If you manage a building with elevators, you’ve probably asked: “How often should this thing really be checked?” You’re not alone. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, elevators are used more than 18 billion times a year in the United States alone, making them one of the most frequently used pieces of equipment in any commercial or residential facility. With that kind of traffic, routine maintenance isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential.
Whether you oversee a high-rise office, healthcare facility, hotel, or multi-unit residence, regular elevator servicing is critical to ensuring safety, avoiding costly downtime, and extending the life of your system. In this article, we’ll break down how often your elevator should be serviced and what factors can affect that frequency.
Why Elevator Maintenance Frequency Matters
Regular elevator servicing isn’t just about following code—it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring a reliable, safe ride for every passenger. Failure to perform routine maintenance can lead to:
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Costly emergency repairs
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Unplanned shutdowns
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Safety risks and code violations
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Tenant or guest dissatisfaction
Staying proactive with scheduled service helps minimize these risks and keeps your elevator running efficiently.
Industry Standards: What’s Typical?
Most elevator systems should be serviced at least once per month, especially in high-traffic buildings. This is considered standard in the elevator maintenance industry and is often required by local jurisdictions and inspection agencies.
However, the ideal maintenance schedule depends on several factors:
1. Type of Building and Usage Volume
An elevator in a busy hospital or hotel will require more frequent attention than one in a low-rise office building with limited use. For example:
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High-traffic buildings: Weekly or biweekly inspections may be necessary
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Moderate-use buildings: Monthly service is often sufficient
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Low-use or residential buildings: Bi-monthly or quarterly may work, with proper monitoring
2. Age of the Equipment
Older elevators typically require more frequent checks to address worn parts and outdated systems. Preventative servicing helps catch small issues before they become major breakdowns.
Real-world example: A 25-year-old hydraulic elevator may start having door malfunctions or slow response times, which can be mitigated with more consistent maintenance visits.
3. Compliance with Local Codes and Contracts
Many jurisdictions mandate minimum inspection and maintenance schedules. Your elevator service contract should reflect these standards while also adapting to your building’s specific needs.
What Does a Typical Maintenance Visit Include?
A standard service visit may include:
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Inspecting and lubricating key components
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Checking safety systems (brakes, alarms, door sensors)
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Testing operational performance
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Reviewing error logs or indicators
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Replacing worn parts proactively
Having a licensed technician conduct these tasks ensures your elevator meets both safety requirements and user expectations.
The Cost of Waiting Too Long
Delaying elevator servicing can lead to system failure, expensive emergency calls, or tenant complaints that could damage your reputation. Just like any complex mechanical system, elevators need regular care to perform well.
Elevator maintenance isn’t a one-size-fits-all schedule—but for most buildings, monthly service is a smart baseline. Depending on traffic, age, and equipment type, your building may need more frequent checks to ensure safe and efficient operation.
If you’re unsure how often your elevator should be serviced, our team can assess your system and recommend a maintenance plan tailored to your building. Reach out today for a customized elevator evaluation.