How to find a phone line in a wall?

mcast123 · 14 Dec 2006 at 16:43

I recently had my flat completely redone inside, new floors, central heating, windows, lighting, kitchen etc. So here I am, a month after completion and I've just had my BT line and broadband connected. The problem is, all four phone sockets that I had fitted are dead (no voltage or dialtone).

BT are saying the line is fine and they can see a "capacitor" on my side. I've been told I need to find the BT "master" socket and test the line there. I think the dimwit electricians have buried it behind a wall (they can't remember).

How would I find it without getting a BT engineer at £70ph to look?

Uhtred · 14 Dec 2006 at 17:10

it should come in from outside, it will be directly on the other side of the wall from where it comes in. Look for any wires coming into your house from the ground or from the roof?

rpstewart · 14 Dec 2006 at 17:10

One of these ?

Seriously though, are the 4 phone sockets all extensions off the master? The master one only a portion of the face plate (lower half) should be removeable.

Zap said:
it should come in from outside, it will be directly on the other side of the wall from where it comes in. Look for any wires coming into your house.

Not necessarily, mine comes up the back of the building, in under the kitchen window, down the side of the washing machine, along the kitchen skirting, under the hall floor and pops up next to the bathroom on an internal wall.

mcast123 · 14 Dec 2006 at 17:23

I've already been through 3 different parts of the plasterboard with a saw. The line comes up through a riser, the problem is there's no easy way to see where this comes into the flat. I've looked on the outside walls and there is nothing there.

This is the most *no disguised swearing!* annoying problem ever, I may have to tear up my new flat. I'm *that's a bit dodgy!* but the signal is ropey.

Dist · 14 Dec 2006 at 18:38

cant you get one of those devices that checks walls for wires/pipes and just follow the wire along?

Greg · 14 Dec 2006 at 19:24

find where it comes into the building, and then try and get a tone tester or somthing to follow the wires.

WOMBATWILSON · 15 Dec 2006 at 16:56

why dont you try asking your neighbours if you can see where there master socket is. because thats what i would do if i came round and charge you for it

bitslice · 15 Dec 2006 at 18:15

ring the number and see if the mice answer,
then ask them to hand you the phone.

.

benjo plz. · 15 Dec 2006 at 18:17

^ lol.

Go find where it goes into the house from outside. The master socket won't be too far from it.

pcknight · 15 Dec 2006 at 23:30

Take the outside wall down

MAllen · 16 Dec 2006 at 19:54

Wouldn't it be cheaper to get the idiot builders to correct their mistake? Surely you would have a claim against them to make them find the important socket? Especially as they have killed all of your house phone sockets during their work. It's a bit like letting a builder cut off your water supply....