Solving a problem with your stairlift can mean you don’t need to call out an engineer. In general, most stairlifts are manufactured to be of the highest quality and standard. This means that you rarely have to worry about something going wrong with it.
However, this doesn’t mean that they don’t need regular maintenance. It’s essential that you look after stairlifts so that they remain in perfect working condition. If you or your family member relies on the stairlift to get around their home, a break down or problem can be a huge inconvenience.
Problems aren’t just a consequence of not looking after the stairlift either; general wear and tear can happen over time.
Therefore it’s important to identify any problems as early as possible. This means you can repair the stairlift or call out a professional to carry out the repairs as soon as possible.
Obstructions
One of the most common reasons behind stairlifts breaking down is that there is an obstruction. This is often easy to identify, as you’ll find that the stairlift will move one way but not another. For example, it will move up but struggle to move downwards.
Your stairlift will have a sensor that shuts the stairlift down if an obstruction is indentified. Therefore, the lack of movement in a specific direction is a clear indication that something is in the way.
You can easily check around the stairlift to check what is causing the blockage.
Chair is Out of Position
If your stairlift has suddenly stopped working but you can’t see any sign of an obstruction, it could be because the chair is out of position. The chair should be flat against the wall and locked into position for the stairlift to work correctly. You can easily check that the chair is in position and fix it quickly and efficiently yourself.
It’s Switched Off
This might sound obvious, but you would be surprised to know that a lot of problems are simply down to the stairlift being switched off by accident. A lot of switches are hidden or in areas that aren’t obvious, which means that they can easily be knocked off without someone even realising. Different stairlifts will have different switch mechanisms but here are some of the most common places to check.
- Check your mains supply – Is it still switched on at the wall? Has the safety switch been tripped?
- Check your stairlift switch – Does your stairlift have an on/off button? Has this been switched off by accident?
- Check your key switch – A lot of stairlifts have a “key switch.” You should make sure that this hasn’t fallen out.
Sometimes problems occur that can’t be easily fixed. In these cases, it’s often easier to replace your stairlift for a newer and updated version.
If you’re looking into installing a stairlift into your home or the home of a loved one, please don’t hesitate to contact us here at ALS Stairlifts. We specialise in supplying and installing high quality new and reconditioned stairlifts – perfect for providing independence in your own home.
To find out more about our services, please don’t hesitate to contact us. You can give us a call on 0800 046 3438 and we will be more than happy to help.