When your garage door opener starts malfunctioning, it can feel like an overwhelming problem. After all, the garage door is one of the most important components of your home—protecting your belongings, and your car, and providing security. While you may not be a professional repair technician, there are certain issues that you can address on your own without calling in the experts. However, it’s crucial to know when to take matters into your own hands and when it’s best to bring in a pro.
Here are five common garage door opener repairs that you can tackle yourself, along with guidance on when it’s time to call a professional for help.
Fixing a Dead or Faulty Remote Control
The Problem: You press the remote, but nothing happens. The garage door refuses to open, leaving you stranded in your driveway.
What You Can Do:
Before you assume your garage door opener is broken, check the remote first. A common culprit for this issue is dead batteries. Replacing the batteries in your remote control is simple, quick, and affordable. Just pop open the battery compartment, replace the batteries with new ones, and see if the issue is resolved.
If replacing the batteries doesn’t work, try reprogramming the remote. This can be done by following the instructions in your user manual. Typically, you’ll need to press a button on the motor unit inside the garage to sync the remote again.
When to Call a Pro:
If the remote still doesn’t work after replacing the batteries and reprogramming, it could indicate a deeper issue with the motor or the remote’s transmitter. At this point, it’s time to call a professional to diagnose and fix the problem.
Clearing Obstructions in the Tracks
The Problem: You hear a strange noise when the door is in motion, or the door seems to move unevenly, and you wonder if something’s blocking the tracks.
What You Can Do:
Often, debris, dirt, or even small objects can block the tracks that guide the garage door. If this happens, your garage door opener may struggle to operate smoothly, or the door might not open or close completely.
Start by inspecting both sides of the tracks. Look for any visible debris, leaves, or other obstructions that could be blocking the door’s path. You can easily clear out small objects by hand, or use a vacuum to suck up dust and dirt. Additionally, check the tracks for any visible dents, which can also interfere with the smooth operation of the door. If you find any damage, you might need a replacement.
When to Call a Pro:
If you’ve cleared the tracks but the door still isn’t functioning properly, or if you notice deep dents, warping, or other significant track damage, it’s time to call in a pro. A technician can adjust or replace the tracks to ensure smooth door operation.
Lubricating Moving Parts
The Problem: You hear squeaking, grinding, or other unusual sounds while your garage door is operating, indicating friction in the system.
What You Can Do:
Over time, the moving parts of your garage door opener—such as the springs, rollers, and hinges—can become dry and start to create noise. According to our friends at Commonwealth Garage Door, regular lubrication is a simple and effective way to reduce wear and tear, and ensure your garage door opens and closes smoothly.
Use a silicone-based lubricant, which is ideal for metal components. Apply it to the tracks, rollers, and springs, but be sure to avoid getting any lubricant on the door’s drive belt or chain, as this could attract dirt and grime. You can also clean the rollers to ensure they’re free of debris before lubricating them.
When to Call a Pro:
If lubrication doesn’t eliminate the noise or if the noise becomes worse over time, you might be dealing with worn-out rollers or springs. In this case, it’s time to call a professional to inspect the system and replace any parts that are no longer functioning properly.
Aligning the Photo Eye Sensors
The Problem: Your garage door keeps reversing for no apparent reason, or it won’t close completely, even when there’s nothing blocking it.
What You Can Do:
The issue could be that the photo eye sensors, which are responsible for detecting obstacles in the door’s path, are misaligned. These sensors are typically located on either side of the garage door near the floor.
To realign them, start by inspecting the sensors to make sure they are not blocked by dirt, spider webs, or other debris. If the sensors are clear, gently adjust them by hand until they’re properly aligned with each other. You should see a small light on each sensor, which will either blink or remain steady when they’re aligned correctly.
When to Call a Pro:
If aligning the sensors doesn’t solve the problem, it could indicate a wiring issue or a faulty sensor. At this point, you’ll need a professional to diagnose and repair the problem.
Replacing a Broken Garage Door Spring
The Problem: The door opens partway, but then it stops or is very difficult to lift. A broken spring could be the cause of the problem.
What You Can Do:
Unfortunately, garage door springs are typically not a DIY repair. While you can inspect the springs for visible damage, such as a gap in the coil or noticeable wear, replacing them is dangerous and requires specialized tools. Attempting to repair or replace a broken spring without proper knowledge and experience could result in serious injury.
When to Call a Pro:
If you suspect that a spring has broken or is malfunctioning, it’s essential to call a professional garage door repair technician. Professionals have the training and tools to safely replace broken springs and get your door functioning properly again. Never attempt to repair a spring on your own.
Conclusion
Maintaining and repairing your garage door opener doesn’t have to be daunting. Many small issues can be handled with a bit of knowledge and some basic tools. However, knowing when to call in a professional is key to ensuring the safety and longevity of your garage door system. If you ever feel uncertain about a repair, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek help from an experienced technician.
