Should You Align Your Garage Door Sensors Yourself Or Call In A Professional?
You may not think much about your garage door sensors until something goes wrong with them. These safety components prevent the garage door from closing down on people, vehicles, pets, or random objects. But, like most electrical devices, they can go haywire when you least expect it. When that happens, they could cause serious injuries. For this reason, having properly functioning safety sensors on automatic garage doors is a legal requirement, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Sometimes, the sensors stop working as expected because they are misaligned. This problem may be due to electrical issues, loose wiring, or wear and tear. It can also happen if the sensors are not installed at the correct height, or issues arise when they shift from their original alignment due to an accidental bump. There's no need to worry or run out to replace your garage door, but, no matter the cause, it's essential to either realign or replace them sooner rather than later.
The question is, should you do it yourself or call in the pros? Unless the sensors are severely damaged, you should be able to bring them back into alignment by yourself. In some cases, it's enough to loosen the screws that keep them in place so you can move them up or down as needed. But if you're dealing with more complex issues, such as faulty wiring or an unbalanced garage door, then it's best to seek professional help.
How to align garage door sensors by yourself
Generally, it's recommended to call in a technician when dealing with misaligned garage door sensors. This kind of repair work requires precision and technical know-how, as well as specialized tools. However, there are cases where the sensors can be aligned with minimal effort — and that's something you can do yourself. First, turn off the power to your sensors to prevent electrical shock. Next, wipe down the sensors to remove dust and other debris. Loosen the screws that hold the mounting brackets, and then adjust the sensor's position.
Start by sliding the sensors and their brackets downward. Tie a string around one bracket, then tie the opposite end around the other mounting bracket. The string should form a horizontal line between the two sensors. Now use a level to ensure the sensors are at the same height and angle. If you notice any discrepancies, adjust the mounting brackets as needed to achieve proper alignment.
When you're done, tighten the screws and re-check the sensors' alignment with a level. Turn the power on, then open and close the garage door. If the sensors are in the correct position, the door should close smoothly without reversing. Also, make sure the LED lights are green and blinking properly. If the sensors are still misaligned, the LED lights will be off or blink red.