Elevator Pit Cleaning & Sealing & Waterproofing
Water in an elevator pit can cause several problems, including:
· Malfunctioning elevator
Water can damage the elevator's machinery, such as the motors and pulleys, which can cause the elevator to malfunction.
· Electrical issues
Water can damage the elevator's electrical systems and wiring, which can cause electrical failure. This can be dangerous for passengers and can also cause other systems to malfunction.
· Corrosion
Water can cause corrosion of the elevator's parts, especially those made of steel. This can lead to costly repairs or the need to replace the entire system.
· Mold and mildew
Water can create an environment for mold and mildew to grow, which can damage the building's foundation and cause health problems for people in the building.
· Hazardous odors
A buildup of water and condensation can create a foul odor that smells like rotten eggs. This odor is caused by hydrogen-sulfide gas, which can be hazardous to maintenance workers, lift technicians and elevator users.
How does water get into the pit?
Water can seep into an elevator pit through the walls, floor, joints, cracks, etc. This happens frequently when the water tables are higher in rainy and storm season. Sometimes the water can enter the pit through the roof, vents, or door. If this is the situation, a sump pump system will be the only solution once appropriate repairs are made.
Solutions for water intrusion into an elevator pit:
- Cleaning the pit: Some customers choose to have the elevator pit cleaned. We will remove the oil and water from the pit, wash it down and completely shop vacuum. This will not solve the water intrusion problems but sometimes is the first step to determine the source of the water.
- Clean and seal the elevator pit to prevent water from intruding. The floor and all joints in the concrete are coated with hydraulic cement which provides a very hard and strong barrier for water intrusion. Below-grade waterproof solution is applied to the walls of the pit. Finally, the floor is coated with epoxy paint as an extra layer of protection.
- Install a sump pump to remove water as quickly as possible from the pit. Hydraulic elevator sump pumps must be equipped with an oil/water detection switch to prevent the discharge of oil into the environment. There are several solutions for sump pump installations. Contact us for an evaluation of your needs.
Elevators in Storm Surge Locations:
Properties located in locations susceptible to storm surge face a unique consideration for protection their valuable equipment. Regular sump pump systems can become quickly overwhelmed by the inundation of seawater and the electrical components located in the pit will short out once the water level rises in the pit.
The problems of water in the pit are severely exacerbated by saltwater intrusion.
Saltwater will instantly start corroding the metal parts in the elevator pit, especially the hydraulic piston. It is imperative that the saltwater be removed from the pit as quickly as possible to protect the very expensive equipment.
