It is 7 AM, you are late for work, and your garage door will not open. Or worse — it is stuck open overnight, leaving your home exposed. Here is what to do.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Stay Safe
If the door is stuck partially open or at an angle, do not try to force it. A door that is off its tracks or has a broken spring can fall unexpectedly and weighs 150-400 pounds.
Step 2: Check the Obvious
Before calling for emergency service, check these common causes:
- Power outage: Is your opener plugged in? Did a breaker trip?
- Remote batteries: Dead batteries are the number-one "false alarm" we see.
- Lock mode: Some openers have a lock switch that disables the remote. Check if it is engaged.
- Sensor alignment: The safety sensors at the bottom of the door frame need to be aligned. If the light is blinking, gently realign them.
Step 3: Use the Emergency Release
Every garage door opener has a red emergency release cord hanging from the track. Pulling this disconnects the door from the opener so you can lift it manually. This works even during a power outage.
Important: Only use the emergency release if the door is fully closed. If the door is partially open and a spring is broken, releasing it could cause it to crash down.
Step 4: Call Monroe Overhead Door
If the basic checks do not solve the problem, call us at 585-820-6559. We offer same-day emergency repair service throughout Monroe County. Our technicians carry common parts on their trucks, so most repairs are completed in a single visit.
What NOT to Do
- Do not attempt to repair springs yourself — they are under lethal tension
- Do not try to force a jammed door — you can cause more damage
- Do not drive through a partially open door — if the door falls, it can total your vehicle
- Do not leave your garage open overnight — call us for emergency service
We are available for emergency calls and will do our best to reach you the same day. Every repair comes with our 2-year parts and labor warranty.