Knoxville Garage Door Blog

3 Garage Door Repair Tips To Try First

You’re having an issue with your garage door, but you’re not sure what caused it. Now, you’re hesitant to do anything that could further damage the garage door. 

As garage door repair experts, we’ve seen a variety of problems that keep garage doors from operating correctly. We also have the knowledge of the most common and easy-to-fix issues.

Follow these garage door repair tips to see if you can make a quick fix. If it doesn’t work and you’re in our greater Knoxville service area, including Knox, Anderson, Roane, Union, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Sevier, Blount, and Loudon county, let our friendly, knowledgeable techs give you a helping hand.

Tip #1: Check Your Transmitters (Remotes)

One of the most common reasons why garage doors stop opening is the transmitter’s batteries are dead. Before beginning a garage door repair, check to make sure your transmitter works with the following checklist:

  • Replace the batteries (pay attention to the positive and negative ends)
  • Check the range (try using the transmitter at different distances)
  • Check the antenna on the motor unit (if this is damaged, you’ll need professional garage door repair) 

If the transmitter issues continue (or you the steps above don’t work), our experienced staff will be happy to help. Call us and we’ll send a trusted garage door repair technician anywhere in the greater Knoxville, TN area.

Tip #2: Check The Garage Door Path & Photo Eyes

Photo eyes are the invisible light beam system that detects potential garage door closing blockages. Check to see if an object is blocking the door’s path, causing the system to prevent the door from closing. 

Alternatively, the photo eyes could also be out of alignment. Point them directly at one another to allow them to work and give your door permission to move again.

Lastly, double check to make sure the photo eyes’ lenses aren’t dirty. Residue or other dirt could block the light beam from exiting the device. Cleaning it with a mild, streak-free cleaner and a soft cloth should do the trick. 

Once you’ve tried these tips and the garage door still isn’t operating correctly, it’s time to call us for a professional garage door repair (in Knoxville and surrounding counties).

Tip #3: Check Your Disconnect Switch

When you open your garage door manually, the disconnect switch releases the garage door from the motor. This comes in handy when the power goes out and you need to get the car in or out of the garage. However, folks often accidentally release or forget about a released disconnect switch, and the door simply won’t open.

When the door doesn’t move and the motor runs through an open or close cycle, this is likely the problem. To fix it:

  • First, open the garage door fully and find the disconnect switch hook (it’ll be near the motor).
  • Reattach that switch and the door should operate from the motor again without issues.

Should it still have problems and the motor is operating, call us and we’ll send a technician to diagnose and offer a quality garage door repair in the greater Knoxville area.

Need Additional Help?

If you have an issue with the structure of your garage door (like the track system or the springs), the mechanics of the motor, or another problem, call us and we will provide expert diagnosis and professional garage door repair inside Knox, Anderson, Roane, Union, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Sevier, Blount, and Loudon counties. 

Click here or call (865) 573-1950 to tell us about your issue, and we will happily provide you with a professional service call or estimate.