Elevators and Rain: Before, During and After
In cities like Jeddah, where heavy rain can fall in just a few days, water can reach an elevator quickly. These simple steps before, during and after rain keep residents safe and protect the elevator from a bigger fault.
Before the rain
These steps are for building owners and managers:
- Ask your maintenance company to check the elevator before the rainy season, especially if the building is in an area where water collects.
- Ask whoever looks after the building to make sure rainwater drains away from the entrances and the basement.
- Put your maintenance company's number somewhere visible near the elevator, so residents can report problems easily.
During the rain
- If water is coming into the building or getting close to the elevator, don't use it. Take the stairs where you can.
- Avoid taking the elevator down to the basement during heavy rain.
- If the power goes out, don't use the elevator until it's back and building management confirms it's working safely.
If the elevator stops with you inside, call for help and stay in the car, as explained in our article "Stuck in an Elevator: What to Do".
After the rain
Look out for:
- Water near the elevator doors on the ground floor or in the basement.
- Water or obvious damp inside the car.
- The elevator stopping or behaving unusually.
- Buttons or lights that don't work properly.
If you notice any of these:
- Stop using the elevator — even if it seems to work normally.
- Put up a notice for residents — and ask them to use the stairs for now.
- Call your maintenance company — and tell them what you saw and where.
- Don't try to fix it yourself — don't remove water near the elevator, restart it, or open its doors.
Water near electrical equipment is dangerous for anyone close to it. Leave it to a qualified technician, and don't put the elevator back into service until they've inspected it and confirmed it's safe.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the elevator while it's raining?
Light rain normally isn't a problem. What matters is that no water reaches the elevator. If water is coming into the building or getting close to the elevator, take the stairs.
The elevator works normally after the rain. Does it need checking?
If you haven't seen water near it or any change in how it works, keep using it and stay alert. If water collected near the elevator, it's best to have it checked even if it seems fine.
Can I clear the water near the elevator myself?
No. The water may be close to electrical parts, which is dangerous. Stop using the elevator and call your maintenance company.
How soon does a technician arrive after I report it?
For our maintenance contract customers, a technician is on site within 24 hours of the report. For everyone else, we book the earliest available slot by priority.
