How often should I have my Stannah stairlift serviced to ensure its reliability?

A Stannah stairlift should normally be serviced by a qualified technician every 12 months to maintain safe, reliable operation. Always follow the interval in your user handbook, warranty or service agreement if it differs, and arrange an earlier inspection if the stairlift develops a fault, unusual noise or a noticeable change in performance.

Annual servicing is a practical minimum for most domestic stairlifts because it allows wear, electrical issues and safety-related faults to be identified before they cause a breakdown. A service is not simply a quick visual check. The technician assesses the stairlift as a complete system, including its movement, controls, charging arrangements and safety features, and makes adjustments or recommends replacement parts where necessary.

You may need to consider more frequent professional attention where the stairlift is used heavily, is installed outdoors, operates in a particularly dusty or damp environment, or has previously needed repeated repairs. The same applies if the user’s mobility or transfer needs have changed and the stairlift is being used differently. Your service records and the technician’s assessment can help determine whether the usual annual interval remains appropriate.

Do not wait for the scheduled service if you notice any of the following:

• jerky, hesitant or unusually slow movement;
• new squeaking, grinding, clicking or other unfamiliar noises;
• the stairlift stopping unexpectedly or failing to complete its journey;
• difficulty starting the lift from the controls, armrest or remote;
• the batteries not charging, the charging indicator behaving unexpectedly or the lift frequently reporting low power;
• the seat, armrests, footrest or swivel mechanism feeling loose or operating differently;
• a safety belt, obstruction sensor or other safety feature not working as expected; or
• visible damage, an unusual smell, heat or signs of fluid around the stairlift.

If a fault affects movement, braking, charging or a safety device, stop using the stairlift if it is safe to do so and contact a qualified service team. Do not continue making journeys merely because the lift still operates; an intermittent fault can become more serious without warning. If the stairlift stops on the stairs, follow the instructions in your handbook and seek assistance rather than attempting to lift or move the user manually.

Between professional services, you can carry out simple user checks. Keep the track, steps and charging points clear of obstructions, wipe accessible surfaces with a suitable dry or lightly damp cloth, and check that the stairlift reaches its charging position as instructed. Make sure the seat is correctly locked before travelling and report any change in operation. Avoid removing covers, adjusting electrical components, lubricating parts unless the manufacturer specifically permits it, or attempting repairs yourself.

A service is particularly important before or during periods when the stairlift will be relied on more heavily, such as after a long period of non-use or when the regular user returns home following a change in mobility. If the stairlift has been moved, exposed to water, involved in an impact or disconnected from its normal power supply, arrange professional advice rather than assuming that it is ready for use.

After the appointment, keep the service report with the stairlift documentation. It should record the condition of the equipment, any adjustments or parts fitted, and recommendations for follow-up work. Keeping this information makes it easier to identify recurring issues and helps ensure that the next service is based on the stairlift’s actual history.

In summary, book a professional Stannah stairlift service at least once every 12 months, use the manufacturer’s or service agreement’s interval where applicable, and arrange an additional inspection whenever performance or safety changes. Regular servicing cannot prevent every fault, but it is the most reliable way to detect wear early, maintain the safety systems and reduce the likelihood of an unexpected loss of use.