A doorbell is one of those common household items that are all too easy to take for granted. You may not think about it much when it’s working, but you’ll definitely be able to tell when it’s not.
A broken doorbell is more than just a nuisance. It can also pose a safety hazard, and leave you surprised to see someone at the door. Repairing yours starts with knowing what caused the damage in the first place.
Let’s take a look at five reasons it’s gone silent, and what you can do to fix it.
- Water Exposure
Even high-end smart doorbells, which are designed to be as water-resistant as possible, are not waterproof. If they’re exposed to a substantial amount of water, then that moisture could damage their internal components. This is especially the case if there’s no structure over your doorbell to protect it.
If you can’t install yours under the protection of a porch or awning, then look for rain blocks or weather-shielding mounts at your local hardware store.
- Rodent or Insect Damage
It might be gross to think about, but mice and insects can actually weasel their way into the tiny compartments of your doorbell, and chew away at the wiring.
Especially if you’re already dealing with a pest problem, it’s a good idea to consider if this might be at the root of your problem. If you notice that your doorbell isn’t working, then look for visible signs of gnawing or chewing around the box. Then, call your local pest control expert and an electrician.
- Wiring Problems
Sometimes, simple wear and tear can cause the box that houses your doorbell to come apart. When this happens, the wires can become bent, frayed, or otherwise damaged. They can also degrade over time, even if the housing is intact.
This poor connection will result in a silent sound any time someone presses the button. If your doorbell appears to be untouched but still isn’t working, then it’s time to call an electrician.
- Damaged Chime Box
The chime box is the part of your doorbell that resides inside your home. It might be right inside your entryway, or in a nearby closet. If an object hits it or it becomes damaged in any way, then you may find yourself wondering, “How did my doorbell break?”
If dust and debris are to blame, then a simple cleaning might do the trick. Otherwise, an electrician can fix faulty wiring and restore any loose connections.
- Poor Installation
Not all home projects should be DIY. If you’ve attempted to install a new doorbell, then even one misstep could render the equipment inactive. It’s usually best to leave these experts in the hands of a professional, who knows exactly how to connect everything together so it works like a charm.
Of course, that isn’t to say that you should avoid DIY projects altogether! You can even repair basic issues with your doorbell by following some simple tutorials. Start with this straightforward guide on how to fix a doorbell!
Solve Your Broken Doorbell Woes
A broken doorbell can have a greater impact than you’d imagine. To restore yours to its proper working order, call an electrician to assess the situation and recommend next steps.
While these are a few of the most common causes of a broken doorbell, they aren’t the only ones. A professional will be able to clearly recognize the signs of damage and how to resolve them.
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