Looking For a Garage Door Sensor Repair in Pittsburgh?
Check out this simple low-tech solution video. This might not be the correct fix for you. If not, give us a call!
If you own your own garage, then you are also probably using a sensor to go with it.
This much is expected since sensors make things more convenient and safe for you.
However, just like everything else, your garage door’s sensor will, in due time, wear out or break down because of unforeseen circumstances.
When this happens, a lot of problems can occur.
Just like your overhead doors, your sensors are machines that need fine-tuning from time to time and even prone to breaking down.
It is probably best to have some basic knowledge for when this happens.
So what exactly is it that you need to know about your garage door sensors?
The Garage Door Sensor Explained
All garage door sensors are universal and can be used in the same way. There may be different brands available in the market but they all have the same purpose.
Garage door sensors are mechanisms that work by transmitting infrared light from one side of the door to another. It is composed of a transmitter and a receiver.
When the path is obstructed, it sends a command or signal to your garage door’s opener telling it to not close the door as something may be obstructing the path. They function exactly like optical sensors.
Garage door sensors are usually located 4 inches above the floor’s surface.
Now amazing as it may seem, when these sensors break down, it will cause a lot of problems for your garage door. It may be one small component but its impact is definitely huge.
How can you tell if your garage door’s sensors are going bad?
There are quite a few tricks in which you can tell if your sensor is no longer performing as it should be. And in this article, we will be tackling some of the most common things you can do to check if your sensor is defective.
Sensors are quite complex mechanisms but very simple to understand. Know how they work and you will be able to tell if something is wrong or not. Here are some ways to know if your garage door’s sensors are going haywire.
Is there an obstruction along the sensor’s path?
This is the first thing you should check about your overhead door’s sensor – is the sensor’s path obstructed?
Sensors function by having a transmitter emit a red beam towards the receiver. When the receiver receives the transmission, it automatically sends a command to the system that everything is functioning as it should be.
Now when the transmitted light cannot reach the receiver, it gives off the information that something must be wrong. Thus, your garage door will not proceed to close.
If there is anything on the sensor’s path, make sure to remove it. Make sure nothing is on your sensor’s path. This should do the trick.
Is the sensor still connected to its power source?
This is another possibility as to why your sensor is not functioning. It may have been disconnected from its power source or there is a shortage of power distributed into your sensors.
To check if this is indeed the case, you may try to look for the LED indicator on your sensor. All sensors have an indicator that they are turned on. Check if both sensor’s indicators are functioning.
If by chance only one of the sensors has their LED indicator turned on, then there may be a problem with regards to your power supply. Try to check your fuse if it needs replacement or you may contact the necessary individuals who can help you with your problem.
Is there dirt on your sensor’s lenses?
It is not hard to imagine that dirt may be accumulating on your sensor’s lenses. As the sensors are placed near the floor, it is possible that mud was accidentally placed on its lenses or if you don’t clean your sensor’s lenses regularly, it is possible that it has accumulated there over time.
What you can do in this situation is clean your sensor’s lenses and if possible, clean it regularly. Make sure that there isn’t any dirt on it whatsoever. As long as there are no obstructions on it, the sensor should work just fine.
Is your sensor wet or moist?
Sensors need to be dry in order to function. Not all sensors are waterproof. If your sensor is not waterproof, then having it exposed accidentally to rain may have ruined your sensor’s functionality. If your sensors are wet or moist, make sure to dry them before attempting to use them again.
If this does not work, then it may be time to replace your overhead door’s sensor.
Are your sensors with you for a long time now?
If your sensor has been serving you for a long time now, then it is possible that your sensors are no longer functioning due to wear and tear. After all, everything has a lifespan in this world.
Your sensor should be able to serve you well on an average of about 10 years, so if it has been with you for more than that amount of time, then this could be the reason why your sensor is malfunctioning.
Conclusion
Your garage door’s sensors serve a vital role in the basic functions of your whole mechanism. If it malfunctions, then it can surely be troublesome.
If after trying the recommendations above your sensor still doesn’t work for you, then it may be time to try and reach out for professional help,
If you are looking for garage door repair services near Pittsburgh, contact Garage Door Pitt for any of your garage door problems. Our well trained and skilled technicians will be more than happy to cater to your needs.
We are a garage door repair company in Pittsburgh
We have been serving both residential and commercial clients , satisfying their every garage door need.
For any overhead door repair concerns, our company will be more than happy to help you out any time of the day.
What are you waiting for? Garage door sensor repair in Pittsburgh is now made easier just for you.
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