To make the quiet line test use a wired phone not a DECT phone and dial 17070 then select option 2.

http://www.anomalousaperture.com/2008/08/a-simple-te...

Evening Tim

You should try to trace the line further, particularly where it is overhead on poles etc.

Also note any weak points such as where it passes near/through trees, or supported on other buildings etc.

It goes from our house to a pole about 30 yards away, then presumably down the pole and underground to the cabinet which is about 100 yards away from the pole. Then it's about 1km to the exchange. No trees anywhere near it...

You mentioned earlier that when it disconnected during one shower, it recovered after about 18 minutes.

That suggests (but does not prove) that the problem is likely to be somewhere in the exposed length, from and including the 30 yard pole to your house. particularly at attachment/restraining/suspension points.

My reasoning is that as the recovery time of 18 minutes is relatively short, it is likely to be moving/running/draining rain water, rather than a relatively static, accumulating "pool", that would take longer to dry out.

Also, has it happened during high winds without rain, which would suggest suspension points? In this case, more likely to be brief and intermittent.

Again - not absolute proof.

Heavy mists, frosts etc?

Check those areas/points, both dry and when raining, looking for runnels of draining water.

You may find binoculars handy!

Any other lines on the pole, so neighbours with similar problems?

Don't overlook the possibility of disturbances between the pole and the cabinet - eg new fence posts erected, old fence posts taken out, ditches etc.

Also don't forget the QLT.

Edited by deleted (Thu 01-May-14 07:22:51)

Well, openreach have finally replace the ancient grey twin wire from our house to the pole so hopefully that'll be the end of our problems... Fingers crossed!

Thanks for the progress report - always interesting to hear what is happening.

Wait for a few rain storms, then update us again.

Thanks.

And the good news is that after several heavy showers I can confirm that we now have a waterproof phone line!!! Yeehaa!!!

Can't believe it's taken probably four or five OpenReach visits over the last 18 months before one of the engineers said straight away - "I know what the problem is, it's the line from your house to the pole".

Thanks for everyone's input, much appreciated.

Tim

How are the speeds etc?

Any signs of improvements?