Okay we can use some help. We where able to get online and had a dial tone

[redirish28]

several hours today than all of a sudden are computer lost connection to the internet and no dial tone. Now my wife (the handy-woman in our family.) took the phone outside checked the box to make sure there wasn't a problem with the box. The box itself is working fine. So my wife takes the phone jack off and tries a new one (she always had but never needed.) She connected the wires. Nothing is working. We did a temp solution that she's afraid will get us in trouble but right now she isn't too concerned.

Interesting thing happened-- Our landlady walked passed the window beside that box right before it happened and my wife said she was glaring at the window. (She than complained to us that she had no phone service.)

My wife also noticed the heavy wire (my wife's words) going to the box into the home is REALLY loose.


First question-- how much would it be for some sort of repair man (other than the phone company) should run

Second Question-- Is it possible that the landlady pulled that main line to cause our problems.

[DainBramaged]

1. could be number 2

the phone company is responsible for ALL wiring outside the house. They will come and test/fix no charge, and that's Nationwide. Inside, your problem. Call your phone company from work or the cell. I'm pretty sure you are verizon.

[WhiteTara]

2. if these are phone lines you are talking about

then I don't think the voltage will kill you. Try to tighten them up yourself.

[TheKentuckian]

3. I'll tackle a piece, if you are worried about getting in "trouble" for tapping into your box

you should have no concern, it was standard trouble shooting when I worked support for land lines.

You are likely paying for wire maintenance as well since companies usually just throw it on your tab unless you specifically (and often in writing) request NOT to have it. If it is outside then they are responsible for fixing it in any case.

I'd guess $100 an hour for a repairman if you do need one out of your own pocket unless you can find someone out of work or up for a lil moonlighting.

Look over your bill and see if they are getting you for line maintenance because if it works at the box they will most likely designate it as "inside wiring". It probably has a jacked up abbreviation and cost less than 2.50 and more than likely in the area of 1.65.

[TexasProgresive]

4. From a phone guy

You wrote that your wife had dial tone at the protector. This is the demarc, the point where the phone company ends and your stuff begins. If there was dial tone at that point then the trouble is on your side. If you do not have some sort of inside maintenance agreement then there will be a repair bill.

If any wires are loose tighten them up and see if that fixes the problem. Phone lines carry 50 volts DC and fairly low current. If someone rings your line and you are touching the terminals you will get shocked but it feels worse than it is.(yell loudly and do a dance!)

PM me if you have any questions.