Elevator pits are one of the areas of a building that almost never come to mind. At least not until the elevator breaks down. One of the most common problems in elevator pits is water seepage. When water seeps into an elevator pit, the consequences can be disastrous.
In this article, find out how water can find its way into an elevator pit as well as the various problems that can arise.
Certain conditions increase the risk of water seepage into an elevator pit
Water can seep into an elevator pit through the bottom or walls of the pit. This often happens in buildings with leaky foundations, especially due to cracks in the concrete. The risk of water seepage is also greater in areas where the water table is high, the surrounding landscape is poorly graded and the land is poorly drained.
Water in an elevator pit can affect the operation and safety of the elevator
Any water in an elevator pit can affect the hoisting mechanism and electrical systems, which can lead to elevator failure. If the water level reaches the electrical components of the elevator, the situation can become very dangerous for passengers.
Water in an elevator pit can also cause corrosion of some parts, especially those made of steel. This situation, if left unattended, can also threaten the safety of passengers.
The importance of properly waterproofing your elevator pit
Water seeping into the pit of an elevator can be contaminated with oil and grease from the elevator equipment. A sump pump is therefore not a recommended solution to remove water, unless the water is removed from the pit in compliance with environmental regulations. Rather, the ideal solution is to solve the problem at the source by properly waterproofing the concrete in the elevator pit.
Even if an elevator pit is equipped with a sump pump, in the event of heavy rainfall, water may not be able to disperse because of the storm drains. Indeed, in these situations, the sewers are subjected to extreme stress, which can result in water backflow.
Elevator pit maintenance should be done by experts
A build-up of standing water in an elevator pit can give off a foul odour that smells like “rotten eggs”. This is caused by hydrogen sulfide gas resulting from anaerobic digestion. In addition to having an unpleasant smell, this gas can be dangerous for elevator technicians and maintenance workers.
Any maneuver performed under these conditions therefore requires trained and qualified personnel to enter a confined space, using gas exposure monitors that can detect the presence of the toxic substance.
Entrust your elevator pit maintenance to Foundation Crack Expert Group
In conclusion, water and elevators don’t mix. This is why it’s important to keep your elevator pit dry and watertight.
To avoid any water seepage in your elevator pit, leave its maintenance or repair to Foundation Crack Expert Group.
