How annoying…that front doorbell only works from time to time, and you never know whether someone is there. You don’t want to call an electrician for such a small job.
Hey, it’s often a quick fix — just replace the exterior button. Doorbell systems operate at a low voltage, so you really can’t get a shock. You also can’t damage the system by attempting a repair. Give it a try.
Check out the front button and loosen a few screws holding it to the door frame. If the button is recessed into the wood, carefully pry it from the hole in the wood frame with a putty knife or pocket knife. The wires can be delicate, so be careful not to damage them — and don’t give the wires a hard tug.
Once you have found the wires, remove them from the screws on the switch. Touch the two wires together. If you get the “dong” every time you touch the wires together, you have found the problem. Just go to the hardware store and find a similar replacement switch, attach the wires and install the switch.
It is really that simple. Most doorbell failures can be traced to the exterior button, which is exposed to the weather and takes a beating.
By Tom Feiza, Mr. Fix-It