CONSEQUENCES OF WATER INGRESS TO THE LIFT PIT
Water in the lift pit can lead to Health & Safety issues and costly lift break down.
There is a possibility that water in the lift pit could affect the lift mechanism and electrical systems, which could result in the lift breaking down. The situation can become very dangerous if water gets into the lift’s electrical components. Lift parts that corrode pose a safety risk. The damage to the lift mechanism and the electrical system can result in costly repairs.
Since the water in the lift pit may be contaminated by oil and grease from the lift equipment, a sump pump is not recommended unless the water is disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations.
When a lift pit is equipped with a sump pump, heavy rain may cause the water to back up because storm drains and sewers are under extreme strain, causing pits to back up.
Furthermore, a build-up of condensation and stagnant water in the lift pit may produce a foul smell described as ‘rotten egg’ odour, which is caused by hydrogen-sulfide gas resulting from anaerobic decomposition. This does not only smell bad, but it can be hazardous to lift technicians and maintenance contractors. Any repair works would require trained and qualified confined space entry personnel using gas exposure monitors that can detect the presence of the substance.
WHY DOES LIFT PIT WATERPROOFING FAIL SO OFTEN?
A common problem with lift pits is groundwater leaking into the lift pit area, especially during and after heavy or prolonged rain events. We often discover that the causes of water ingress problems in lift pits are due to:
- Incorrectly installed or damaged waterproofing system.
- The pit is too old for any effective waterproofing system to have been originally installed.
- Floor/wall joint acts as a passageway for water ingress.
- Defects and cracks in walls and floor that have evolved over the years, sometimes caused by movement.
- Deteriorated construction components.
- Altered water table levels.
Lift pits are like mini basements because they are almost always below ground. The design of a lift pit should be considered as an integral part of the structure/building design and waterproofed to prevent water ingress.
As the water table rises, lift pits are vulnerable, especially during the wet season. By constructing adjacently, the water table can be changed, which could result in water leaking into a lift pit that was previously dry. By means of construction joints, cracks in the walls, or cracks in the floor, water can enter the lift pit. Water has a way of finding a way through any weak points by following the path of least resistance. Once water has entered the lift pit, it will pool on the floor and keep rising, usually until it has reached the height of the water table.
HOW CAN WATERSTOP SOLUTIONS HELP KEEP YOUR BASEMENT AND LIFT PIT DRY AND PREVENT MOISTURE FROM MAKING ITS WAY IN?
Wall to floor joints in infill slabs and retaining walls and service pipe penetrations often act at basement leakage points. This can cost-effectively be remediated. Water that enters through access points can be tricky to successfully seal and patching things up rarely works. A wet basement/lift pit can be treated by targeted high-pressure injection into the wall-floor joint and/or into vertical joints, such as between contiguous piles. Curtain injection method may also be used to waterproof structural elements that are in contact with the ground and are affected by water intrusion. The injected hydrophilic polyurethane liquid chases the water deep into cracks and voids in the building elements and forms a flexible watertight seal. This remedial waterproofing treatment can be followed by the application of a waterborne epoxy coating or a negative side waterproof membrane.
Image: Lift pit successfully leak sealed/waterproofed by Waterstop Solutions.
It takes licenced remedial waterproofer and leak sealing experts like us at Waterstop Solutions to ensure that the pathways for water to ingress are properly sealed off. A depth of technical knowledge and experience, along with a proud reputation for integrity and reliability, has made Waterstop Solutions the go-to company for many Defect Managers working for major construction companies across Queensland and New South Wales.
We can turn damp, leaking lift pits, lift shafts and basements dry and safe again. We at Waterstop Solutions have the technical and practical expertise to diagnose the source of the leak and will provide you with our recommended solution to achieving an effective, high-quality, long-lasting to stop the water ingress with minimal disruption
We believe in and are committed to always delivering high-quality solutions by utilising the right products and techniques for each specific project combined with our industry-leading know-how on tap. We have a large talent pool of specialist leak sealing and concrete repair technicians with Certificate III in construction waterproofing in Queensland and New South Wales that are extensively trained in our systems and project execution methods.
The leadership positions on every Waterstop Solutions project are operated by highly qualified, certified and experienced industry professionals. Our in-house skills and expertise gained from more than 60 years of industry experience provide a full range of high-quality remedial waterproofing and concrete repair works to commercial buildings, civil infrastructures, industrial sites and residential properties. From waterproofing diagnostics, preventative and remediation solutions – All of our waterproofing solutions are quality guaranteed.
