Garage door opener repair

Things to check first

• Is the opener plugged in, and does the outlet have power?
• Do the batteries in the remote need changing?
• Does the wall button work, even if the remote doesn't?
• Are the safety sensors near the floor lined up and clean, with nothing in the way?
• Is the lock on the opener or the wall control turned on by mistake?

Using the manual release

The red cord hanging from the opener lets you move the door by hand during a power outage. Only pull it if the door is fully closed, or if it's open and safely supported so it can't drop. If a spring is broken, pulling the cord can let a heavy door fall fast. If the door looks crooked, makes a grinding noise, or the opener hums but nothing moves, stop and call.

Repair or replace?

Many opener problems are small: a worn gear, a bad sensor, a remote that needs to be reprogrammed. If the opener is old, noisy, or doesn't have safety sensors that stop and reverse the door, the technician may suggest a new one. They can explain the choices, like chain, belt or wall-mounted openers, and what fits your door and garage.

Other garage door help

• Broken springs
• New garage doors
• Off track and cables