Elevator Maintenance: It's the Pits!

Elevator Mechanical Equipment

One of the most frequent problems that elevators have is…bad odors. The bad odors come from standing water or other liquids that find their way into the elevator shaft and then into the elevator pit. These odors can permeate up a high-rise to 22 floors high and cause a lot of problems.

New elevators circa 10/26/98 are required to have either a drain or a sump with a sump pump capable of operation without human intervention (automatic operation). This requirement is designed to provide a safe and dry pit area for service and inspection. Most new elevator hoist ways have automatic water sprinklers for fire suppression, so a system for automatically evacuating water from the pit (should a sprinkler head become activated) is required. Also, the elevator pit is usually the lowest point in the building so all water from any water emergency in the building would end up in the pit.

Recent Elevator Code Change Effective April 2002

Water is also the culprit behind a new Elevator code change. First you need to determine if you have the hydraulic type of elevator wherein pressurized oil causes the cab to rise and fall. If you do then you need to be aware of this code change. With the hydraulic elevators you will most likely have a cylinder that is buried in the ground of the elevator pit. This cylinder has been known to deteriorate due to the fact that it is underground and often in an environment which is potentially in contact with water or water with alkaline, sulpher, electric current, salt, and other chemicals in solution that can cause the cylinder to corrode and burst, causing the elevator the crash.

The code now requires that you either have a double cylinder (like the new double hulled freighters) or a cylinder with a safety bulkhead. This is an expensive change out that may be required. The most important thing is to remember that if you do get the new equipment you must maintain it properly to get the longest possible life out of it.

Typical Elevator Lobby

First and foremost keep the elevator pit dry and clean, not only to keep your new cylinders dry and rust free but also to prevent any bad smells from permeating your buildings. Make sure that you implement a regular program of periodic inspections and maintenance both on the elevator equipment and on the pit, shaft and cab. Make sure that you contact your elevator maintenance company or your general maintenance company to design and implement a maintenance program that is effective. Many times the first thing your members, directors and guests see are the elevator cabs and you will be smart to keep them well maintained, clean and safe. For more information you can go on-line to www.asme.org, the website of The American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

David Rauch is President of ProTec Building Services, full-service contractors with licenses in General Contracting, Electrical, Painting, Plumbing and Roofing, providing services to over 250 communities in San Diego, Orange and Riverside Counties. (800) 557-2217 • www.ProTecBSI.com

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