This makes sure your line isn’t interrupted by a phone that’s off the hook and that you’re not still currently on a call.
If you have a cordless phone, it’s possible the phone line isn’t working because the battery is dead. If you have a regular corded phone, use it to test the phone line without having to wait for the cordless phone to charge.
If the plug is damaged, that could be your issue. Get a new phone cord to see if your phone line will work.
This helps you rule out your phone as the source of the problem.
If only 1 jack is affected, call your phone company to get a service call for that individual jack. This might save you money since you know where the problem is occurring.
This can help you see if the phone can receive calls but not make them.
You’ll see the phone cord sticking out of the box. If your home is very old, you may not be able to open the phone line box. In that case, call the phone company to request a service call.
Check that you’re using the right type of screwdriver. The screws may be flat head or Phillips head.
This is where you’ll test your phone line.
This unplugs the internal phone line from the exterior phone line.
This plugs your phone directly into the exterior phone lines.
If you hear a dial tone, the problem with your phone line is on the inside of your house. If this is the case, you’ll likely need to get the phone line inside your home repaired. If you don’t hear a dial tone, there is likely an issue with the phone company’s lines that are coming to your home. Call your telephone provider and request that they check your line.
Both a multimeter and voltmeter can test your phone line’s continuity. Additionally, a voltmeter can test whether or not the phone company’s signal is reaching your home.
Leave everything connected and plugged up if you’re using a voltmeter to test for a signal.
If there’s no reading or it’s 0, you likely aren’t getting a signal from the phone company. Call the phone company to schedule a service call for repairs.
This will temporarily disconnect the phone line from your home so you can test the wiring.
Both multimeters and voltmeters have a continuity setting.
If the screen remains blank or the reading is 0, your leads aren’t working. This means your device is faulty, so you’ll need to get a new device.
If your wires are different colors, take turns touching them to the leads in pairs to check for continuity.
Your phone company may send a service person out to fix the wiring at your cost. However, they might recommend that you hire a general contractor to access wiring inside your walls.
When you call the phone company, tell them that your internal wiring is not showing any problems or specify which telephone jack appears to be the issue. This may help them fix the problem faster and could save you money since you know the problem isn’t on your end.
You’ll also get a busy signal if the phone was accidentally left off the hook or someone else is dialing the number at the same time you are. In some cases, you might get a fast busy signal or a busy signal after a ring if your phone number is blocked.
It’s best to try the number several times before you assume something is wrong. However, spread out your calls so that you aren’t constantly dialing the number.
