If your garage door suddenly won’t open, feels unusually heavy, or you hear a loud bang from the garage, you are likely dealing with a broken garage door spring. It is one of the most common issues homeowners face, especially in busy areas like Burbank, CA, where garage doors get used multiple times a day. And if you are a DIYer, your first instinct is probably to fix it yourself. However, this is one repair where you need to be careful.
Let us walk through exactly what’s going on, what you should (and shouldn’t) do next, and how to handle it the smart way.
What Happens When a Garage Door Spring Breaks?
Garage door springs do the heavy lifting—literally. They counterbalance the weight of your door so it can glide along its tracks. When one breaks, the entire system gets thrown off.
You might notice:
- The garage door won’t open, or only opens a few inches
- The door feels extremely heavy
- You hear a loud snap or bang
- The opener struggles or stops working
In neighborhoods like Magnolia Park or near the Chandler Bikeway in Burbank, many homes have older garage systems, which means springs are more likely to wear out over time.
At this point, most homeowners wonder—is it safe to keep using the door?
Can You Open a Garage Door with a Broken Garage Door Spring?
Technically, yes—but it’s not a good idea.
When you have a broken garage door spring, the opener is no longer designed to lift the full weight of the door. Forcing it can:
- Burn out your garage door opener
- Cause the door to slam shut unexpectedly
- Lead to injury
If you absolutely must open it, do it manually with extreme caution and ideally with another person helping you. Yet, in most cases, it is best to leave the door closed until you fix the issue.
Now that you know the risks, let us talk about what you should do immediately after discovering the broken garage door spring problem.
Step-by-Step: What to Do Right After a Garage Door Spring Breaks
When this happens, it’s easy to panic—but a calm, systematic approach will save you time and money.
1. Stop Using the Door Immediately
Avoid pressing the opener again. Every attempt adds stress to other components.
2. Disconnect the Opener
Pull the emergency release cord to separate the door from the opener system.
3. Inspect the Springs
Look above the garage door. If you see a visible gap in the coils, it’s a broken garage door spring.
4. Secure the Area
Keep kids and pets away. A damaged system can still shift unexpectedly.
5. Assess Your Next Move
Decide if this is something you’ll handle yourself or if you need help sourcing parts.
In a city like Burbank, CA, where homes range from older builds near Downtown to newer developments, spring systems can vary. That means the right replacement part matters more than you might think.
So before jumping into a fix, let us talk about whether DIY is actually the right move.
Broken Garage Door Spring: Should You Fix It Yourself or Call a Pro?
This is where many DIYers hesitate—and for good reason.
Garage door springs are under extreme tension. Releasing or installing them incorrectly can cause serious injury. That said, some experienced homeowners do handle garage door spring replacement on their own—but only with the right tools and knowledge.
DIY Might Work If:
- You have prior mechanical experience
- You understand torsion vs. extension springs
- You have proper winding bars (not makeshift tools)
Call a Pro If:
- You’re unsure about the spring size or type
- You don’t have the correct tools
- Safety is a concern
A smart middle ground for many homeowners in Burbank is to source high-quality parts from a trusted supplier and then decide whether to install them or hire a technician.
That brings us to an important detail many people overlook—why replacing just one spring isn’t always enough.
Why You Should Replace Both Broken Garage Door Springs
Here’s something most DIYers don’t realize right away: garage door springs wear out at the same rate.
So if one breaks, the other is already close behind.
Replacing only one spring can:
- Cause uneven lifting
- Put extra stress on the new spring
- Lead to another breakdown soon after
Replacing both ensures balance and extends the life of your system. It’s a small upfront investment that prevents repeat repairs.
At this point, you are probably wondering what the cost looks like and whether it fits your budget.
How Much Does Garage Door Spring Replacement Cost?
Costs can vary depending on the type of spring and whether you do it yourself or hire help.
Typical Costs in Burbank, CA:
- Parts only: $40–$120 per spring
- Professional labor: $150–$350 total
- Full replacement (both springs): $200–$500
If you’re sourcing parts yourself, working with a reliable garage door parts supplier makes a big difference. Getting the wrong size or quality can lead to more issues down the road.
This is where knowing exactly what to look for—and where to get it—becomes crucial.
How to Choose the Right Replacement Spring
Not all springs are the same. Using the wrong one can damage your door or create safety risks.
Here’s what you need to check:
- Spring type (torsion or extension)
- Wire size
- Length and inside diameter
- Weight rating of your garage door
Many homeowners try to guess, but that often leads to ordering the wrong part. If you plan to replace garage door springs yourself, take accurate measurements or consult a knowledgeable supplier.
If you’re searching online, you might even consider where to buy garage door torsion springs online, but always make sure you’re working with a trusted, local source when possible. A trusted supplier like Cali Garage Door Parts can help you match the exact spring to your door, so you avoid costly mistakes and delays.
Why Local Expertise in Burbank Makes a Difference
Working with a local supplier in Burbank, CA, means you’re not just buying parts—you’re getting advice tailored to your setup.
For example:
- Homes near Griffith Park may have larger, heavier doors
- Older properties around Downtown Burbank may use outdated spring sizes
- Local building codes and safety expectations can impact installation
Thus, choosing a trusted provider for garage door parts in Burbank, CA, ensures you get the right fit the first time.
And when something doesn’t look right, having someone you can call or visit locally is a huge advantage.
FAQ: How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last?
Most springs last about 7–10 years or around 10,000 cycles (one cycle = one open and close).
If your garage door gets heavy use—like in busy households or small businesses—springs can wear out faster. Regular inspection can help you catch signs of wear before a full break happens.
Knowing this helps you plan ahead, especially if your system is already aging.
FAQ: What Are the Signs a Spring Is About to Break?
Before a full failure, you might notice:
- Slower door movement
- Jerking or uneven lifting
- Gaps forming in the spring
- Loud creaking noises
Catching these early can help you schedule a replacement before you’re stuck with a non-working door. Remember, that is always better than dealing with an emergency.
Buy Parts from a Trusted Los Angeles Garage Door Parts Supplier
Dealing with a broken garage door spring and not sure where to get the right parts fast? Why waste time searching or waiting for delayed shipments? At Cali Garage Door Parts in Burbank, CA, we make it easy to order garage door hardware parts with confidence. Whether you need wholesale garage door parts or a single part replacement, you can shop online, order ahead, and pick up fast.
Need it today? Ask about free local delivery. Call (818) 287-0555 now and get exactly what your garage door needs—without the hassle.
