Fixing A Round Doorbell Button

A doorbell is a simple and sturdy appliance that should function tirelessly, but sometimes it stops working due to a broken doorbell button. Before attempting to repair or replace a round doorbell button, it is important to diagnose the problem. Most doorbell systems are very reliable, and wired systems can last for decades without any issues. However, constant use can cause wear and tear, and the button is usually the easiest part to replace.

To determine if the round doorbell button is the issue, you can perform a simple test. First, remove the screws and faceplate of the button from the door casing. Then, unscrew the terminal screws on the backside of the button assembly to free it from the wires connecting it to your house (usually two wires). If your doorbell has multiple buttons, ensure that the wires for each button are secure. Next, touch the bare ends of the wires together. If the chime sounds, the button is faulty and needs to be replaced. If the chime doesn't sound, the issue lies elsewhere in the doorbell system.

How to test a doorbell button

If your doorbell has stopped working, the fault is most likely with the button itself, due to wear and tear from weather and constant use. To test the button, follow these steps:

• Remove the screws holding the button to the door casing or jamb. You may need to cut through any caulk with a utility knife before removing the button.
• Unscrew the wires from the button.
• Cross or touch the wires together. If the chime rings, the button is faulty and needs to be replaced. If the chime doesn't ring, the issue lies elsewhere.
• If you have multiple doorbell buttons, repeat the test with the other buttons. A loose wire at one button can cause both to stop working.
• If you have a multimeter, set it to test for continuity. Place the probes on each of the terminal screws in the back of the button, then press the button. If the meter's needle doesn't move, the button is faulty and should be replaced.
• If you don't have a multimeter, you can also test the button with a new battery.
• If the button is faulty, attach the wires to the terminal screws in the back of the new button and fasten it to the door casing.

How to remove an old doorbell button

To remove an old doorbell button, you will need a screwdriver and possibly a utility knife.

Firstly, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box, circuit breaker box, or circuit breaker panel. You should also test the wires to ensure the power is off.

Next, remove the screws from the existing doorbell button. If the doorbell was previously caulked, use a utility knife to cut through the caulk before removing the button.

Now, disconnect the wires from the screws on the back of the doorbell button. You can then discard the old button.

If you have a wired doorbell system, you will need to check if the wires are secure. If you have multiple doorbells, ensure that none of the wires are loose, as this could be preventing the doorbells from functioning.

If you are replacing the doorbell button with a new one, you can now install it.

How to install a new doorbell button

Doorbell buttons have two different profiles from the back. One type requires a hole in the siding to accommodate the button, while the other sits flush with the siding. Check your existing doorbell to see which one you have.

Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools for the job. You will need a screwdriver, a utility knife, and needle-nose pliers. You may also need a voltage meter, a scratch awl, a drill, and a fuse or circuit breaker.

Firstly, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker box that controls the power to the fixture or room you are working on. Test the wires to ensure the power is off. Place the wall switch in the off position.

Now, remove the screws from the existing doorbell. If the doorbell was caulked, use a utility knife to cut through the caulk before removing the button. If there is any roughness on the siding that would prevent the doorbell from sitting flush, scrape it off.

Attach a clip or locking pliers to the wire to prevent it from falling behind the siding. Loosen the two screws holding the doorbell wires to the button on the back, disconnect the wires, and discard the old button.

If your new doorbell includes a mounting plate, hold it vertically against the siding and mark the mounting screw locations with a scratch awl. If your siding allows, make pilot holes about 1/4 inch deep with the awl. Otherwise, drill pilot holes with a 1/16-inch bit, and screw the plate to the siding.

Use needle-nose pliers to bend a J-loop in the ends of the bare wires. Slip one wire loop around a loosened screw on the back of the new doorbell button and tighten the screw to hold the wire in place. Do the same for the second wire and check that both are solidly attached.

Finally, screw the doorbell button to the siding or attach it to the mounting plate, ensuring the wires are completely concealed. Switch on the power to the transformer and check that the doorbell button operates correctly.

How to test a doorbell chime

To test a doorbell chime, you'll need to establish whether the chime unit is receiving power. This can be done by removing the cover and using a voltage meter to see if a current is flowing through the wires. If the current is flowing, the chime unit is likely failing and needs to be replaced. If no current appears on the meter, then the chime unit is not causing the issue.

If the chime unit is not receiving power, the problem could be with the doorbell button, the transformer, or a tear in the doorbell circuit wires.

To test the doorbell button, remove the screws that connect it to the door jamb or wall, and carefully lift it away, being mindful of the attached wires. Unscrew the connected wires from the screws on the back of the button. Gently touch the wires together and see if the doorbell rings. If it does, the button is causing the issue and needs to be replaced. If the doorbell doesn't ring, then the problem lies elsewhere.

To test the transformer, use a voltage meter to test the voltage output levels. If it's producing less than 16 volts, it needs to be replaced.

If all of the above components are working correctly, the issue may be with the doorbell circuit wires. These may be difficult to locate, but if you can find the broken portion, you can patch the area with a wire connector to restore the connection.

How to replace a doorbell chime

To replace a doorbell chime, you'll first need to purchase a new one. Doorbell chime boxes are usually rectangle-shaped and are roughly 6 inches by 4 inches (15 cm by 10 cm). You can find one at your local hardware store or any home supply store.

Once you have your new doorbell chime, follow these steps:

Removing the Old Chime

• Turn off the power to the circuit that the doorbell is wired to. Find the circuit breaker box and switch off the power to the room that your doorbell chime box is located in.
• Remove the cover from the chime. This is usually done by lifting it up from the bottom. Set the cover somewhere nearby.
• Loosen the screw holding the "Front" wire in place. This will be located on a small panel with two or three screws, each pinning down a lead wire.
• Label and remove the front lead wire. After loosening the "Front" screw, unhook and label the wire with masking tape or a small piece of paper.
• Repeat this process with the "Trans" and "Back" or "Rear" screws if your house has a doorbell at the back door.
• Remove the chime from the wall by unscrewing the two screws holding the metal chime plate. Gently pull the chime away from the wall, being careful to thread the loose wires out through the back.
• Tape the wires to the wall to prevent them from slipping behind your drywall.

Installing the New Chime

• Thread the wires through the back of the new chime.
• Mount the new chime to the wall with screws.
• Connect the wire labelled "Front" to the corresponding screw terminal on the new chime. Loop the exposed copper portion of the wire around the screw in a clockwise direction and tighten the screw.
• Repeat this process with the "Back" and "Trans" wires if applicable. Ensure that the exposed copper portion of the wire is held firmly in place.
• Turn the breaker back on and test the doorbell by pressing the button.

If your doorbell doesn't work, check that the power is on and that the wires are connected correctly. You can also test the conductivity of the wires with a battery tester or meter reader. If everything is functioning correctly, place the plastic cover back over the chime.

Frequently asked questions