While there are many stairlift problems which crop up for stairlift users, (see stairlift troubleshooting), we have some problems of our own when it comes to stairlift installation and repair. Here’s a “for example” issue which cropped up for us on a recent fitting.
Take a look at the pictures below. This was a problem waiting to happen! Unfortunately the measurements we had been given didn’t account exactly for this staircase setup with the radiator!
In the picture on the left, you can see the radiator position pushed the rail out, towards the newel post. This caused a problem once the stairlift was in situ. You can see on the right, the footplate and newel post didn’t exactly work well together!
We had to remove the stairlift, and arrange for the radiator to be removed for this one. It delayed the installation a little. But once the radiator was removed, the rail could sit further back against the wall, allowing more room for the stairlift footplate to pass the newel post!
Stairlift Problems
This is another common problem for the team here at UK Stairlifts! A staircase which is very narrow and has a number of obstacles. In this scenario, there were doorways at the top of the stairs too. The staircase was very narrow and left very little room for manoeuvre.
Fortunately for the customer, we rise to a challenge! But this one was pretty close as to whether it was even possible to fit a stairlift on these stairs. We had to carefully measure the stair dimensions and the back to knee measurement of the client. This one was so close it also needed a photo survey – pinpoint accuracy for an exact fitting.
We know we have a stairlift which is particularly useful in situations like this – the Flow X. But this stairlift has a weight limit (19.6 stone) and there are also other limitations too, such as the physical dimensions of the staircase.
To get the stairlift over the steps to allow for a rotation at the top required a very steep rail, which also adds another dimension of pressure for the lift. Needless to say, we managed it! You can read more about this particular case study here. See also our post for stairlifts for narrow stairs.
Here’s the finished product:
Stairlift Problems – Electrical Repairs
We have been in the stairlift business for over 20 years now so we help a number of customers throughout the UK when things go wrong, as they sometimes do. This was a problem with a Stannah 260 stairlift which would stall occasionally on startup.
This was an electric fault of some kind. Scott had to run diagnostics and test all the electrical components to diagnose the issue. This was a challenge because it was an “occasional fault” which wasn’t consistent. That usually means it’s a loose wire or connection. Needless to say Scott’s long experience in the stairlift industry paid off and he was able to fix the problem!
Stairlift Problems – Embedding Into The Stairs
This stairlift issue was one of the stairlift having embedded into the staircase, causing the lift to catch at the top of the stairs. This sometimes can happen over time, where the lift drops slightly with use, lowering the position of the stairlift as it travels. There was also a minor electric issue with a switch on the arm, which was easily fixed.
To solve the dropped stairlift issue, we lifted the rail up slightly to accommodate the move. Stannah’s are generally very reliable stairlifts which is why we use them for our reconditioned models. But occasionally there will be a problem as with all mechanical and electric devices. See our Stannah stairlift troubleshooting page if you have an issue.
Stairlift Problems – Fault Codes
Most common stairlift problems are easily solvable. Checkout our stairlift fault codes page for some general issues which typically crop up. A lot of problems stem from the battery not charging properly and this can be as simple as a power outage and the fuse box having been tripped out. Chirping from a smoke alarm can also be mistaken for the stairlift beeping!
Make sure your stairlift is properly plugged in at the mains and leave it charging. The stairlift runs from the battery which is trickle charged from the mains. This means in a power cut, your stairlift is still good for several trips before the battery runs down.
Common stairlift problems for us are fault codes which typically relate to:
- A battery issue – check the batteries are charging and haven’t run flat
- Safety features being triggered. Stairlifts are very safe and have triggers around the base unit which are quite sensitive. They can stop your stairlift running if the lift thinks there’s a blockage or hazard somewhere. Check the rail is clear and there’s no blockages.
- Chair position – another common fault code is the chair ride position which may need adjusting. The stairlift won’t move if it’s in the wrong position. See also common fault codes of stairlifts here.
Summary
We’ve had our fair share of stairlift problems over the years that’s for sure! But we are happy to say each problem we’ve encountered has prepared us to help solve more problems for our customers and become better at what we do!
If you have any stairlift problems and you would like some help or advice, we can often help over the phone even if you don’t need a call out. Give us a call on 0800 046 3438, or visit our contact page here.
You can also checkout some of our installations on our YouTube channel here.