Pocket doors can help save space and minimize door-related drywall damage. However, there’s almost nothing more frustrating than a pocket door that happens to slide or fall off its track. Fortunately, fixing an off-track pocket door doesn’t have to be a complicated or expensive process.
To fix a pocket door off track, determine first how the door managed to free itself in the first place. Check the upper door hangers for signs of damage before cleaning the door tracks, retrieve the door from the inner pocket if needed, and check the door’s latch and wheels before reattaching.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to fix a pocket door that is off its tracks. But before you can get your toolkit out and begin to make the necessary repairs or adjustments, you’ll need to troubleshoot your pocket door problem.
Diagnose and Troubleshoot
While you may feel like you know exactly what the problem is, you’re nowhere closer to solving your pocket door issue if you’re unsure of how or why the problem occurred. For example, you might clearly see that the pocket door has managed to come off its tracks, but if you don’t know why you might be able to repair the door.
There are several common issues that plague pocket doors. Being able to recognize these complications is the first step toward avoiding and fixing them. When a pocket door is no longer running smoothly on its track, there are a handful of potential culprits.
An off-track pocket door could be the result of:
- Door or frame warping
- Broken or faulty door hangers
- Broken or dirtied track wheels
- A fractured frame or track
Examine your home’s off-track door for the above issues to determine the cause behind your pocket door problems. If you don’t find that any of the above issues are true of your door, you may want to contact a contractor or installation specialist for assistance.
Still, in most cases, poorly installed or broken door hangers are to blame. Fortunately, fixing this issue typically comes down to ordering a new pair of hangers or simply tightening a couple of screws.
Locate the Upper Door Hangers
If you haven’t done so already, go ahead and locate the upper door hangers on your pocket door. These will likely look like wheeled metal rectangles with a downward, hanging stem. The stem attaches to the door, allowing it to move smoothly along the upper track.
Some types of pocket doors may have upper and lower hangers to secure them to the frame. If this is the case for your particular door, you’ll want to take a moment to locate both. Either way, you’ll want to make sure that your hangers are all in excellent condition.
This means checking to ensure that your hangers are erect, strong, and secured to the door. You’ll also want to check for signs of rust. A rusty door hanger is a compromised component. Not only could a decaying hanger lead to a pocket door falling off its tracks, but it could also cause a pocket door to become trapped within its drywall casing.
Still, if you don’t locate any signs of rust or warping and your hangers are well-attached to both the tracks and the door, you may want to begin searching for other potential causes behind your track problem. Cleanliness is a significant factor to consider.
Clean Door Tracks
Dirtied pocket door tracks can be a nuisance. Stray hairs, dust bunnies, and bits of dirt can pile up to form unwanted friction along the door tracks. You can avoid this issue by remembering to vacuum your pocket door tracks weekly.
If you live in a dry area, you may also want to consider applying a metal and wood-safe lubricant to the track. Dry weather can cause tracks to crack and become brittle. A little oil goes a long way. Alternatively, individuals in high-moisture environments may need to check for signs of rust along the door track.
Once you’ve determined that your tracks are clean as a whistle, you can begin checking for other related issues that may be contributing to track issues. A fractured door frame or door may be the source of your pocket door troubles.
Reattach Door and Test
After fixing any potential issues, you may need to reattach the door. This can be tricky, especially if you attempt to place it incorrectly. Pocket doors fit precisely into their drywall pockets and onto their tracks. A wrong move could result in broken hangers, flying wheels, and a fractured frame or door.
Consequently, you’ll likely want to line up the top of your unattached door with the top track. Using a screwdriver or adjustable wrench (whichever tool works best for your hangers), secure the door to the sliding hangers. Push upward to help ease the door back into the frame. Line up the bottom of the door with bottom hangers and release the door onto the track.
You may be able to reattach your pocket door more easily with a little help. Having a partner, friend, or technician with you during this step can be exceptionally helpful. Once the door is attached and back on track, go ahead and test out your newly repaired pocket door. Be gentle but firm while handling the door. Too much pressure could be damaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions concerning pocket doors and their potential problems. Of course, if you can’t find your answer down below, you may want to reach out to a service technician for more information.
What Is a Pocket Door?
Pocket doors are sliding doors that hide behind drywall when open. Unlike traditional doors, they do not swing forward or backward. They are kept erect via a series of tracks and wheeled hangers.
Still, because a pocket door is hidden behind a wall during use, it can be tricky to repair or replace. These doors also pose a unique challenge to contractors and installation technicians. Installing a brand-new pocket door can cost thousands of dollars.
Regular pocket door maintenance and repair can help homeowners and tenants avoid costly replacements and installations. Becoming more familiar with your home’s pocket door may just help you save a little hard-earned money over the long-run.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Pocket Door?
The costs associated with pocket door installation vary greatly. Homeowners who wish to attempt a DIY pocket door project may spend about $400 to install a pocket door. However, this price may not accurately reflect the cost of all the necessary tools and equipment.
The average amount spent on DIY pocket door installation does not include labor. While it may seem strange to count your own time as labor, it’s important to do so. After all, every hour spent working without receiving pay, relaxing, or improving your health could be taken as a loss.
Still, professional installation services typically range from about $1,000 to $3,000. This more significant price reflects the cost of tools, labor, and supplies. But installation costs are bound to differ based on door size, type, and simplicity. Larger doors are often pricier, as are multiple installations.
The final cost of any pocket door installation will depend on these factors. Fortunately, consumers have plenty of options when it comes to the type of material for their door, the size of the door, and the intended location. This ensures that homeowners of all budgets have access to their ideal pocket door.
What Are the Most Common Pocket Door Problems?
The most common pocket door problems tend to be associated with wooden doors and frames. While this material is popular, it is prone to warping. This can make it impossible to retrieve a door from its drywall cubby or to push it back in.
Additionally, pocket doors often suffer from weight issues. A heavy door can pull on hangers, resulting in warped metal or loose components. Imprecise installation and construction can also result in long-term pocket door problems.
The best way to determine the cause behind your pocket door’s malfunction is to practice a few troubleshooting techniques. A professional contractor may also be able to offer you the advice and guidance you need to keep your pocket door in tip-top shape.
Conclusion
Almost anyone can fix a pocket door that’s fallen or slipped from its tracks. The first step to any successful repair project is to determine the cause of the problem. By troubleshooting a few potential issues, you can quickly diagnose your pocket door snag, which is commonly caused by loose or faulty door hangers.
If your door hangers aren’t to blame, you may want to clean the tracks and double-check your door’s jambs and latches. It may also be worthwhile to ensure the door’s wheels are functioning properly and are free of dust, hair, and other types of common debris.
Lastly, ensure that the door is properly attached to the door hangers and double-check that it is capable of smoothly sliding back and forth across the tracks. Feel free to give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back—pocket doors can be exceptionally frustrating to fix without professional help.
