Automatic garage doors are incredibly convenient for homeowners. They allow easy entry and exit from your home and offer great security. Unfortunately, there are times when your automatic garage door might not open. Power outages, a failing opener, or a technical issue can leave you stuck. These situations can be especially inconvenient during extreme weather or emergencies when you need quick access to your vehicle.
Knowing how to manually open your garage door can save you from these frustrating situations. It helps you maintain access to your home and vehicle, even if you’re having technical difficulties. At Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie, we’re here to guide you step-by-step through how to manually open your garage door after a power outage. Our expert advice will help you stay prepared and avoid unnecessary stress.
Steps to Open Your Garage Door Manually
When faced with a broken garage door opener, here are some steps you can follow to manually open your garage door safely and effectively.
Ensure the Garage Door Is in the Down Position
First, make sure your garage door is fully closed. Disengaging the opener when the door is still open or partially open can cause the door to slam shut, creating a huge risk of injury or damage. Plus, an open door may cause the opener mechanism to malfunction. Always make sure the door is in the down position before trying any manual operation.
Pull The Manual Release Cord
Find the manual release cord. This is typically a red T-shaped handle hanging from the garage door track. The cord is designed to disengage the door from the automatic opener. To use it, pull the handle down with some force. It requires a firm pull, but you need to avoid hanging on it or pulling too hard. Otherwise, you could damage the track or cord. This will disconnect the door from the opener, allowing you to lift it manually.
Manually Lift Your Garage Door Open
With the opener disengaged, you can now manually lift the garage door. Grab the door from the bottom and lift it evenly. If the door doesn’t move, it might mean there’s a broken or faulty spring. A properly functioning garage door shouldn’t be too heavy, and a single adult should be able to lift it. If it feels exceptionally heavy, there may be another issue that needs professional attention. Remember to lift with your legs and keep your back straight to avoid injury.
Reconnect the Door to Your Garage Opener
Once you’ve manually operated your garage door, it’s time to reconnect the door to the opener. Pull the manual release cord back toward the door. Have another person lift the garage door toward the opener until it clicks into place. Alternatively, you can wait until the power is back. Then the carriage will automatically move down the track and reattach to the door when the opener is pressed. Always test the door after reconnecting to ensure it operates smoothly.
Garage Spring Repair in Indianapolis
If you’ve followed all these steps and your garage door still doesn’t work properly, you might be dealing with broken springs or snapped cables. These are critical parts for your garage door to work correctly. At Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie, we offer comprehensive garage door repair services. Our expert technicians can inspect, diagnose and repair any issues, helping you make sure your garage door is back to working condition quickly and safely.
From routine maintenance to emergency repairs, our team is ready to assist you. If you find yourself struggling with a malfunctioning garage door, let our team help you. We’re dedicated to providing top-notch service and ensuring your garage door operates smoothly and efficiently.
Schedule garage door services with Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie today.
