Hi everyone! I'm looking to extend our Ethernet connection into the basement, which is directly below my home office. However, we're facing challenges because there's insulation blocking our path through an exterior wall. I'm wondering who I should call for help with this—would my internet provider be able to assist, or would an electrician be the better option? Thanks for any advice!
4 Answers
Before calling an electrician, take a look at some instructional videos online. You might find it helpful to use a tool called 'fish tape'—a flexible steel wire that’s great for pulling cables through walls. It's pretty affordable and available at home improvement stores. Here’s a useful playlist you might want to check out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4geY-n5DWk&list=PLonQeFRvukRz6kcaUr3Q7wv3ZZiwIe4ri
If you're in a metropolitan area, look for a low voltage installer. They typically deal with Ethernet and similar wiring and might cost less than a standard electrician while having plenty of experience with tricky setups like yours.
If it’s feasible, consider using a stiff wire to help guide your Ethernet cable through the insulation. A coat hanger straightened out could work! Another option is to drill a small hole close to the wall and push the cable down through that.
Your internet provider typically won't handle internal wiring tasks, so I'd recommend reaching out to an electrician. They have the tools and expertise needed for this kind of job, albeit at a potentially higher cost.
We actually have trouble getting the drill bit through the floor because of the insulation—it causes the drill to lock up.