When you press the garage door opener button, you expect to be let in. However, what happens when it doesn't work? Don’t panic: There are a few things you should try before calling for repairs. Below, Elizabethtown Overhead Inc. in Kentucky shares three tips for diagnosing and potentially solving the problem.

Try These 3 Steps if You Can’t Get Your Garage Door to Open

1. Check the Power Source

Mechanical failure is often not the cause of garage door opener failure. Instead, the power source is frequently to blame. Check that your opener remote has new batteries and that the power to the garage is on. Sometimes a short will occur, and the breaker will trip temporarily, preventing the door from operating.

2. Assess the Disconnect Switch

Every garage door opener has a disconnect switch to allow you to manually open and close the door if the power goes out or your system isn’t working properly. Most of these disconnect switches are ropes attached to the system that can be pulled to turn on manual mode. If it has been dislodged, your opener will not work until you re-engage the hook.

3. Consider the Manual Lock

When you use the garage door opener, do you hear a mechanical noise before the system goes silent without moving? It’s possible that your manual lock is on, preventing the door from going upward. These features promote security and are great tools for when you go on vacation, but they can be a nuisance if you forget to unlock them before using the garage door upon your return. 

Assess your garage door opener issue before calling professionals for assistance. If the three tips above don’t work, it’s time to bring in an expert. The team at Elizabethtown Overhead Inc. can evaluate the situation and provide the tools and know-how to get you back in your garage swiftly. Call the crew at (270) 763-9121 or visit their website for information on their prompt garage door services like installation, repairs, hardware replacement, and 10-point safety checks.