What to Do When Your Elevator Breaks Down: A Step-by-Step Guide for Building Managers

An elevator breakdown can be stressful for both building managers and tenants. Knowing how to respond calmly and effectively can make all the difference. Whether you operate a residential building, retail space, or office complex on Long Island, your response to elevator issues affects safety, tenant satisfaction, and liability.

With the support of a reliable elevator maintenance company like Island Elevator, most elevator issues can be prevented, but occasional breakdowns may still occur. If your elevator stops working, here’s what you should do.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Keep Passengers Informed

If passengers are inside the elevator:

• Reassure them calmly.
• Ask them to use the emergency phone or call button to establish communication.
• Remind them not to force doors open or attempt to exit without assistance.

Even in a non-emergency situation, a prompt and composed response matters.

Step 2: Contact Your Elevator Service Provider Immediately

Call your contracted elevator repair company to report the issue. Provide details such as:

• Building address and elevator location
• Description of the issue (e.g., stuck between floors, door not closing)
• Whether passengers are inside

If you’re working with Island Elevator, our team will prioritize your service call and ensure a qualified technician is dispatched promptly.

Step 3: Secure the Area

Prevent other tenants from attempting to use the elevator until it’s been inspected. Post a clear “Out of Service” sign and, if necessary, restrict access to the affected floor.

This is especially important for commercial elevator systems in busy buildings where foot traffic is high.

Step 4: Record the Incident

Document everything, including:

• Time of the issue
• Actions taken
• Time technician was called and arrived
• Any follow-up recommendations

Keeping good records helps support warranty claims, insurance coverage, and maintenance planning.

Step 5: Schedule a Follow-Up Inspection or Maintenance

Even if a temporary fix is applied, schedule a full inspection to determine the root cause. Recurring issues could signal the need for more substantial elevator repairs or even elevator modernization.

Common Causes of Elevator Breakdowns

Understanding what can go wrong helps you prevent future issues:

• Worn-out hydraulic systems in hydraulic elevators
• Door malfunctions due to sensor failures or debris
• Control system glitches in older elevators
• Overloaded cabs exceeding safe elevator size or weight limits

Prevent Future Breakdowns with Proactive Maintenance

The best way to minimize downtime is to schedule regular service with trusted elevator maintenance companies near you. Island Elevator offers customized maintenance plans to meet the needs of Long Island buildings, helping reduce unexpected failures and extend the life of your elevator system.

An elevator breakdown doesn’t have to turn into a crisis. With the right plan and a reliable service provider, you can handle the situation quickly and effectively. If you’re looking for dependable elevator repair companies on Long Island, contact Island Elevator at 631-491-3392 or by completing this contact form, for the experience and professionalism to care for your elevator needs.