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It's 7 AM, you're late for work, and your garage door won't open. Your car is trapped inside. Don't panic — here's exactly what to do.

Step 1: Don't Force It

This is the most important rule. If the door is stuck, do not try to force it open with the opener button, by pulling on it, or by disconnecting and lifting manually. If a spring is broken, the door weighs 150-250 pounds without spring assistance. Forcing it can:

• Damage panels beyond repair
• Snap cables under tension (dangerous)
• Burn out your opener motor
• Cause the door to fall on you or your car

Step 2: Quick Diagnosis

Look at these three things:

1. The springs above the door — do you see a gap in the coil? If yes, the spring is broken. This is the most common cause.
2. The opener light and sounds — does it hum but the door doesn't move? The opener may be disconnected or the drive gear is stripped.
3. The safety sensors — check the small sensors at the bottom of the door tracks. If one light is blinking, realign them. This is often a quick fix.

Step 3: Call for Emergency Service

Call 855-335-5508. We offer 24/7 emergency garage door repair across all our service areas with no overtime charges. Typical response time is 60-90 minutes.

Step 4: While You Wait

• Don't keep pressing the opener button — this can burn out the motor
• Keep children and pets away from the door
• If you need your car urgently, ask the dispatcher if a quicker response is available
• Take a photo of the springs and any visible damage — this helps the technician arrive with the right parts

What the Repair Typically Costs

Emergency repairs don't cost more at Garage Door Home Pros — same prices 24/7. The most common emergency repair is a broken spring, which typically runs $150–$350 for a pair. The technician will diagnose the issue, give you a written quote, and get your approval before touching anything.

Prevention

Most garage door emergencies are preventable with annual maintenance. A $100 tune-up catches worn springs, frayed cables, and misaligned tracks before they fail. Schedule yours at 855-335-5508.

Need Garage Door Help?

Our licensed technicians are available 24/7 for same-day service.

Call 855-335-5508