How To Open Your Garage Door Manually When the Power’s Out

Garage door openers offer effortless convenience and reliability when it comes to opening the garage door. They’re designed for reliable operation and low maintenance. However, there are times you may need to open the garage door manually.

Whether you’re dealing with a power outage or an inoperable opener, understanding how to open the garage door manually is important for your safety.

Opening the Garage Door From the Inside

If you need to open the garage door from the inside, here are the steps you’ll need to follow:

1. Make sure any garage door locks are unlocked and latches are unlatched.
2. Unplug the automatic door opener.
3. Find the opener’s emergency release handle. This cord has a red handle hanging from the door’s center track.
4. Pull the emergency release handle. This disconnects the garage door from the opener, allowing you to lower the door manually.
5. Lift the garage door straight up from the bottom until it stops.
6. Make sure the open garage door stays in place.
7. Close the door manually by pulling it down by hand.

Opening Your Garage Door From the Outside

If there’s no power, a garage door opener without a battery backup won’t function. Whether you’ve arrived home and can’t access the house or you’re stuck inside without the ability to get your car out of the garage, it becomes an issue when the door doesn’t open or close.

To manually open the garage door from the outside, follow these steps:

1. Each garage door is different. Some doors may have a locked emergency release kit near the top. You’ll need the key to open the emergency release kit.
2. Once opened, the release kit will release an emergency release cable. Pull out that cable to put the door into manual mode.
3. Unlock the garage door. The lock is usually on or near the handle toward the bottom of the door.
4. Using your hands, grip the handle and pull the garage door straight up.
5. Make sure the door stays in the open position.

Safety Precautions When Opening Your Garage Door

Garage doors are heavy. Under the right circumstances, there’s a risk of serious injury if the proper safety precautions aren’t taken.

Here are a few steps to take to stay safe when manually opening or closing your garage door:

• Unplug the garage door opener.
• When the garage door is open, don’t pull the emergency release.
• Don’t leave the door unattended when open.
• Lock the door manually when the door is inactive.
• Know when it’s time to call a technician.

Call Balanced Garage Doors for Emergency Service

Throughout the Lawrenceville, Marietta, and Alpharetta areas, Balanced Garage Doors has built a reputation as the preferred garage door service provider. With same-day service, no service fees, and trucks fully stocked with high-quality parts, we’ll arrive ready to handle any garage door emergency.

Our highly qualified technicians and staff sell, install, and service all major garage door brands. You can depend on our five-star service for quality work and outstanding customer service.

Schedule garage door opener repair in Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, or Marietta by calling (770) 880-0376.