My phone was working an hour ago and now it is not I have went out and tried the test jack out side and it has dial tone but all the jacks in the house are dead what could be the problem?

Could any of the lines been chewed on by a pet, or could water/moisture have caused corrosion on any of the lines... such as on an extension phone cord? I've had both situations occur to my phone lines in the past... entire system went dead exactly as you described.

Next question then would be if your jacks are in a circuit loop where one leads to the next... or if they each have a separate feed into the main outside jack that you mentioned?

As far as moisture, I was even thinking of ice/frost possibly building up on the lines connections... maybe where it enters the house. I don't know where you live, the weather, or anything, so I am only trying to offer suggestions.

I am also wondering if you have linebacker protection service on your phonelines? If yes, check if the phone company will check your issue free of charge.

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Originally Posted by oneguyinohio

Next question then would be if your jacks are in a circuit loop where one leads to the next... or if they each have a separate feed into the main outside jack that you mentioned?

As far as moisture, I was even thinking of ice/frost possibly building up on the lines connections ... maybe where it enters the house. I don't know where you live, the weather, or anything, so I am only trying to offer suggestions.

I am also wondering if you have linebacker protection service on your phonelines? If yes, check if the phone company will check your issue free of charge.

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Thank you I will check

I would start with the cable that feeds out of the outside box and check your connections all the way from it to the first junction box inside. A voltage detector would work great on this project.

I came across the niftiest gadget for trouble shooting, a voltage detector. They work through the insulation of wires. There are several brands. I have a GB Instruments GVD-505A, less than $15 at Home Depot. Touch it to a hot wire, and the end glows red. Find the doodad that lights it on one side, and not the other, and you have the culprit. You do not have to open up housings and expose electrical contacts. You are looking at where your hand is, not where the meter is. Most people are capable of doing repairs and will get it going and not get hurt if they use a little sense. The voltage detector makes it even easier.

If it makes it to their Box, A good line should have about 48 volts(on hook), be sure jumper is plugged in outside to restore connection inside. Call your house from another location, if it rings and rings, line is open, if it rings busy, then shorted(loaded down).
A good pair should connect to red and green on phone jack.