topic Re: Severe Crackling in Home Phone

Severe Crackling

EKG62 — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 09:42:45 GMT

I'm afraid I'm unable to hear anything on my landline phone due to severe crackling. The phone is unusable. I've had something like this recently but it's much worse now. Rain seems to make things worse. My internet is also intermittent at times. I've done the checks suggested elsewhere with no result. The crackle starts as I pick the handset up even with a different handset. The crackle is on incoming as well as outgoing calls. I think it must be the external line. Please help.

Re: Severe Crackling

Debbie-TalkTalk — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 09:55:46 GMT

Hi EKG62

I'm sorry to hear this.

The line tests are clear, no faults detected.

When you tested with a different phone was this directly at the test socket with the router removed from the line?

Re: Severe Crackling

EKG62 — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 10:07:06 GMT

Yes indeed. I plugged the second handset in directly

Re: Severe Crackling

Debbie-TalkTalk — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 10:08:52 GMT

Hi EKG62

Ok thanks for confirming this.

The next step will be an Openreach engineer visit to the property as the line tests are clear.

I'm just sending you a Private Message to confirm some details so we can arrange this visit.

Thanks again.

Re: Severe Crackling

EKG62 — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 10:10:16 GMT

Checked again. Still crackling and internet has been down for a short time.

Re: Severe Crackling

Debbie-TalkTalk — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 10:12:05 GMT

Hi EKG62

Thanks for your reply.

Once you have completed the form I've sent in the Private Message and we have confirmed security then we can book an engineer visit to take a look.

Debbie

Re: Severe Crackling

EKG62 — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 10:13:26 GMT

Where do I find the PM please?

Re: Severe Crackling

Debbie-TalkTalk — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 10:14:46 GMT

Hi EKG62

If you click on your Community username/avatar at the top right of the page then you should see a small envelope icon, the message will be there.

Thanks

Re: Severe Crackling

EKG62 — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 10:26:57 GMT

Found it thanks. You should have all requested

Re: Severe Crackling

EKG62 — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 10:32:58 GMT

I'd just like to confirm where my responsibility for equipment begins and yours ends. I have a "junction" box where the line comes in from outside. Then that is connected by a wire to the plug socket into which my phone and line filter are plugged. My question is - if my responsibility is after the "junction box" then perhaps I could check the connecting wire? If it's after the plug socket then I think I've checked all I can.

Thanks

Re: Severe Crackling

Anonymous — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 10:43:43 GMT

Hello,

Openreach maintain the line up to the test socket. Does your main socket have a test socket please?

Thanks

Re: Severe Crackling

EKG62 — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 10:54:01 GMT

Thanks. As far as I know there is just one socket that everything is plugged into. Am I allowed to take the faceplate off to have a look inside?

Re: Severe Crackling

Anonymous — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 10:56:04 GMT

Hi,

Ok thanks. Could you have a look at the below Help Article and confirm which main socket you have please.

Your guide to main phone sockets - TalkTalk Help & Support

Thanks

Re: Severe Crackling

EKG62 — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 11:00:21 GMT

It's the NTE 5

Re: Severe Crackling

Anonymous — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 11:02:21 GMT

Hi,

Thanks for confirming. An NTE5 should have a removable faceplate. I'd recommend removing the front plate very gently as there may be wires attached to the other side of the faceplate.

Thanks

Re: Severe Crackling

EKG62 — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 11:23:28 GMT

Thanks. I've found the socket inside the NTE5 and plugged in. I still have crackling on the line I'm afraid.

Re: Severe Crackling

Anonymous — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 11:26:11 GMT

Hi,

Thanks. Just to confirm, the crackling is present with both phones and with no other equipment, including the router connected to the line? Did you also try with and without the microfilter?

Thanks

Re: Severe Crackling

Anonymous — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 12:12:00 GMT

Hi,

Just checking back in to see how you're getting on?

Thanks

Re: Severe Crackling

EKG62 — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 14:53:11 GMT

Apologies - I had to go out. Back now.

Yes - crackling with both phones and with or without the filter on the test socket. Not sure how to test the router but internet connection seems OK although I did have some intermittent problem a few days ago.

Re: Severe Crackling

Debbie-TalkTalk — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 05:26:05 GMT

Hi EKG62

Thanks for your reply. Would you like us to arrange the engineer visit?