Service Mast and Meter Base Repair · Dallas, TX
Service Mast and Meter Base Repair in Dallas, TX
Service mast repair fixes the pipe, weatherhead and meter base that bring the utility's overhead line into your home. When storms or falling limbs damage them, a licensed electrician usually has to repair them before the utility will restore power.
- Call now to check electrician availability in your area
- Independent, licensed electricians
- Serving Lake Highlands, Oak Cliff, Lakewood and more
Why service mast and meter base repair comes up in Dallas
In Dallas, hail and spring windstorms do much of the damage to service masts and meter bases, especially in older neighborhoods such as Lakewood, Oak Cliff and the M Streets, where mature trees overhang overhead drops. Oncor owns the lines and meter and handles disconnects and reconnects, while the mast, weatherhead and meter base are typically the homeowner's to fix. Large hail can crack meter covers and dent conduit, and strong straight-line winds can bend a mast over.
Homeowners insurance often covers storm damage, so photographs are worth taking. Permits come from the City of Dallas Development Services department or your suburb.
- Hail can damage service masts, weatherheads, meter bases and outdoor AC disconnects, and lightning surges are common.
- Hail and lightning damage to meter bases, service masts and electronics.
- After a hail or lightning storm it is also worth checking the service mast, meter base and outdoor disconnects for damage.
- Oncor owns the meter, so if the meter itself is damaged after a storm, the utility handles its replacement, but the meter base and mast are usually the homeowner's responsibility and need a licensed electrician.
- Hail-damaged meter bases and attic wiring disturbed by roofers are also worth checking after storm season.
- Permits in Dallas
- Electrical permits in Dallas come from the city's Development Services department; suburbs such as Plano, Garland and Irving issue their own. Texas electricians are licensed by TDLR.
- Electric utility
- Oncor (lines and meters); retail provider of your choice
Signs to look for
- A service mast bent, leaning or pulled away from the roof or wall
- A meter base hanging loose, cracked or rusted through
- A torn or sagging line where it meets the house
- Flickering lights or partial power after a storm
- The utility telling you to have an electrician repair the service before reconnecting
How the work is done
1. Make it safe
Stay clear of downed or sagging lines and call the utility first. The electrician assesses the damage once the area is safe.
2. Coordinate with the utility
The electrician confirms who owns which parts and arranges the disconnect, inspection and reconnect.
3. Repair or replace
The mast, weatherhead, meter base and service entrance cable are repaired or replaced, often to current code, which can mean a taller mast or new grounding.
4. Inspection and reconnect
Where required, the work is inspected, then the utility reconnects the drop and reinstalls the meter.
What moves the price in Dallas
Electricians set their own prices. Older ranch homes often have 100 amp services and limited breaker space, which becomes a problem when owners add an EV charger, a pool or a larger AC system.
- Whether the mast, meter base or both need replacing
- Damage to the roof or siding where the mast mounts
- Bringing grounding and clearances up to current code
- Whether a service upgrade is done at the same time
- After-hours or storm-surge demand
- Permit and inspection fees
Service Mast and Meter Base Repair in Dallas: questions
Do I need a permit for service mast and meter base repair in Dallas?
Usually, yes. Electrical permits in Dallas come from the city's Development Services department; suburbs such as Plano, Garland and Irving issue their own. Texas electricians are licensed by TDLR. The electrician normally pulls the permit and schedules the inspection.
Is the utility involved in Dallas?
If the work affects the meter or service, the electrician coordinates with Oncor (lines and meters); retail provider of your choice, which owns the meter and service drop.
Who pays to fix a damaged service mast?
In most areas the mast, weatherhead and meter base belong to the homeowner, so repair is the owner's cost, though homeowners insurance often covers storm damage. Check your utility's rules and your policy.
Will the utility fix my meter base?
Usually not. Utilities generally own the meter and the line, not the meter base or mast. They make the area safe and reconnect once the repair is done.
Can I get power back before the mast is repaired?
Typically no. Most utilities will not reconnect to damaged equipment on the house.
Is a damaged service mast an emergency?
A pulled-down line or exposed wiring is dangerous. Stay away, call the utility, then call an electrician.
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