A stairlift is a crucial household amenity if you have limited mobility for any reason — and technical issues that affect its performance can cause huge disruptions to your quality of life.
Anything from slower movement and unusual noises to occasional breakdowns may all indicate that your stairlift is due to be repaired. But that’s not always the case: you may need to replace it with a brand new stairlift instead.
How do you know when to repair and when to replace your old stairlift? In this post, we’ll look at a few key issues that can affect stairlifts and what they may mean, to help you understand what you need to do next.
When to repair your old stairlift
You may need to repair your old stairlift in the following situations:
Your stairlift stops moving suddenly while in use
Your stairlift may come to a halt while you’re ascending or descending the stairs. Without warning. Without any indication that the mechanisms may be faulty.
You’re stranded, with no way to complete the rest of your journey safely.
This is the most frustrating, inconvenient, and (possibly) most frightening problem a stairlift can cause when it needs to be repaired. Especially if you’re alone and your phone is out of reach. You may be forced to wait for a friend or relative to check on you before you can get out of the seat.
It’s possible that your stairlift will resume its movement after a brief pause, but even if it does, it’s vital to have it checked by a technician. A professional with training and experience in stairlift repair should be able to diagnose the problem upon examination.
One potential cause for a sudden stop in a stairlift’s motion is an obstruction, such as a pet toy or a misplaced book. Moving the object will enable the stairlift to keep ascending or descending. In this situation, there may be no technical fault at all.
But if there’s NO obstruction and no other clear reason, a technician may need to perform a repair.
You notice the sound of scraping parts
A scraping sound from inside the stairlift can signal an issue with the internal components. They might have become misaligned over time, creating the potential for harmful wear and tear if left unchecked.
An expert in stairlift design should be able to take a look inside, identify the root of the problem, and find a solution. This may be fairly simple, such as switching one or two components, or it could demand a more complex problem.
In any case, a scraping sound may not mean that you need to buy a new stairlift. Your current model could still provide you with years of use after a repair.
You spot broken or dangerous parts
Your stairlift may become damaged over time if it collides with an object or someone drops an extremely heavy load on the seat accidentally. It’s fairly unlikely, but it IS possible.
That could break parts of your stairlift and render it unsafe. Even if you think you can avoid a broken part while seated in the stairlift, it’s not worth taking that risk — a quick repair may be able to rectify the issue.
Your stairlift moves more slowly than before
Your stairlift could benefit from a repair if you find that it moves more slowly than it should.
This may occur after years of extensive usage or within a matter of months if you purchase a well-used or faulty stairlift from an unreliable supplier.
While a stairlift is still usable even if it’s significantly slower than you expect, it can be a huge inconvenience — especially if you need to get up- or downstairs urgently. Calling in a trained technician to repair the stairlift might fix the problem and improve its speed.
When to replace your old stairlift
You may need to replace your old stairlift in the following situations:
The same technical issues continue after repairs
You could benefit from a new stairlift if the same technical issues recur after repairs, particularly if you’re paying good money each time.
Changing to a new model can be hard if you’re used to your old stairlift, but it’s the best option if the performance is weaker than it should be.
And replacing your old stairlift may be the most cost-effective solution in the long run, as you won’t be paying for the same repairs again and again.
You struggle to find someone willing to repair it
Some stairlifts will be so old and outdated that technicians may struggle to find the necessary parts.
And even if they can, the cost of installing them could be so high that it’s best to invest in a brand new stairlift that’s unlikely to require any repairs for a long time.
Your physical requirements change
Your old stairlift may become uncomfortable if your physical condition changes and you’re more sensitive to the chair’s movements as it takes you up or down a staircase.
A newer model, with a more comfortable seat and smoother movement, could be the best option for you.
Again, replacing your old stairlift with a new model can be incredibly difficult if you have relied on your current one for a long time. But if a replacement will improve your quality of life and increase your comfort while you move around your home, it’s a worthwhile investment.
How to take the next step
If you’re ready to proceed with stairlift repair or replacement, you have a number of options.
If you purchased your stairlift through Total Access Solutions, we are authorized to service each barrier-free product we sell and install. We carry the majority of parts in stock so our qualified technicians can fit them without delay.
And if you want to replace your old stairlift, we offer an extensive selection of models from the leading brands at highly competitive prices.