Simple Guide to Phone Jack Installation

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

Phone jacks come in two styles, surface-mounted or flush. Knowing your style of phone jack is the first place to start before replacing your old one. Although phone lines are low-voltage, minor (but painful) shocks can occur, so it is strongly encouraged to disconnect the power before making any adjustments to your phone lines. If you cannot access the interface box to do so, simply take all other phones off the hook to avoid receiving any incoming calls.

It should also be noted that you should never attempt phone jack replacements, or any type of electrical work, during a storm. This greatly increases the chances of electrocution by lightning.

Let’s get started.

1. Disconnect the telephone line by locating the interface box. This is usually attached to the exterior of a property, in the area where the phone lines enter the house.

2. At the telephone interface box, open the customer access panel so you can unplug the test jack. (If your box is older and does not have a test jack, simply unscrew the terminals to reveal the wires, and then detach them, remembering which wire went to which terminal.)

3. Once the test jack is unplugged, pick up the phone to ensure there is no longer a dial tone.

4. Now unplug the phone from the jack and then completely remove the jack from the wall. Be sure to remember which wire connects to which terminal.

5. Look for four wires, colored red, green, yellow, black, blue, and white. Only two wires are generally needed to connect a phone line; the other wires are used for extra lines or if a line fails. Red and green are used for the first and primary phone line most often.

6. Attach the new wires to the replacement phone jack. At this point, you can choose to use a utility knife to cut and strip the ends of the wires to expose fresh, untouched wire if they look brittle or discolored. Be careful to not cut into the wire. Do not cut more than ½ to ¾ of an inch back.

7. Using needle-nosed pliers, shape the ends of the exposed wires into a U.

8. Wrap each wire clockwise around each appropriate terminal.

9. Re-tighten the terminal screws and replace the jack to the wall.

10. Now you can re-connect the interface box and plug your phone back in!

Restoration By L & B, LLC

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for home remodeling and renovation services in Indianapolis. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to answer your questions about home repairs and more. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial restoration and remodeling services at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-454-3612 to learn more about home repair and remodeling in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding counties.

Home Inspection To-Do List for Spring

Home Siding Installation  317-454-3612

Home Siding Installation 317-454-3612

Every year, particularly in the spring, it is important to set aside some time in your schedule to inspect certain areas and aspects of your home to eliminate future structural damages. Neglecting to perform these inspections can result in small problems becoming really big ones overtime; and eventually leading to tedious and expensive home repairs and renovations. With a simple springtime inspection, you can address any problems at the start, catching them while they are still small and manageable.

As a homeowner, it’s important to know what’s going on in and around your home’s structure. Get to know your property’s vulnerable areas, and keep an eye out for issues that can develop into major problems down the line. Continue reading to review a basic spring inspection checklist to help you get started on managing your home’s quality and condition!

Caulking

Inspect your kitchen and bathroom caulking. Look around sinks, tubs, and showers to see if the caulk has worn down, or if it is still in decent condition. This also includes the windows in these areas and the rest of your home. Caulking is important in a plumbing sense, to prevent water from entering all the crevices and gaps beneath these areas. This causes mold and mildew growth, which overtime, can become a stinky, messy, and costly repair. As for windows, caulking is important for proper air sealing and energy efficiency. Poor window caulking can lead to air loss, higher utility bills, and reduces energy efficiency. Caulking is inexpensive and easy to do, only requiring a few simple tools and products.

Plumbing

On the topic of water leaks, another important aspect to inspect in your home is water leaks. This includes checking the plumbing pipes beneath sinks, plumbing fixtures, outdoor faucets, water heaters, and more. Look for any evidence of a leak in these areas, from a little bit of moisture, all the way to puddles and drips. Call a professional for plumbing repairs if you find any leaks. Stopping a leak before it can do major damage is priceless.

Exterior Siding and Paint

After the winter subsides, your home might reveal some winter weather wear and tear on its siding or paint. Look for peeling or faded paint, faded or warped siding, and any other surface damages. Correcting these damages may seem only aesthetic to you, but they are in-fact highly lucrative preventative maintenance tasks that pay for themselves in the long-run.

Patio and Deck

Again, winter weather can cause wear and tear to several outdoor areas to a home, and the patio and porch are no different. In the spring, inspect your patio and deck for fading, discoloration, warped or rotted boards, and other damage. This is the best time to give your patio or deck a refresher by re-staining and re-sealing it. Neglecting to maintain a patio or deck will end up costing homeowners hefty replacement and restoration bills.

Gutters

Always inspect your gutters after the winter season, and before the spring season. Clear out any obstructions like leaves, twigs, and dirt; and then check for any structural damage, gaping, cracks, and more. Preventing back-flow in your homes gutters can save you time, money, and stress by reducing the chances of future issues.

Restoration By L & B, LLC

General Contractors Indianapolis Indiana 317-454-3612

General Contractors Indianapolis Indiana 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for superior home restoration and remodeling services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Lee Elliot, and our teams of general contractors, are happy to answer your questions about home repairs, renovations, restoration, remodeling, and more. We offer a wide range of home remodeling and repair services, for projects large or small! Call 317-454-3612 to learn more about our home remodeling and restoration services in Indianapolis, IN today.