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The first step in fixing a door bell is narrowing down what is wrong with it. If the door bell does not make any sound at all, there is usually a problem with the door bell unit. The outside button of the bell can be damaged from the weather and dirt builds up over a series of years. These buttons should be regularly checked for damage and can easily be replaced if need be. To do this remove the cover and clean the contacts.
The best tool to use for cleaning contacts is a fine sandpaper or emery board. Next take a screw driver or similar tool and lift up the wires to see if the door bell will sound. If it does not then remove the button completely. Disconnect the wires and touch the ends together. If the bell rings the problem is the specifically the button. If the bell still does not work the problem is probably with the entire unit. If the wires around the sound unit or the transformer are lose or broken the door bell will not work. Make sure you check the wires at both places. If the wires appear damaged use electrical tape to secure them. Make sure they are not loose. If the wires appear severely damaged or broken off they need to be replaced. Once the wires are repaired make sure they are connected with the bell terminal. The next step is to check the transformer. This is usually located at in the box in the basement or near the circuit box. Make sure there is power running to the junction box where the transformer is. You can use a multi-tester to touch the transformer's terminals. If there is no voltage then the transformer is broken and must be replaced. Another tool that can be used to test for voltage is an auto light. Attach the auto light with wires to the transformer's terminals. If the bulb does not draw power (light up) the transformer in the junction box must be changed. Transformers can be purchased at your local home improvement store and can be tricky to locate by yourself. For all your door bell repairs ask for help in locating all necessary parts. When a door bell does not make a normal sound it is probably because the clappers are dirty. The door bell will not sound correctly if it is dirty. Usually it will make a muffled and quieter sound. Door bell chimes and plungers look like springs or coils. The clappers, chimes, and plungers on a door bell can easily be cleaned using a rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs. For hard to remove grim try a toothbrush. This only works if you have a mechanical door bell. If your door bell is electric do not clean it with alcohol you will damage the door bell unit. Often the door bell is overlooked in the general maintenance of the house. Yearly it should be reviewed for damaged and cleaned. If damaged parts are replaced in timely manner there is no reason your door bell can not last a life time.
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