Garage door questions

Stop using the door and keep everyone clear of it. Don't lift or force a door with a broken spring or cable, and don't try to put a door back on its tracks yourself: the springs or cables may be broken (B&D). Then call us or send the form.

The force in a spring is about equal to the door's weight, and it's released violently if the spring breaks while wound. Steel-Line says replacing or adjusting any part of the spring assembly is dangerous, and that if a spring breaks you shouldn't attempt a repair (Steel-Line).

Check the door is still on its tracks. Pull the red manual release cord down firmly once, then push the door up by hand. Never pull the door with the cord. Take care if the door is open: weak or broken springs can make it fall fast (Merlin).

Check the safety sensors near the bottom of the door. If dirt or cobwebs block them, or they're out of line, the door can reverse. If they're clean and lined up, the limit settings may need adjusting (B&D).

Grinding usually means metal on metal, such as worn rollers or bent tracks. Rattling often means loose nuts, bolts or screws. Popping from a torsion spring system can mean a spring is failing, which isn't something to inspect or fix yourself (B&D).

B&D's warranty asks for a service within the first 12 months, then at least once every two years (B&D). Steel-Line suggests every 12 months or sooner (Steel-Line). Check your own door's warranty.

For any wiring, yes. A new power point, or hard-wiring an opener, is electrical wiring work, and in NSW that needs a licensed electrician, whatever the job costs (NSW Government).

The batteries can be. Button batteries can get stuck in a child's throat, and children up to 5 are at greatest risk. If you think a child has swallowed one, call 13 11 26, or triple zero (000) if they're bleeding or struggling to breathe (ACCC). Keep remotes out of children's reach.

Your landlord or agent. Tell them, in writing if you can. A fault that makes a property unsafe or insecure is an urgent repair, and if you can't reach them, you can contact a repairer yourself and be paid back up to $1,000 (NSW Government).

The owners corporation must repair and maintain common property, and owners maintain what's within their own lot (NSW Government). Ask your strata manager or committee whether your garage door is common property before you book anything.

No. Garage door businesses pay us for the enquiries we send them. See our referral marketing disclosure.

We only pass them to one garage door business, and only with your permission. If we can't place your enquiry, we tell you and delete your details within 14 days. Our privacy policy has the detail.