Hey everyone, I'm in a bit of a dilemma. I've got this old cable line just hanging off the south side of my house that seems completely useless. My electric and internet lines are on the north side, so this one really doesn't connect to anything I'm using. I've called all the local service providers, but no one claims this cable. I even tried to get help from my town, but they just told me to reach out to the utility provider, which has left me going in circles.
I'm considering cutting it off my house, then using a ladder to snip it from the pole, leaving a bit dangling, but I'm worried about the electrical lines since they're up there too. I don't want to mess anything up. Is it safe to do this on my own? Or should I look into hiring an electrician for what seems like a quick job? I wouldn't even know if I could find someone willing to do such a small task without charging a fortune.
3 Answers
Honestly, just cut it off at your house. It’s a common practice to take down old lines. Once you’ve snipped it, if you want, you can staple the loose end back to the pole. Don't stress too much about the electrical hazards; the low-hanging coax or fiber lines aren’t that risky. Just make sure when you're up on the ladder, you only touch the pole and the line you’re cutting.
If you're uncomfortable climbing to cut it, you might consider getting a pole pruner to reach it safely from the ground. Just ensure you verify it’s not electrically live before proceeding. Safety first!
Another option is to cut it as high as you can reach. If you're still worried about it, go ahead and call your provider to report a 'downed wire.' They can handle it if it's live!

I totally agree! As long as you’re cautious and avoid wandering too far up the pole, you should be fine. I've done something similar before without any issues.