How to Troubleshoot Telephone Wiring

Troubleshooting dead wiring may be necessary after heavy electrical storms.

Telephone wiring in the home still seems to hold a certain mystique, even for the experienced DIYer, but most telephone wiring repairs and troubleshooting problems are simple. Outside the home is the network interface installed by your telephone company. One side is usually locked and is only accessible by the telephone company, while the other side is open. The network interface, as well as the phone jacks inside the home, are the main problem points for most telephone wiring issues.

Instructions

1. Open up the network interface outside the home and locate the phone jack inside the box. Plug a phone line connected to a phone into the jack and check to make sure there is a dial tone. Call the telephone company if there is not a dial tone.

2. Open the network interface outside the home and find where the wiring from the network interface goes into the home. Make sure all the wires are properly connected.

3. Bring in a phone and line that you know is in good operating condition and plug it into the jack in place of the problem phone. If you get a dial tone, then either the problem phone or the line running from it to the wall is faulty.

4. Inspect the telephone wires that run along the wall of the home for damage. Rodents or pets may chew through wiring. Replace any damaged wiring.

5. Remove the cover of the phone jack and inspect all the connections inside to ensure they are screwed in properly. Use a screwdriver to attach any loose wires to their corresponding screws.

References

• DSL Reports: Quick Troubleshooting
• The Natural Handyman: Telephone troubleshooting
• Ask the Builder: Telephone Wire Troubleshooting