Why elevators collect water

A hoistway is a vertical opening running the full height of the building, with doors on every landing. When water spreads across a corridor floor, the elevator lobby is often the lowest point, and the gap at the door sill lets it pour straight down the shaft. In a tall building that water can wet door equipment, hall fixtures and wiring on every landing it passes, then pool in the pit.

Hydraulic elevators, common in shorter buildings and parking structures, keep a cylinder and fluid lines below the pit, and contaminated water there is a concern for the equipment. Traction elevators in taller towers have controllers and machines that are usually at the top or in a machine room, but their pit equipment, buffers, and travelling cables still take the hit.

Wet door operators and landing buttons can cause cars to stop between floors or doors to malfunction. Most buildings take affected cars out of service immediately and keep them out until the elevator company has inspected and cleared them. That decision belongs to the elevator contractor and, where applicable, the state or local conveyance inspection authority.

The order of operations

  1. Take affected cars out of service

    Use the building's standard procedure to recall cars to a safe landing and shut them down. Post signs at every landing.

  2. Call the elevator service provider

    Report that water entered the hoistway, which landings were affected, and whether it is still flowing. Ask how soon a mechanic can inspect.

  3. Stop more water reaching the shaft

    Extract water from elevator lobbies first. Temporary barriers at door sills on the source floor can divert flow while the leak is being stopped.

  4. Coordinate pit pumping

    Pumping and cleaning the pit is usually done by the elevator company or under its direct supervision. The restoration contractor may supply extraction equipment but should not take over the work.

  5. Document every landing

    Photograph lobby floors, door sills and hall stations on each affected floor, and keep the elevator company's inspection report with the loss file.

  6. Plan tenant access

    If several cars are out, tell tenants which ones remain in service, consider freight car scheduling, and arrange help for anyone who cannot use stairs.

Questions for the elevator contractor

Get answers in writing so the insurer can see what was affected and why.

  1. Which components on each car were wetted, and which must be replaced rather than dried?
  2. Was the pit water contaminated by oil or hydraulic fluid, and how will it be disposed of?
  3. What inspection or testing is required before each car returns to service?
  4. Do you need a separate inspection by a conveyance authority before restart?
  5. How long should tenants expect reduced elevator service?

Common questions

Can the restoration contractor dry the shaft?

They may help dry elevator lobbies and adjacent walls, but inside the hoistway and pit the elevator company should lead. Ask both to agree on who does what before work begins.

General information for Downtown Denver, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.