Garage door sensors have been standard in new installations for decades. These sensors are located near the garage floor and detect when an object is in the way of the door. If there’s something in the way while the door is closing, the door will either stop or start rising again. This simple technology has prevented countless injuries and maybe even some deaths along the way. Continue reading to learn more about sensors and about residential garage door repair in Irondequoit, NY.
Ways to bypass a garage door sensor
Though the sensors are useful, they can be a pain in the neck in some situations. Luckily, bypassing them is easy by following these steps:
- Step over the sensor: The easiest way to get around dealing with the sensor is to step over the line each time you walk under the door. The sensors are typically only about two inches off the ground, so it’s not like you’ll need to hurdle over anything to enter or exit your garage.
- Remove a photo eye sensor: If you don’t want to step over the sensor line each time you walk in and out of the garage, simply remove one of the photo eyes. The sensor doesn’t work without two eyes, so taking one out will render it useless.
- Pull the emergency cord: You can also trick your sensor by pulling down on your garage door opener’s emergency cord. When the cord is pulled, it disengages the sensors, allowing you to pass freely. Keep in mind that you’ll need to open your garage door manually after pulling the cord, which can be tricky if you have an especially big door.
What if my sensors are broken?
Just like the rest of your door, the sensors are built to last. However, they can malfunction from time to time, leaving you with a door that’s less than safe. Here’s what you should do if the sensors are broken or not functioning correctly:
- Disconnect the opener: If you notice that your sensors aren’t working, we recommend disconnecting the opener by pulling down on the emergency cord. Though you’ll have to open your door manually, pulling the cord ensures there won’t be any accidents from a closing door. This is a smart move if you have children or pets running in and out of the garage.
- Try realigning the sensors: Check to see if one or both of the sensors is blinking rapidly. If so, it’s probably misaligned, causing it to malfunction. You should be able to realign them yourself without the help of a professional—it’ll just take a little bit of tinkering to get them right.
- Replace the sensors: Sensors still not working after your realigned them? You might have to get new ones! With the right tools, you can install sensors yourself, but it might be a good idea to call a professional to handle the job for you.
Whether your sensors are broken or your garage door just isn’t working, be sure to call our team at Affordable Garage Doors for help! Day or night, we provide 24-hour garage door services in Irondequoit, NY for all sorts of issues. Get in touch today to schedule an appointment.