Monsoon season gate checklist for Phoenix

Short answer

Arizona's monsoon season runs June 15 to September 30, with strong winds, dust storms and flash floods. Before it starts, clean the solar panel, check the battery and lubricate moving parts. After a storm, clear debris from the track and sensors before you run the gate. Sources: Arizona Department of Water Resources, Mighty Mule gate opener maintenance guide.

The season

The monsoon season runs June 15 to September 30 (dates set by the National Weather Service in 2008). Storms bring strong winds, dust storms and localized flash flooding (Arizona Department of Water Resources).

Before the season (early June)

Clean the solar panel with mild soap and water, keeping water off the wiring (Mighty Mule gate opener maintenance guide).
Check the battery age; replace every 2 to 3 years (Mighty Mule gate opener maintenance guide).
Lubricate the gate and moving parts with silicone spray (Mighty Mule gate opener maintenance guide).
Learn the manual release. Turn the power off first, release the operator with its key or lever, move the gate by hand, then re-engage the operator and restore power afterwards. Follow the manual for your model (Apollo, LiftMaster LA400DC owner's manual).

After a storm

Clear dust, sand and debris from the track, wheels and in front of the photo eyes.
Wipe the photo eye lenses with a soft cloth (Elite Gates).
With the power off and the operator released, check the gate moves freely by hand (DASMA gate systems safety brochure (Nov 24).
Look for loose bolts and visible damage to wheels, track and brackets (Elite Gates).

Call a gate company when

The gate or post is bent, or a panel was hit by debris.
The gate grinds or binds after you clean the track.
Water reached the operator or control box.

What it may cost

Weather damage	$100 to $2,500
Track and roller repair	$200 to $700
Damaged photocells	$300 to $900

National ranges from Angi, not quotes. See the full cost guide.

Questions people ask

Quick answers

When is monsoon season in Phoenix?

June 15 to September 30 (Arizona Department of Water Resources).

How do I protect my gate during monsoon season?

Clean the solar panel, check the battery, lubricate moving parts, and clear the track and sensors after each storm (Mighty Mule, Elite Gates).

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Gate companies in Phoenix, AZ

Gate Repair USA is not a gate company. These guides are general information from the sources listed below. Stop at the safe checks: anything inside the control box, wiring, force or limit settings is a job for a gate technician. Costs are national ranges, not quotes.

Sources for this page

Last checked: November 2, 2026.