Has your garage door opener suddenly stopped working? Don’t panic – many garage door issues have simple fixes you can try yourself before calling a professional. In this post, I’ll cover some common problems with garage door openers and steps you can take to get your door opening again smoothly.
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Bad or Worn Out Battery
One of the most common reasons a garage door opener might stop functioning is a weak or dead battery. Most garage door openers run on battery power as a backup in case of a power outage. Over time, batteries lose their charge and need replacing. Check if your opener has a battery and replace it if it’s more than a year old. Make sure to get an alkaline or lithium battery for longer life.
Broken Gears or Springs
The mechanical parts inside your garage door opener work hard every time you use it. Gears and springs can weaken or break down over thousands of open/close cycles. Listen for odd noises when operating the door – scraping or grinding could indicate worn gears needing replacement. Sprung or detached springs are also a safety hazard and require a pro for repair.
Sensors Are Out of Alignment
Infrared safety sensors are designed to reverse or stop the door if something passes through the closing garage door. Over time, sensors can shift slightly out of position. You may notice the door not closing fully or needing to be manually pushed the rest of the way down. Adjust the sensor brackets to realign the invisible light beams.
Loose or Worn Connections
Problems can arise from loose wires or terminals where the garage door opener connects to the power source and door. Wiggle wires and check for corrosion – a loose wire could be preventing the motor from receiving power. You may also need to clean or tighten the connection between the door arm and the door itself.
Try a Garage Door Opener Repair in Laurel
If none of the above fixes help resolve your garage door issues, it may be time to contact a professional. Local companies like Garage Door Opener Repair in Laurel offer complete diagnostics, repairs, and preventative maintenance to restore smooth operation. Quality technicians have the know-how and tools to overhaul internal mechanisms or install new parts as needed.
When to Call a Pro Immediately
Some garage door problems indicate underlying mechanical failures that require a technician’s expertise right away. Signs like a door that suddenly will not shut all the way down, makes loud grinding noises, or reverses and reopens partway could mean a main spring, cable, or other component is at risk of breaking. Play it safe and schedule a garage door opener repair appointment.
With some basic troubleshooting knowledge, many common garage door issues homeowners face can be fixed independently. But for complex mechanical failures or safety concerns, rely on qualified professionals. With the right repair, your garage door opener should give you trouble-free performance for years to come.
Meet Rodney, our garage guru. With a wrench in one hand and a can-do attitude in the other, he’s your go-to expert for all things repair and replacement.
