Escalators are workhorses. Day in and day out, they keep people moving, but when something goes wrong, it doesn’t take long for things to grind to a halt. The real danger? It’s not usually a catastrophic failure that takes an escalator offline. It’s a small issue that gets ignored… until it’s too late.
So, how do you catch a minor hiccup before it becomes a shutdown?
Pay Attention to the Little Clues
Escalators tend to give warning signs before they fail. Unusual sounds, subtle vibrations, or even slight jerks in movement can all be early indicators that something’s off.
Common red flags to watch for:
- Squeaking, grinding, or humming noises
- Sudden stops or hesitation during operation
- Loose or misaligned handrails
- Steps that seem uneven or shaky
These small issues can often be resolved quickly if they’re addressed early.
Schedule Preventive Maintenance (and Stick to It)
Preventive maintenance isn’t just a box to check. It’s the best insurance policy you have. Regular inspections, lubrication, cleaning, and part replacements help catch wear and tear before it turns into a service call, or worse, a safety hazard.
Skipping maintenance to “save money” often backfires, leading to:
- Emergency repairs
- Increased liability risk
- Long-term downtime
- Higher replacement costs
A routine schedule keeps everything running smoothly and protects your budget in the long run.
Don’t Wait for the Escalator to Stop
If you’re waiting for a full breakdown to justify action, you’re already behind. Downtime affects tenants, customers, and building flow and damages trust.
A better approach: Act on warning signs. Document them. Call for an inspection even if it seems minor. Proactive response is almost always more affordable and far less disruptive.
Conclusion
Escalator failures rarely happen out of nowhere. They’re usually the result of small problems that were brushed aside or missed altogether. The key is catching them early and treating escalator maintenance as essential, not optional.
Stay alert, stay proactive, and your escalators will keep moving, safely and reliably, for years to come.
