Six Steps to Minimize Elevator Water Damage
By David Vance | Director, Inspection Services, VDA West
Read this blog to learn:
- What to do first when water enters an elevator hoistway or pit
- How to limit further damage and protect key elevator equipment
- Why documentation matters for repair decisions and insurance claims
- What hidden damage to watch for after the elevator is back in service
Water damage is one of the most common — and potentially expensive — elevator issues building owners and managers face. Whether it’s a burst pipe, groundwater intrusion, a sprinkler discharge, or severe weather, water has a way of finding its way into places it shouldn’t. And when it reaches elevator equipment, the costs can add up quickly.
The good news is that the actions you take in the first few hours can make a significant difference. In many cases, quick response and proper documentation can reduce damage, shorten downtime, and help avoid costly surprises later.
How Water Damages Elevator Equipment
One of the challenges with elevator water damage is that the effects aren’t always immediately obvious.
Water often enters the hoistway first and then travels through the system. It can reach the car top, electrical components, operating panels, wiring, and eventually collect in the pit. Along the way, it may come into contact with critical mechanical and electrical equipment.
The immediate damage is usually easy to spot. The greater challenge is identifying the hidden damage that can surface long after the water is gone. Moisture can lead to corrosion on safety components, deterioration of electrical connections, and premature failure of mechanical parts. Something that appears functional today may become a much bigger issue months down the road.
That’s why it’s important to treat every water event seriously, even when the elevator appears to be operating normally.
Six Steps to Take After a Water Event
1. Prioritize Safety
Before anything else, make sure the area is safe.
Look for potential electrical hazards, slipping hazards, or other unsafe conditions. If there are concerns about electrical exposure, disconnect power at the mainline disconnect and secure the area until qualified personnel can assess the situation.
Your first priority should always be protecting people — not equipment.
2. Move the Elevator Away from the Water
If safe and operational, move the elevator to the highest available landing and remove it from service. This helps minimize additional exposure to water and protects sensitive components located on top of and underneath the car.
3. Prevent More Water from Entering the Hoistway
One of the more costly mistakes I see happens during cleanup. Well-intentioned building staff are focused on removing water quickly, so they push it toward the nearest opening — which often happens to be the elevator doors. Unfortunately, that can make the situation much worse.
If possible, create a barrier to block off the area around the elevator entrance and direct restoration teams to extract or divert the water elsewhere. The goal is simple: keep as much water as possible from entering the hoistway in the first place.
4. Document Everything
One of the most valuable things you can do is document the event thoroughly.
Take photos of the source of the water, the affected areas, and any visible damage. Record which floors were impacted and any details about how the incident occurred. The more documentation you have, the easier it will be to evaluate damage, support insurance discussions, and validate repair recommendations later.
5. Contact Your Elevator Contractor Immediately
The sooner your elevator contractor evaluates the equipment, the better.
An early assessment can help determine the extent of the damage, identify immediate concerns, and establish whether any elevators can safely be returned to service while repairs are planned.
If repairs begin right away, be sure that damaged components are preserved and properly documented.
6. Save Damaged Parts
This step is often overlooked.
If components are replaced, keep those damaged parts until repairs are complete and any insurance reviews are finalized. They may be needed to verify damage, support claims, or answer questions that arise later in the process.
It’s far easier to provide evidence when you still have the component in hand than it is to explain why it was discarded.
Learn from our experts
Watch the on-demand webinar presented by David Vance: “Navigating Water Damage: Rising Above the Claims”
Watch For Hidden Damage
Not all water-related damage shows up immediately.
We’ve seen situations where corrosion develops months after a water event. Electrical connections may deteriorate, ropes may begin to show signs of rust, and mechanical components that initially appeared unaffected can require replacement later.
Interior finishes can also be impacted. Wall panels may delaminate, flooring materials can separate, and water intrusion inside the cab can create long-term cosmetic and operational issues.
For that reason, it’s important to continue monitoring performance after the initial repairs are completed and to maintain open communication with your elevator contractor if new issues emerge.
Reducing Future Risk
While no building can eliminate every flood risk, there are several steps that can help reduce the likelihood of major elevator damage.
Newer technologies such as flooded pit sensors can automatically remove an elevator from service when water is detected. These systems are designed to help prevent equipment from operating in unsafe conditions.
Building owners should also evaluate sump pump reliability and consider backup power solutions where appropriate. A sump pump that loses power during a storm or flooding event may not provide the protection you expect when you need it most.
Finally, if your building has recurring groundwater or water intrusion issues, addressing the source of the problem is often the best long-term investment. Preventing water from reaching the elevator equipment is always less expensive than repairing the damage afterward.
The Difference is in the Response
When water enters an elevator system, time matters. A quick response, proper documentation, and a thorough inspection can significantly reduce repair costs and downtime. Just as important, understanding where hidden damage may exist can help you avoid unexpected failures months after the event.
How VDA Can Help
Water damage can affect elevator performance long after the initial event. A VDA elevator equipment evaluation helps uncover hidden issues, prioritize repairs, and protect your investment. Contact our team to schedule a consultation and discuss your facility’s needs.
Ready to dig deeper?
Watch the on-demand webinar presented by David Vance: “Navigating Water Damage: Rising Above the Claims”
About the Author
David Vance joined VDA in 2023 through our partnership with Allsafe Elevator Inspections/Dominion Elevator Inspections/High Sierra Elevator Inspections. In his current role, he is responsible for strengthening regional inspection strategy, promoting consistency, and supporting growth across the West-Northwest region’s footprint. Follow him on LinkedIn.