Stair lift repairs are common, as it’s a device most homeowners use every day.
Here’s what you need to know about stair lift repair in Lenexa, Kansas, including the most common types of stair lift issues, what you can fix on your own, and when to call the professionals.
Types of stair lift repairs
The primary kind of stair lift repairs usually falls into these categories.
- Mechanical elements
- Power and electrical issues
- Safety feature issues
- Control system problems
- Seat and carriage
1. Mechanical elements
Stair lifts commonly have issues with their mechanical components. This may be damage to the track or rail, misalignment on the staircase, or motor and gearbox failures.
The footrest and armrest also occasionally require repairs, and the swivel mechanism for the seat may have trouble moving back and forth. Many of these issues require technical skill and knowledge of the device, so we recommend speaking to experts about these types of repairs.
2. Power and electrical issues
Perhaps even more common than mechanical issues are problems with the power and electrical wiring. Stair lifts are a modern marvel, helping those with mobility issues go up and down the stairs safely, but they also come with many circuits and wires.
Common issues with the power or electricity include wiring faults or damage, malfunctions with the charging system, power supply issues, and battery degradation. Unless you’re a professional, we don’t recommend fixing issues like these yourself.
3. Safety feature issues
Stair lifts have many safety features because they move a person up and down the stairs. These issues may include emergency stop button failures, non-functioning obstruction sensors, or safety edges not detecting obstacles.
Most safety features, except for replacing a harness or seat belt, should be performed by an expert.
4. Control system
Every stair lift unit has a unique control system (specific to a brand) and can experience issues with features like the remote control, call or send controls, circuit board, or safety sensors. Many of these features are small, intricate parts of the device or contain circuits or wiring that should be handled with care, which is why they require help from a professional.
5. Seat and carriage
Last, but not least, there are carriage and seat issues, which are problems with the seating area. There may be wear and tear on the upholstery, which can generally be fixed by anyone, carriage alignment or seat positioning issues, or operational problems such as jerky movement as it goes up and down the stairs.
Some of these issues may be resolved with simple troubleshooting, but a stair lift professional should fix anything that requires permanent changes.
Frequently asked questions about stair lift repair
Are stair lift repairs expensive?
Stair lift repairs come at a wide range of price points. More minor issues like fixing a misaligned rail or other simple problems would cost very little, while the labor to replace a gearbox or repair electrical issues would cost more.
According to David Bangert, owner of Independent Home Services serving the Lenexa area, on “average, a service call is $175 for people within 40 miles and $225 if you are outside 40 miles,” and the service call starting point is 11205 E Bannister Rd, KCMO.
What do stair lift warranties cover?
Stair lift warranties generally cover replacement parts for stair lift repairs. It typically does not cover the associated labor. For example, if a certified stairlift installer repairs your gearbox, the warranty will cover the cost of a new gearbox but will not pay for the expert’s time.
Who can I call for stair lift repair in Lenexa, KS?
If you need help with your stair lift in Lenexa, Kansas, you can call our team at Independent Home Solutions. We have helped hundreds of homeowners, and you can call our team at 913-228-3039.
We’re also available to help those in the surrounding areas, including Fairway, Kansas City, Leawood, Mission, Mission Hills, Overland Park, Olathe, Prairie Village, Shawnee, Roeland Park, and Westwood in Kansas and Blue Springs, Belton, Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Independence, Kansas City, Liberty, North Kansas City, Pleasant Hill, Raymore, Raytown, and Waldo in Missouri.
What should I do if my stair lift stops working?
If your stair lift isn’t working, you should check the batteries in the stair lift and the remote. Try troubleshooting the stair lift using the user’s manual. If troubleshooting doesn’t help, contact a stair lift expert for assistance.
Can I repair a stair lift myself?
There may be some stair lift repairs you can do yourself, but many will likely require help from an expert. Stair lifts can be complex mobility devices; you don’t want to damage them and have to buy a new one.
What is the lifespan of a stair lift?
Stair lifts tend to last around ten years before requiring major maintenance. If you service it regularly, you may not have to spend a lot of money when it’s on its last leg.
What does the Bruno warranty cover?
Bruno’s Limited Lifetime Warranty covers major components (motor, gearbox, and static rail) for indoor stair lifts as long as the original buyer owns them, and five years for outdoor stair lifts. They also provide an initial two-year warranty covering the entire machine and a 30-day labor guarantee for workmanship and defects during installation.
Do stair lifts come with a free warranty?
Yes, manufacturers provide free stair lift warranties at purchase. While this may not be the case for every stair lift brand, almost all the popular brands do this to provide their customer with long-lasting mobility solutions. Stair lift dealers should be able to answer your questions about warranties and what they do or don’t cover.
Does a free warranty cover stair lift repairs?
While a warranty may cover the parts for a repair, the labor is not covered by the warranty. These are costs that stair lift owners will have to pay for themselves.
How do you find a reliable stair lift company in Lenexa?
Finding a company you trust can be difficult. We have a few tips to help you find a reliable company for any service, including stair lift repairs, service, and installation. Before working with a business, always read its reviews on Google and review its website. With stair lifts, understand a company’s return or refund policy before purchasing.
