Repairing stair lifts can be tricky, and it’s hard to know what you can fix yourself and when you need professional help. In this article, we cover stair lift repairs in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, including what you can fix on your own and when you should call the experts.
Types of stair lift repairs
The five major stair lift repairs include:
- Mechanical parts
- Power and electrical
- Safety features
- Control system
- Carriage and seat
1. Mechanical parts
Every stair lift unit consists of parts such as the track, rail, motor, gearbox, swivel seat, footrest, and armrest. These parts ensure that those with mobility issues can easily go up and down the stairs, but when they are damaged, they cause serious issues because they are integral to the machine.
Most mechanical parts should be repaired by a professional, but you may be able to fix the armrest and footrest on your own. If the armrest or footrest has a broken folding mechanism or cracked plastic, you might be able to fix it, but a professional should look at motor failures or sensor damage.
2. Power and electrical
Stair lifts operate through a wide range of electrical wiring, circuit boards, and power supplies. With so many parts to it, they may suffer from power supply problems, faults with the wiring or damage to it, malfunctions with the charging system, or battery failure.
An expert should repair these issues, but stair lift owners can replace the battery. The battery should be replaced every one to three years, depending on the lift’s usage.
3. Safety features
These components are essential to run a stair lift safely, and the safety features typically cover a wide range of movement for stair lifts. Repairs may be required for obstruction sensors, safety edges, emergency stop buttons, and seat belts or harnesses.
You can generally replace a seat belt or harness on your own, but professionals should repair other safety features.
4. Control system
A stair lift control system has many aspects, and they can be technically difficult to repair. Some, like a malfunctioning remote control, may be easy fixes with new batteries or other simple troubleshooting.
Other control systems that may need repairs include call/send controls, circuit board failures, and issues with safety sensors. These are very small parts, and you can use the stair lift manual to see if it’s something you can troubleshoot on your own or if you need an expert to help.
5. Carriage and seat
The seat/carriage is the main part that owners interact with on a daily basis. It can often look worn down and may require upgraded upholstery, which owners can do on their own. Issues like carriage alignment or jerky movements when going up and down the stairs may require help from professionals.
Frequently asked questions: Stair lift repair
Who can I call for stair lift repair in Harrisburg, PA?
If you need help with stair lift repair in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, you can call us at 717-393-8213. We provide stair lift installation and repairs to homeowners in Central Pennsylvania, including Harrisburg, Lancaster, Reading, and York.
How much will stair lift repairs cost?
Stair lift repairs will have various price ranges depending on what is being fixed. Smaller parts like fixing a footrest or armrest may be relatively inexpensive, while the labor to install a new motor, gearbox, or rail may be more costly.
Does a free warranty cover stair lift repairs?
Technically, no. Most free stair lift warranties cover the parts or pieces that are being replaced, but not the labor for the repair itself. For example, if a stair lift expert fixes the motor for your stair lift, the invoice will include a charge for the motor and the labor to install it. The labor is typically not paid for by the warranty.
What should I do if there’s something wrong with my stair lift?
If your stairs are not working, try unplugging them from the main power source and then plugging them back in. Be sure the seat is docked at the top or bottom of the stairs so it can charge. Also, check the last time you replaced the stair lift batteries, as they typically need to be replaced every one to three years.
If these steps don’t help, grab your stair lift manual and walk through the troubleshooting steps.
Can I repair stair lifts myself?
You can likely repair some issues yourself, such as redoing the upholstery, fixing a footrest or armrest, or installing a new seat belt or harness. Other issues, like those with the electrical wiring, large mechanical components, and other specific parts, may require you to work with a professional to repair them correctly.
What is the lifespan of a stair lift?
Stair lifts usually last ten years. You may get more years than that if kept in good working order. We recommend repairing and maintaining it for the best lifespan.
Does a Bruno warranty cover common stair lift repairs?
Bruno, the stair lift unit we install at Independent Home Solutions, offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty on all stair lift models. The warranty covers all major components (gearbox, static rail, and motor) for the entire life of an indoor stairlift when owned by the original purchaser and five years for outdoor stair lifts.
While the warranty covers the affected parts, it does not cover the labor to repair them.
Do stair lifts come with a free warranty?
Yes, stair lift units should come with a free warranty from the manufacturer. Stair lift dealers should be able to tell you more about their specific warranties.
How do you find a reliable stair lift company in Harrisburg?
We know how difficult it can be to find reliable stair lift companies. We recommend vetting every installer before working with them: reviewing their website, checking available warranties, reading reviews, and speaking to other customers (if possible).
