frequently asked questions

About

  • As the leaders in vertical transportation services, our staff is able to assist you in any way you may need, at any time of day or night. From diagnostics to maintenance to emergency repairs, we’re trained to quickly handle it all, with skill and professionalism.

  • With more than 80 years of combined experience, our technicians are known for their ability to solve issues with professionalism and integrity. Continuous training means we’re always at the top of our game, and our preventative maintenance services means you’re always at the top of yours.

  • Know your contract and rights as a building owner. Many contracts, especially with larger firms, automatically renew unless you submit a certified cancellation letter. Contact our legal department for assistance in understanding your options.

MAINTENANCE

  • The ASME A17.1 requires all elevators to be maintained by qualified elevator personnel. If the 2010 version of the code (or later) is applicable in your jurisdiction, you are also required to have a Maintenance Control Plan (MCP) for your equipment at all times.

  • Monthly. An older elevator might need more maintenance than a newer model. In general, a monthly service call is optimal, and yearly inspections for safety is appropriate for most. Ensure your contract stipulates the exact number of times your technician will come down.

  • At Eastern Elevator, a monthly service call will include the following services:

    ▸ Inspection of brake shoes, rope conditions, rollers, phones, lighting and indicators

    ▸ Greasing machine parts as needed

    ▸ Lubricating parts as per manufacturer specifications

    ▸ Cleaning of pit and car top

repairs

  • Hopefully, with proper maintenance, not too often at all! Of course, factors such as use volume and equipment age play a big role. At Eastern Elevator, we look out for signs of age and assist you in modernizing your equipment before an issue arises.

  • A call in to our 24-hour service line usually means a technician is on site within the hour. However, weekends and holidays may have longer wait times, though we will keep you updated at all times. Technicians are sent to sites based on urgency, with human entrapment or safety hazards taking first priority.

  • Aside for monthly maintenance and modernizations/upgrading as needed, some tips to keep your elevator running smoothly include:

    ▸ Keep the motor room well ventilated and clear of foreign objects

    ▸ Check the door saddle periodically for debris

    ▸ Avoid holding the doors open

VIOLATIONS

  • There are three types of mandatory inspections:

    CAT 1’s are performed annually by your elevator service provider

    Periodic Tests are performed annually by a third-party provider hired by the building owner

    CAT 5’s are performed every 5 years by your elevator service provider, and includes the CAT 1 of that year

  • While receiving a violation is never pleasant, our in-house violations team is here to make it as smooth a process for you as possible. Send us the summons you received, and we will create the proposal of work needed. After it’s completed, we handle the paperwork to clear your violation for you.

  • Yes, we can! Our violations team will expertly review your violations together with outside consultants, and develop creative solutions to help find any ways to waive excessive fees.

MODERNIZATION

  • If your elevator is more than 20 years and has constant downtime due to needing repairs, it’s probably time for an upgrade. Outdated equipment is not only frustrating for users who are faced with a shut-down elevator, it can pose a safety risk to riders. Many times, the cost of modernization is lower than the cost of frequent outages and repairs!

  • It’s simple to cosmetically improve your elevators, and that will in turn, upgrade the look of your whole building. We have many products and choices available - just ask!

  • While a full modernization can increase your elevators’ efficiency (and lower your repair costs), many times this can also be accomplished by merely replacing the specific, integral components that have aged, such as the motor, the controller, or the door equipment.

Questions about our services?