How to Replace a Doorbell Chime

A broken doorbell can have you missing deliveries and even neighbors while you are inside your home. Instead of relying on the hope that your visitors will knock to get your attention, replace your door chime as soon as possible. With a few tools and replacement parts, you should be able to complete the task in an hour.

Even if your doorbell is not broken, there are other reasons to consider replacing it. Sometimes a door chime sound is irritating, while others are too quiet to notify the occupants of the house.

There are many door chimes that can meet most needs. Go to your local home improvement store for a wide variety of options. Some stores have displays where you can test each doorbell. If you prefer to shop online, many retailers include an audio file of the sound the doorbell makes to help you with your decision.

Before beginning this task, you should check the wiring. To do this you need a friend and a multimeter. Remove the chime cover and attach the multimeter to the terminals. Then ask your friend to push on the button on the doorbell while you take a reading. The reading should be between 12 or 13 volts.

If your wiring is functional, then you can proceed by installing a new door chime. If the multimeter indicates that you have no power running through the circuit, call an electrician who can rewire your doorbell.

Once you have ensured that the wiring is functioning properly, turn off the power at the circuit breaker box. Use your multimeter to check that there is no power reaching the circuit before proceeding.

Now you can remove the old door chime. Using a screwdriver, loosen the screws at each terminal to remove the wires from the unit. Remove any other fasteners that are holding the chime to the wall, then carefully remove it.

Attach the new door chime to the wall using the screws or fasteners included in the kit. Fasten the wires to the correct terminals after the unit is in place. There should be a diagram in the manufacturer’s instructions to help you with this step.

Once the wires are properly fixed, turn the circuit back on and test the chime by ringing the doorbell. If it is functioning properly and is giving you the sound and volume you desire, you can then replace the cover over the unit.

Replacing a door chime can be a simple act that can cut down on the frustration of your daily life. If you have little knowledge of electricity or are not comfortable with basic home improvement tasks, consult a professional. Because of the basic level of this type of home improvement project, the cost should be minimal.