Automatic Gate Repair in Southampton: Common Faults and What to Do
When an automatic gate stops working, it's more than an inconvenience. You might be locked in, locked out, or left with an entrance that won't secure. We repair automatic and electric gates across Southampton and Hampshire, as well as Dorset, Surrey and Berkshire, and we work on gates installed by other companies too.
First: keep everyone safe
If the gate is moving unexpectedly, not stopping when something is in its way, or hanging loose on its hinges, stop using it and keep people and pets clear. Don't try to force a gate that's stuck under power. If you need it open, use the manual release (our guide to opening an electric gate by hand explains how).
Send us photos or a video
The quickest way to help us understand the fault is to send photos or a short video by WhatsApp to 07890 387915. Show the gate trying to move, any lights or beeps on the control panel, and any visible damage. It helps us work out what's wrong and bring the right parts.
Common faults we repair
The gate won't open or close at all
Often a power problem, a tripped supply, a control board fault or a motor fault. It can also be the gate sitting in manual release mode.
The remote doesn't work
Could be a flat battery, a handset that has lost its programming, or a receiver fault. If one remote works and another doesn't, the handset is the likely cause.
The gate stops halfway or reverses
Frequently caused by photocells that are dirty, misaligned or faulty, a damaged safety edge, or the gate meeting resistance from worn hinges, a stiff track or something in the way.
One side of a double gate won't open
Double gates have one motor per gate, so a fault can affect one side only: a motor, its wiring, or its settings.
The gate stops working after rain
Water in a motor, junction box or control panel, or a waterlogged underground motor, is a common cause.
The gate beeps
Control panels often beep to warn of a fault, such as a blocked photocell or a battery problem.
Keypad, intercom or GSM not working
We check and repair keypads, intercoms, GSM units and handsets.
We've written guides on several of these faults, which are linked below.
How a repair works
- You get in touch, with photos or video if you can.
- We visit and diagnose the fault.
- We explain what's wrong and what it will take to fix, before we carry on.
- We repair and test, including a force test where safety devices or settings have been affected.
- You get paperwork explaining what we found and what we did, including any worn parts to keep an eye on.
Out-of-hours help
Our normal hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:30pm. Out-of-hours emergency call-outs are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Extra charges apply outside normal hours.
Preventing the next breakdown
Many breakdowns start as small wear problems that a service would catch. Electric gates should be serviced at least every six months. A maintenance contract tailored to your site keeps on top of it for you, with force testing and a written report each visit.
Repairs for businesses and industrial sites
We also repair barriers, bollards and industrial gates for business premises, car parks, yards and managed residential sites.
Areas we cover
Southampton, including Shirley, Bitterne, Woolston, Bassett, Portswood, Totton, Eastleigh, Chandler's Ford and Hedge End, and across Hampshire, Dorset, Surrey and Berkshire.
Frequently asked questions
Do you repair gates installed by other companies? Yes.
Can I send you a video of the fault? Yes, please do. WhatsApp it to 07890 387915.
Can I open my gate if it's broken? Most gates have a manual release. Use it only if the gate is safe to move, and keep people clear.
Do you repair sliding and cantilever gates? Yes, as well as swing gates, barriers and bollards.
Should I get the gate safety checked after a repair? Where a repair affects safety devices or settings, we force test before we leave.
How do I stop it happening again? Service the gate at least every six months.