Emergency Garage Door Repair - What to Do When Your Garage Door Stops Working

A garage door malfunction can be more than an inconvenience—it can disrupt your schedule and, in some cases, impact your home’s safety. When your garage door suddenly stops working, you need an action plan. Here's a checklist of simple, practical steps to troubleshoot the problem before calling for professional, same-day garage door repair.            

1. Check the Power Source 

Sometimes, garage door issues are caused by something as simple as a power outage or disconnected power supply. Before anything else, ensure the opener is plugged in, and if there’s a backup battery, confirm it’s charged. If your door isn’t responding, try to open the door manually. This will tell you whether the problem is with the door mechanism or the power source.

Tip: If there’s a power outage, remember to disengage the automatic opener (typically by pulling the red release cord) to operate the door manually.

2. Inspect the Remote Control and Wall Switch

If your garage door opener is receiving power, but the door isn’t responding, the problem could be with the remote control or wall switch. Try these troubleshooting tips:

• Replace the batteries in the remote control.
• Check for any signs of damage or wear on the remote and wall switch.
• If you have a second remote, see if it works. If it does, the problem may be with your primary remote.

Tip: If neither the remote nor the wall switch works, this may indicate an electrical issue requiring professional help.

3. Examine the Safety Sensors

Garage doors are equipped with safety sensors near the floor on either side of the door. These sensors prevent the door from closing if an object or person is in its path. If these sensors are misaligned, dirty, or blocked, they may prevent the door from closing completely or cause it to reopen automatically.

To check the sensors:

• Clear any dust or debris from the sensors.
• Ensure that they’re correctly aligned and facing each other.
• If a sensor light blinks usually indicates an obstruction or alignment is off.

4. Inspect for Obstructions in the Track

Garage doors operate on a track system, which can occasionally get blocked by debris, dust, or other objects. A blocked or misaligned track can cause the door to jam or stop moving entirely. Here’s what to do:

• Carefully inspect both tracks for any visible debris or obstacles.
• If you see any objects or grime, carefully remove them with a soft cloth or small brush.
• Don’t attempt to straighten a bent track; this is best left to a professional.

Warning: Avoid adjusting the track itself, as doing so could create further damage or cause the door to become unbalanced.

5. Look for Broken Springs or Cables

Garage doors rely on torsion or extension springs to lift and lower safely. If a spring or cable snaps, it’s best not to try to fix it alone. Here are some signs of broken springs or cables:

• You may hear a loud bang when the spring breaks.
• The door may become difficult to open manually or feel heavier than usual.
• You may notice the door hanging unevenly on one side, which could indicate a broken cable.
• Broken springs and cables pose serious safety risks and should be repaired by a professional immediately.

6. Examine the Rollers and Hinges

Rollers and hinges help keep the garage door’s movement smooth. However, over time, they can become dry, rusty, or misaligned, which might make the door stop or jam. If the rollers or hinges look dirty or rusty, you can:

• Apply a silicone-based lubricant to rollers, hinges, and other moving parts.
• Avoid grease or oil, which can attract dust and worsen the problem.
• If the rollers or hinges seem damaged or out of alignment, a professional technician can help replace or realign them.

When to Rely on Professional Garage Door Service Maintenance

Routine garage door service maintenance is crucial to prevent unexpected malfunctions and extend the lifespan of your door. Regular checks can help catch early signs of wear or damage, saving you time and money in the long run. A professional maintenance service can keep your garage door in peak condition, helping avoid emergency repairs.

Final Thoughts!

While there are steps you can take to troubleshoot a garage door issue, sometimes professional assistance is necessary. For quick, reliable, same-day service, contact Garage Doors Hero and Gate, the garage door repair and maintenance experts. With fast, friendly, and efficient service, they’ll have your garage door up and running quickly.