Stair lifts often require repairs. This may be due to major issues like electricity or wiring, or may be due to smaller reasons like issues with a remote control, battery, footrest, or armrest.
Below, we’ll discuss stair lift repair in Westwood, Kansas, to help you know what you can fix on your own and when you should call the professionals.
Common stair lift repairs
The main types of stair lift repairs typically involve:
- Control system
- Power and electrical
- Mechanical components
- Safety features
- Carriage and seat
1. Control systems
Control systems are essential to stair lifts as they control the whole device. These can include the remote control, circuit board, safety sensors, and the call/send controls. If one of these elements malfunctions, it’s often tied into the electrical components, and you’ll want to call a professional for help. (Unless you’re a professional electrician).
2. Power and electrical components
Stair lifts have many moving parts that contain lots of electrical wiring and other power supply components. Generally, experts do not recommend fixing this type of issue on your own, as it may result in an unsafe stair lift experience.
Common power and electrical issues may include a degrading battery, battery failure, faults with wiring or damage to wires, power supply problems, and charging system malfunctions.
3. Mechanical elements
Stair lifts utilize many mechanical components to safely lift those with mobility issues up and down the stairs. These issues may be seat swivel mechanism problems, broken parts on the footrest or armrest, motor or gearbox failures, or damage to the track or rail.
You may be able to fix some of these on your own, such as attaching footrests or armrests or realigning the stair lift track, but a professional is best suited to repair the rest.
4. Safety features
All stair lifts have specific safety features to keep the user safe while using them. Most safety features will need to be repaired by an expert, including a malfunctioning obstruction sensor, emergency stop button, or safety edge.
Homeowners can often repair or replace other safety mechanisms, like seat belts and harnesses.
5. Carriage and seat
The seat and carriage component often require repairs, and oftentimes, a homeowner can fix these issues. Upholstery damage, like wear and tear, is something you can fix on your own, along with the seat position.
Other problems, like jerky movements during operation, may require more troubleshooting, as do carriage alignment issues.
Frequently asked questions: Stair lift repair
Are stair lift repairs expensive?
Some stair lift repairs are expensive, but it depends on what needs to be repaired. Larger parts like the motor and gearbox, or issues with the electric or wiring, are, for example, more expensive than replacing the upholstery or repairing a footrest. However, large parts may be covered by a warranty.
What do stair lift warranties cover?
Stair lift warranties typically cover the cost of the parts that need to be replaced, but not the labor provided by stair lift companies. This means that even if you don’t have to pay for the stair lift part, you will have to pay for the labor.
Who can I call for stair lift repair in Westwood, KS?
If you need help with stair lift repairs in Westwood, Kansas, you can call our team at Independent Home Solutions. Call us at 913-228-3039. We have years of experience and are ready to help.
We’re also available to help those in the surrounding areas, including Fairway, Kansas City, Leawood, Lenexa, Mission, Mission Hills, Overland Park, Olathe, Prairie Village, Shawnee, and Roeland Park 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 first check the batteries and replace them if needed. Also, check the remote control batteries. If it’s still not turning on, you should call the professionals because there’s likely a larger issue with the motor or gearbox.
Can I repair a stair lift myself?
Many stair lift repairs will need to be performed by professionals. Because stair lifts are mobility devices that help you navigate your home safely, most repairs should be done by someone with expertise and training.
What is the lifespan of a stair lift?
Stair lifts have an average lifespan of ten years. When cared for properly, they often last longer, but they may require more repairs the older they get. If you have an older stair lift, be sure to replace the battery every two to three years.
What stair lift repairs 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.
Bruno’s warranty does not pay for the labor required to fix a stair lift; it only covers the part/mechanism that is being replaced.
Do stair lifts come with a free warranty?
Yes, popular stair lift brands provide free warranties at purchase. You can contact stair lift brands like Bruno, Stannah, AmeriGlide, and Acorn to learn more about their warranties.
How do you find a reliable stair lift company in Westwood?
Always read customer reviews and browse their websites when searching for reliable companies. You can browse the brands the stair lift company installs and any available warranties.
