Regular stairlift maintenance is essential if you want your stairlift to operate safely, run smoother, and last longer. However, we understand that knowing how to maintain your own stairlift can be tricky, especially if you have poor mobility.
To learn our top tips for expert stairlift maintenance, continue reading our helpful guide.
Why is Stairlift Maintenance Important?
Stairlift maintenance is important to ensure optimal safety and reliability. Well-maintained stairlifts provide many benefits, such as:
- Enhanced safety
- Extended lifespan
- Easier use
- Reduced risk of malfunction
- Cost saving
- Improved performance
- Reassurance
- Increased independence
Stairlifts make a real difference to daily life at home, and regular maintenance is essential.
Stairlift Maintenance Tips: Step-by-Step
Consider our top tips for effective stairlift maintenance.
1: Use Correctly
Using your stairlift correctly is essential to prevent avoidable wear and tear, which often increases stairlift servicing and maintenance requirements.
Stairlifts are easy to use, and instructions should be made clear upon installation. If you continuously use your stairlift incorrectly, it won’t work as efficiently as it should.
2: Clear Obstructions
Obstructions often cause emergency stops and wear out key components, such as your stairlift motor and battery. Clearing obstructions from your staircase means that you can travel up and down your staircase freely with peace of mind.
3: Clean Regularly
Regularly cleaning your stairlift maintains the efficiency and longevity of your mobility device. Without proper cleaning, dirt, dust, and debris will accumulate, which can lead to issues such as wear and tear, poor performance, and potential breakdowns.
Clean your stairlift using a mild detergent with a damp cloth, and ensure all parts are fully dry before operating.
4: Inspect Components
Inspecting both mechanical and electrical components ensures the reliability and functionality of your stairlift. This often includes spending time identifying damage that might impact parts.
During this process, regular testing is also advised to check that components are working as they should. Although you can briefly check components yourself, a trained engineer will be more efficient.
5: Test Safety Features
Stairlifts are designed with various safety features, including seat belts, obstruction sensors, and footrests. Checking these features as part of your maintenance process confirms everything is functioning correctly.
This will not only ensure your protection but also help identify any safety faults.
6: Lubrication
You should lubricate stairlift parts, including the track, gear rack, and chair rollers, ideally with silicone-based spray or grease every 2 to 3 months.
However, it’s generally not recommended to perform a full lubrication of your own stairlift, as doing it incorrectly may affect the performance. Instead, check if lubrication is needed and wait for an experienced engineer to complete this process.
7: Troubleshoot Common Issues
Despite performing regular maintenance, your stairlift might not be working due to common issues. We have some simple and quick troubleshooting steps to help address common issues:
| Stairlift Issue | Troubleshooting Step |
|---|---|
| Not moving | Check that the power supply is switched on and inspect the remote control batteries |
| Making unusual noises | Check for signs of obstruction or lubricate the track |
| Moving slowly | Check the battery charge and inspect the rail for debris |
Stairlift Battery Maintenance
A key part of stairlift maintenance is to check your battery. Stairlift batteries are an important component, and without them, your stairlift wouldn’t work.
Regular stairlift battery care keeps it in top condition and prevents unexpected faults or breakdowns. To extend the lifespan of your stairlift battery, charge regularly, avoid overloading, and clean connections.
Do You Require Stairlift Maintenance?
At Halton Stairlifts, we offer professional maintenance of stairlifts. Our trusted stairlift maintenance service includes full checks, cleaning, and lubrication to prevent common issues.
Our DBS-checked engineers are highly experienced, providing quality services to maintain and clean your stairlift.
If you already own a stairlift with us, you’ll be covered for maintenance under your warranty agreement. If you don’t own a stairlift with us, we can arrange an emergency visit (standard call-out charge applies).
To schedule trusted stairlift maintenance to keep your device working properly, please contact us today!
Stairlift Maintenance FAQs
Do stairlifts need maintenance?
Yes, stairlifts need maintenance to work properly and safely. Without regular maintenance, your device won’t work as effectively and may break down.
How much does it cost to have a stairlift serviced?
Stairlift servicing typically costs £100 or more, depending on your location and the provider. At Halton Stairlifts, we offer annual stairlift servicing and repair plans that start at £110.
How long does stairlift maintenance take?
Stairlift maintenance typically takes around 1 hour to complete. However, this may vary depending on the model and overall condition of your stairlift.
When should I call an engineer?
If your stairlift is working incorrectly, showing signs of wear and tear, or making unusual noises even after troubleshooting, it may be time to call an engineer for expert maintenance.
Neil is the founder of Halton Stairlifts. He has years of experience installing stairlifts across the UK. With an eagerness to help those with mobility issues get up the stairs, Neil understands how important it is for a seamless and straightforward approach to installing stairlifts to help those in need quickly.
