How Much Does It Cost to Repair an Elevator?
Residential elevators assist those with movement challenges to reach multi-levels of a home. These people movers are also helpful to those who deal with pain walking up- and downstairs as well as adding a luxurious feel to any home.
Elevators have many moving parts. All of these parts need to be working, otherwise the ride will be bumpy or not happen at all. The average cost for elevator repair is $300-$550, with the average customer paying $450, which includes the service fee and lubrication of cables.
Elevator Repair Costs
| Cost to Repair an Elevator | |
|---|---|
| National Average Cost | $450 |
| Average Range | $350-$550 |
| Minimum Cost | $150 |
| Maximum Cost | $3,500 |
In this guide
Hydraulic Elevator Repair
Common Elevator Problems
Elevator Repair Service Cost
Cost Factors to Repair an Elevator
Emergency Elevator Repair
Elevator Inspection Cost
Elevator Modernization Cost
Cost to Replace an Elevator
Elevator Maintenance Cost
Additional Considerations
FAQ
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Elevator Repair Cost by Project Range
Elevator Repair Costs by Part
There are several types of repairs that elevators typically need. Whether it’s a squeaky noise or stuck doors, each problem equates to a necessary repair. The table below breaks down the types of repairs and the cost of each.
| Type of Repair | Cost |
|---|---|
| Door | $800-$2,750 |
| Cloth traveling cables | $2,500-$3,500 |
| Piston | $2,800-$3,500 |
| Panel replacement | $3,500-$4,000 |
Cab wiring | $4,000-$4,500 |
| Controller | $4,000-$4,500 |
| Motor | $11,500-$12,000 |
| Jack replacement | $50,000-$60,000 |
Elevator Door Repair Cost
One of the most common problems is when the elevator doors aren’t working. This can be due to something as simple as a broken sensor 1 or an obstruction all the way up to a more complicated fix within the door panel, track, or motor. The average costs for this repair are $800-$2,750.
Cloth Traveling Cables Replacement Cost
The cables in your elevator are made of wire rope that is weaved together to make an extremely strong cable. Most elevators contain backup ropes as well. The cost to replace these is $2,500-$3,500.
Piston Repair Cost
The piston is the part of the elevator that pushes it up when the pressure rises in the cylinder. The cost to fix a piston is $2,800-$3,500.
Elevator Panel Replacement Cost
The elevator panel is where the buttons are located. The rider can choose a floor and the buttons signal the elevator where to go. The cost to replace an elevator panel is $3,500-$4,000.
Elevator Cab Wiring Repair Cost
If wires become worn or broken, an electrical fire can break out or the system may completely stop working. The cost to repair elevator cab wiring is $4,000-$4,500.
Elevator Controller Repair Cost
The elevator controller is the central system that dictates speed and leveling 2. If you have to repair this part, your cost will be $4,000-$4,500.
Elevator Motor Repair Cost
The motor is the engine of the elevator. The repairs are costly at $11,500-$12,000.
Elevator Jack Replacement Cost
The elevator jack is where the piston and cylinder are located. So its job is to move the pressured oil into the cylinder which then activates the piston. The cost to repair a jack is $50,000-$60,000.
Hydraulic Elevator Repair
Hydraulic elevators are by far the most popular of home lifts. The popularity is because of the 2:1 ratio between the piston and the cab travel. The cab moves 2 inches for every 1 inch the piston moves. The reason this is important is it allows for a smaller cylinder and this works well in homes with 8 ft ceilings.
Safety is another factor in the popularity of this type of elevator. Each one is designed specifically for the area it is being installed. This ensures that the car will only go 2-3” past the top landing. In addition, the hydraulic elevator has one of the best braking systems and measurements of speed in the industry.
Hydraulic elevators are powered by pressurized oil. The pressure from the oil makes the piston move upward, pushing the elevator up. One of the most common problems is the pistons break, malfunction, or wear out. The cost to repair pistons is $2,800-$3,500.
Common Elevator Problems
We have all been in a moaning elevator that sounds like it won’t make it to the next floor. Or maybe you have stood in a lobby and pushed the button numerous times, yet the elevator still won’t open. The main problems professionals see with elevators are:
- Stuck doors - this is often related to a sensor or some kind of obstruction. The cost to fix this is around $800-$1,000.
- Strange noises such as squeaky or moaning sounds - usually a bearing malfunction or a lubrication issue. The cost to repair is $500-$1,000.
- Slow response - nothing is more annoying than a really slow elevator! Typically, this is a problem in the elevator control system. If the system is newer, it may be fixed easily with a reset or change in variables at a cost of $500-$700. However, if the system is older, costs can be as much as $4,000-$4,500.
- Lack of power - this is sometimes attributed to a power failure such as the fuse box. However, it could be due to a wiring problem. Cost to repair wiring is $4,000-$4,500.
Elevator Repair Service Cost
An elevator is a complicated mechanical and electrical piece of equipment. Trying to fix it by yourself or hiring a handyman could result in an injury or in the equipment malfunctioning. It will also void your warranty.
Professionals charge around $75 per hour for labor. The minimum service call is $120-$150 plus parts and repair costs. The amount of time needed will depend on the repair. A small repair, like a sensor 1 replacement, could be done in as little as an hour, while a larger repair to a motor or piston could take several hours.
Cost Factors to Repair an Elevator
There are several factors that influence the cost of repair. Obviously, the more work the elevator has to do, the bigger the repairs and the more maintenance required. With that being said, commercial elevators are more expensive to repair than a small residential home elevator. Some states require that an elevator have an annual safety inspection at a cost of $250-$600.
Emergency Elevator Repair
If the only way to get to the 2nd floor is an elevator and it breaks, you will need an emergency elevator repair. Stuck doors are the most common problem. This is why it is important to have regular maintenance performed on your home elevator. Not only will it keep your repairs to a minimum but problems may be caught before you have an emergency situation. Emergency elevator repair can be costly at $1,600-$2,000.
Elevator Inspection Cost
As elevators are an intricate piece of electrical and mechanical machinery, it is essential to have inspections done. Worn cables, brake systems, pulleys, or other parts can result in an injury. While commercial elevators are always required to be inspected, your state may or may not require an annual elevator inspection on your home elevator. However, to protect yourself and others, it is best to have this done. Inspections are done by certified and licensed elevator inspectors at a cost of $150-$500.
Elevator Modernization Cost
Modernizing your elevator is a way to make it look and work better. Replacing fixtures and railings 3 are an inexpensive way to give your elevator a face-lift at a cost of $250-$350. For older elevators that are noisy, slow, or not energy efficient, you can make such upgrades as replacing the control system at a cost of $7,500-$15,000.
Cost to Replace an Elevator
If your elevator is requiring extensive repairs and is 20-30 years old, it may be time to think about buying a new one. The best thing to do is to weigh the costs of maintenance and the replacements that will need to be done over the cost of a new elevator at about $40,000. Since the major parts are very expensive to replace, many homeowners decide to simply replace the elevator. Then you have a brand new one that should last 20-30 years. Of course, safety is always the first concern.
Elevator Maintenance Cost
The price of elevator preventive maintenance is often costly. Many companies offer an elevator maintenance contract. This includes regular maintenance on the following items:
- Measure oil level 2 and check for contamination
- Door protection
- Landing leveling
- Circuit safety
- Comfort and speed of the ride
- Ease of door closing and opening
- Check light bulbs and signals
- Safety brake inspection
- Lubricate all moving parts
- Measure voltage regulations
Performing regular maintenance on your elevator will cut back on expensive repairs. In fact, some maintenance contracts will include the cost of repairs. The Elevator Maintenance Contract cost is $350-$600 annually. You may be asking how often the elevators need to be serviced. Annual or semi-annual is the recommended time period for maintenance.
Additional Considerations and Costs
- National Elevator Code. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers governs the codes for elevator safety. It is vital that elevator owners have a solid understanding of the requirements and regulations set forth in ASME A17.1 on the ASME website.
- Companies. It is recommended that you use the same company for purchase, installation, repairs, and inspections for your home elevator. Many manufacturers offer factory authorized training and licensing to install and repair their products. This is a good indication of the amount of knowledge your elevator company carries about the product. In addition, certification through the National Association of Elevator Contractors will give you the added peace of mind about your contractor. You can read more about certification programs on the NAEC website.
- Permit. A permit will be required to install an elevator but not for repairs.
- DIY. DIY is not recommended for elevators. While the elevator is an intricate yet powerful machine, it is complicated to maintain and repair. The last thing you want is to damage, break, or make your elevator unsafe to use. Leave this work to the professionals.
- Warranty. Warranties for home elevators typically last 1-2 years. Some companies will offer extended warranties as long as 5-10 years or even a limited lifetime warranty.
- Insurance. Your homeowner’s insurance may need a separate addendum to cover your elevator for covered perils.
FAQ
- How much does it cost to repair an elevator?
The average cost to repair an elevator is $300-$550.
- How dangerous is being an elevator mechanic?
Being an elevator mechanic is a dangerous job. Accidents include falls, burns, and muscle strains. It has one of the highest death rates in the construction industry.
- How much does it cost to replace an elevator?
Replacing a home elevator costs about $40,000.
- What is the average life of an elevator?
Elevators last about 20-30 years with appropriate maintenance and repairs.
- How much does it cost to put an elevator in a 2 story house?
Home elevator and installation costs $40,000.
- How much does it cost to replace a commercial elevator?
The average cost to replace a commercial elevator is $50,000.
- How long does it take to fix an elevator?
It depends on the repair. An easy repair could take about an hour while a more extensive repair could take several hours.
- How long does a hydraulic elevator last?
The typical lifespan of a home hydraulic elevator is 20-30 years.
Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet
Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know.See full cheat sheet.
1 Sensor: Device that responds to a physical event or change in the environment by emitting an output signal
How much does it cost to repair an elevator in my city?
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