Elevators are critical to daily operations in commercial buildings. When they stop working, it doesn’t just cause frustration — it disrupts business, risks safety, and hurts tenant confidence. That’s why sticking to a solid elevator maintenance checklist isn’t optional. It’s a must.
At Elevator Service Inc Grand Rapids, we’ve worked with every kind of vertical transport system, from high-rise office elevators to mid-size property lifts. We’ve seen how routine inspections make all the difference between smooth daily operation and costly emergency calls. This guide covers what needs to be checked, why it matters, and how to stay ahead of problems before they escalate.
What a Reliable Elevator Maintenance Checklist Covers
The goal of maintenance isn’t just to fix what’s broken. It’s about staying ahead of wear and spotting the small issues before they cause bigger ones. That’s why a thorough elevator maintenance checklist touches every part of the system — not just what’s visible.
Hoistway and Door Checks
Every inspection starts at the hoistway. This vertical shaft must stay clear of debris and damage. Misaligned guide rails or broken lighting in the hoistway can lead to unsafe rides or slow service. Door performance is just as important. Doors that drag, hesitate, or slam can signal mechanical issues or dirty tracks.
During a proper check, technicians test sensors, look for rust or impact damage, and watch how smoothly the doors open and close. These might seem like minor fixes, but they’re often the first sign of deeper problems.
Control System Reliability
The control system is the brain of the elevator. If it’s not working right, the whole system suffers. Each elevator maintenance checklist should include testing every button and floor selector panel for accuracy and speed. Delayed response or flickering lights usually point to bigger electrical issues that need to be addressed fast.
Technicians also open up panels to check the condition of circuit boards, sensors, and switches. If anything looks burned, loose, or worn, it gets replaced. This level of detail keeps the elevator running smoothly, even under heavy daily use.
Cables and Pulley Wear
The strength of an elevator comes down to the cables and pulleys holding it together — literally. Frayed cables or misaligned pulleys are more than just wear and tear. They’re safety hazards. A smart elevator maintenance checklist always includes a hands-on inspection of these load-bearing parts.
If a cable shows signs of corrosion or a pulley grinds as it turns, it’s time to act. These parts take a beating, especially in buildings with high foot traffic. Replacing them before they fail avoids costly shutdowns and keeps passengers safe.
Emergency System Testing
Emergencies don’t happen every day, but when they do, you need to know your systems will respond instantly. Alarms, intercoms, emergency lights, and backup power should all be tested regularly. One weak link — like a dead battery in a backup system — can turn a small incident into a full-blown crisis.
For commercial properties, checking emergency communication isn’t just a best practice — it’s a requirement. A good elevator maintenance checklist builds these tests into every routine visit.
Preventive Maintenance That Keeps Elevators Running
Preventive maintenance means taking care of problems before anyone notices them. These quiet tasks are what keep elevators running smoothly day after day.
Keeping Parts Moving Smoothly
Moving parts grind and wear out if they’re not treated right. That’s why technicians apply specialized lubricants to gears, pulleys, and door tracks during each service. The right lubrication reduces strain on motors, keeps operations quiet, and helps parts last longer.
Skipping this step leads to noisy rides, jerky movements, and long-term damage that costs far more to fix.
Cleaning Critical Areas
Dust may not seem like a big deal — until it clogs a sensor or triggers a shutdown. One overlooked part of the elevator maintenance checklist is cleaning. Machine rooms, control panels, door tracks, and hoistways all collect debris over time. Left alone, it builds up, causes overheating, and gums up sensitive components.
Regular cleaning isn’t cosmetic. It keeps the elevator safe, responsive, and compliant with inspection standards.
Replacing What’s Worn Out
Nothing lasts forever. Worn relays, cracked switches, loose fasteners — these might not stop an elevator today, but they’ll do it eventually. Smart maintenance means replacing parts before failure, not after.
Technicians check for subtle signs of wear and swap in replacements as needed. This avoids expensive emergencies and protects your property’s reputation for safety and professionalism.
Why Regular Maintenance Pays Off
Sticking to a proper elevator maintenance checklist pays off in two major ways: safety and cost.
Safer Buildings and Happier Tenants
When people step into an elevator, they expect a smooth, predictable ride. Any shaking, stopping, or strange noise makes them uneasy. Regular maintenance reduces the chance of these issues, making your building feel secure and well-managed.
For building owners and property managers, safe elevators also mean fewer complaints, less liability, and a better experience for everyone using the space.
Fewer Breakdowns, Lower Repair Bills
Most major repairs don’t start big — they begin with something small that gets ignored too long. A frayed cable. A sticky button. A dirty track. Routine maintenance stops those small issues from turning into five-figure problems.
Following a detailed elevator maintenance checklist lowers the risk of surprise outages and keeps repair costs under control.
Need Professional Maintenance? We’re Ready.
If you’re managing a commercial property in Grand Rapids, you need more than a one-size-fits-all service plan. You need a partner who understands your system inside and out. At Elevator Service Inc, we build maintenance plans that match your elevator’s specific needs and your building’s usage.
We don’t just fix what’s broken. We keep everything working so it doesn’t break. If you’re ready to stay ahead of the problems and avoid the stress of emergency calls, let’s talk.
Contact us today or give us a call to schedule your next maintenance visit. We’ll help you build a checklist that works — and keep your elevators running like they should.
FAQ: Elevator Maintenance Checklist
How often should commercial elevators be serviced?
Most commercial elevators should be serviced at least once a month. High-traffic systems may need more frequent checks. Your elevator maintenance checklist should be based on usage, age, and system type.
What happens if maintenance is skipped?
Skipping maintenance leads to wear, malfunctions, and costly shutdowns. Small issues grow fast when left unchecked. Following a regular checklist keeps the system in working order and avoids emergencies.
Do I need to shut down the elevator during maintenance?
Some inspections require temporary shutdowns, especially for safety checks or part replacements. However, routine tasks like cleaning or light lubrication can often be done with minimal disruption.
Can building staff handle basic elevator maintenance?
Minor tasks like cleaning surfaces can be done in-house, but critical checks — like inspecting cables or control systems — should only be handled by certified elevator technicians.
Brett McCay serves as the President of Elevator Service Inc, a leading commercial elevator service company based in Grand Rapids, MI. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, Brett leads his team to provide top-quality maintenance, repair, and modernization services for elevators. Under his leadership, Elevator Service Inc remains committed to ensuring the safety, efficiency, and reliability of elevator operations for businesses throughout Grand Rapids and beyond. Brett’s dedication to excellence and his deep understanding of the industry have positioned Elevator Service Inc as a trusted partner in commercial elevator solutions.