In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about stair lift repair in Reading, Pennsylvania. Below, we cover the different types of stair lift repairs, what you can repair independently, and when to call the experts.
Main types of stair lift repairs
The five main stair lift repairs include:
- Mechanical components
- Safety features
- Power and electrical
- Carriage and seat
- Control system
1. Mechanical components
Stair lifts have various mechanical components that need to remain in good working condition. These may include the motor, gearbox, seat swivel, track, rail, and simpler items like a footrest or armrest. Each is integral to the stair lift and transporting people up and down the stairs.
For most mechanical components, you’ll need to work with a professional, but you may be able to repair the armrest, footrest, and realign a rail on your own. The other components will need to be repaired by a professional.
2. Safety features
Stair lifts have multiple safety features to ensure smooth traveling up and down the stairs. Due to their precise functions, most safety features, such as an obstruction sensor, safety edge, and emergency stop button, will need to be fixed by an expert.
Harnesses or seat belts are a safety feature you can improve on your own without help from a professional.
3. Power and electrical
Chair lifts for stairs work using a power supply and electrical wiring. These go throughout the device and can be complicated, which is why professionals should perform most repairs related to the power and electrical systems.
Common repairs may involve the charging system, wiring, power supply, or battery. Please note that the battery should be replaced every one to three years, and you can do this on your own.
4. Carriage and seat
The carriage and seat are the sections that carry a person up or down the stairs, and they may require repairs as they are one of the most-used areas. Simple issues, such as damage to upholstery, should be an easier fix that you can do on your own, along with seat positioning, but more complicated issues related to the operation and carriage alignment may require help from a professional.
5. Control system
The control system may malfunction and is often tied to the power and electrical issues. Remote control problems may be easy to fix as they’re not attached to the stair lift, but more in-depth systems like the call/send controls, circuit board, and safety sensors will likely require an expert.
Frequently asked questions: Stair lift repair
Who can I call for stair lift repair in Reading, PA?
If you need help with stair lift repair in Reading, Pennsylvania, 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 a range of prices, and the total depends on what is being repaired. Keep in mind that these prices are in addition to the initial cost of a stair lift. For example, a small fix like replacing components for a swivel seat may be relatively cheap, while larger parts like a gearbox or replacing an entire track and rail will be more expensive.
Dan Mitchell, owner of Independent Home Solutions in Central Pennsylvania, recommends that stair lift owners set aside a couple of hundred dollars per year to pay for necessary repairs. He says this helps take the sting out of the bill when a professional comes to repair the device.
Does a free warranty cover stair lift repairs?
A warranty may cover certain parts of stair lift repairs. Most warranties cover the parts or pieces that need to be replaced, but they do not cover the labor during the repair. Typically, the labor must be paid for by the stair lift owner.
What should I do if there’s something wrong with my stair lift?
If you notice your stair lift is acting oddly, you should first try turning it off and on. Put the seat in the docking position at the top or bottom of the stairs and unplug it from the power source. Turn it on again and see if the problem persists.
Check the stair lift battery and see if it’s been replaced in the last one to three years. Then, grab the stair lift manual and try troubleshooting methods to pinpoint exactly what’s wrong with your stair lift.
Can I repair stair lifts myself?
You may be able to repair some stair lift parts yourself. For example, fixing a footrest or armrest, updating upholstery, or making other small fixes may be easy with the help of the stair lift manual.
What is the lifespan of a stair lift?
Stair lifts tend to have an average lifespan of ten years. With regular maintenance, you may be able to get a longer life out of a stair lift.
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, popular stair lift models come with free warranties from their manufacturers. These typically cover the stair lift parts themselves, such as a new rail, track, motor, or gearbox.
How do you find a reliable stair lift company in Reading?
If you’re looking for a stair lift company, you should always check out the company’s website and read its reviews on Google. We also recommend asking your friends and family for references and speaking to the company first.
