Simple Steps for Repairing a Doorbell

A doorbell that is not functioning can be a nuisance when you miss a delivery or a friend that stops by. Of course it can be helpful in avoiding door-to-door salesmen. In any event doorbell repairs are fairly simple for most homeowners. By following a few simple steps you should be able to repair the non-working bell. You will only need a set of small screwdrivers, flat and Phillips, depending on the installation, a small bit of sandpaper and a multi-meter if the first two steps do not solve your problem.

Keep in mind that most doorbell units run on about 16 volts from a transformer. Working on the bell or chime unit should not pose any dangers. However, if you need to replace the transformer there will be 120 volts on one end.

Push button unit:

The push button unit on the outside of your home is the first item to check. Push buttons malfunctions occur frequently due to corrosion and use. Use a screw driver to remove the cover and check the contacts. The contacts should be shiny. If not, use a small bit of sand paper to clean the corrosion off of the contacts. Push the contacts together with the plastic portion of the bell and listen for the chime. You can also use your fingers if you don't mind the slight jolt.

Next check to see if the wires have broken off of the contacts. The wires will be screwed down and you can easily reconnect them if there is enough wire remaining. If you have more than one door bell, front and back, check both.

Chime assembly:

If your bell still does not work you should check the chime assembly itself next. Most of the covers for these will just pop off. First check to see if any of the wires have come loose. The next problem area is the plunger that should move when the door bell is pushed. On occasion dirt can build up that will cause the plunger not to move. You can clean this or even spray a bit of all purpose lubricating oil and check to see if the plunger now moves freely.

Transformer:

If these steps do not repair your doorbell you will need to check the voltage from the transformer. Use an A.C. volt setting and check the voltage out of the transformer. It can be anywhere from 6 to 24 volts depending on your exact system. In newer homes the transformer should be located right on the side of the electrical panel. In older homes you may need to trace your bell wires back to a different location. If you do not have voltage at the transformer you should first check to be sure no circuit breakers have been turn off.

The next steps can be more complicated and unless you are sure of your skills they may best be left to an electrician. You will need to be sure that one side of the transformer is receiving 110 to 120 volts. 117 volts is the average. If it is receiving this on the input side you will need a new transformer. If you have more than one doorbell button you may need a higher rated transformer to produce enough voltage for multiple buttons.

Still doesn't work?:

If the above steps do not solve your problem you have a more serious situation. If the transformer is not receiving an input voltage there is a problem with the electric panel or the wiring to the input side of the transformer.

If the door bell button is making contact, the chime plunger is moving freely and the transformer is working you may have a break in your wiring. If you can find a visible break you may be able to repair it. If the break is inside a wall you now have a bigger problem. You can take apart your walls or hire an electrician. You might also consider getting a non-wired doorbell. A remote unit will have a push button for your door and a receiver that plugs into a receptacle. This could be an easier solution if you have tried everything else.