However, dirty pits with stagnant water and trash often attract pests such as rodents, insects, and even cause mold. This is not only unpleasant but can also raise health concerns. Periodic cleaning can help prevent pests and enable you to be in a clean and healthy space.
Extend Equipment Life & Save Money
Elevator repairs can be quite expensive, but with periodic pit cleaning, you can avoid premature equipment failure and increase the lifespan of your elevator system. With this small maintenance task, you can spot problems early on, get them fixed and avoid expensive repairs in the long run.
Let the Professionals Handle It
Elevator pit cleaning can’t be done by everybody. It can only be done by professionals who have received special training, have the right equipment and knowledge of elevator systems. At General Elevator Solutions, we offer professional pit cleaning services that ensure that your elevators meet all safety codes and keep running smoothly and efficiently. Get in touch with our experts today for commercial elevator service in Manatee County fl and keep your building in top shape from top floor to pit bottom.
