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AddA broken garage door spring is one of the most common reasons a garage door suddenly stops working. If you live in Bothell, Mill Creek or elsewhere in south Snohomish County, here is what usually happens when a spring breaks, how to recognize it, and what to do next to stay safe.
Springs do most of the work of lifting a garage door. The opener only guides the door, while the springs counterbalance its weight. Most homes use one of two types:
When a spring breaks, the door suddenly becomes much heavier, and the opener may not be able to lift it.
Some of these signs can also point to a cable problem. Our article on broken garage door cables explains how the two are related.
If your car is stuck inside, ask a technician about the safest way to get it out rather than lifting the door yourself.
Springs are rated for a limited number of open-and-close cycles, so they wear out over time. Common factors include:
Regular garage door maintenance can help spot wear before a spring fails.
Many doors use two springs that were installed at the same time and have done the same amount of work. When one breaks, the other has often seen similar wear. A technician can explain whether replacing both makes sense for your door, so you can decide with clear information.
You can read more on our garage door spring repair page.
We work with homeowners in Bothell, Mill Creek, Lynnwood, Everett, Snohomish and nearby communities. Each area has its own mix of older and newer homes, and spring sizes vary from door to door, so a proper inspection matters.
Homes across Bothell and Snohomish County range from older houses with extension springs on each side of the door to newer builds with torsion springs above it. Both types can break, and both are dangerous to handle without training. Extension springs should also have safety cables running through them, which help contain the spring if it snaps. If you notice a spring without a safety cable, mention it when you call.
Running an opener against a door with a broken spring can strain the opener’s motor and gears. A door that drops or moves unevenly can also bend tracks, damage panels or pull cables off their drums. Stopping use right away is the best way to limit extra damage and keep the repair simple.
If your garage is used as a main entrance, the springs will cycle more often, so regular checks are especially helpful.
Call a technician if you hear a bang, see a gap in a spring, notice loose cables, or the door suddenly feels heavy. It is better to have a door checked early than to wait until it will not open at all.
When you call about a broken spring, a few details make the visit go more smoothly. Let the technician know whether the door is stuck open or closed, whether you see one or two springs above the door or along the tracks, and whether any cables are loose. A photo taken from a safe distance can also help. Mention the approximate age of the door and opener if you know them, and whether the garage is your main entrance. This helps the technician arrive prepared and explain your options clearly.
It isn’t recommended. The door can be very heavy without spring support, and lifting it can be dangerous. Stop using the door and contact a technician.
No. Springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury if released incorrectly. Spring work should be done by trained technicians with proper tools.
If you heard a loud bang, see a gap in the spring, or the opener runs but the door barely moves, a broken spring is likely. A technician can confirm the cause.
Springs are under constant tension, so they can break at any time once they are worn, even when the door is still.
If your door has a broken spring, stop using it and call us at (425) 970-9426. You can also send us a message with what you’re seeing, and we’ll talk through the next steps and provide a written estimate before work begins.