Electric is fixed, for $3,500.

[darxus]

The end of the neutral cable connecting the meter to the panel was gone at the meter end. All black (aluminum). Rainwater was flowing right on it probably since it was installed. Everything in its vicinity was replaced. I have all my lights on and nothing is flickering, for the first time ever.

My (gas) heaters got fried though. I'm hoping to not need to completely replace them, but the electronics are probably gone.

The problem was fixed quickly, thoroughly, and well. I'm not sure if I should have gone with a cheap quick fix and done more of the work myself. But at least now it's off my list.

Thanks very much to Dan Noé for correctly diagnosing the problem and convincing me of its severity, and mangosteen for convincing me to use Angie's List (once I gave up on the first electrician I tried).

Comments

Wow that's a chunk of change

[drwex]

Is it all coming out of your pocket? Regis, who has done a lot of serious electrical and home work herself has been known to tell me "Dude, the tool you want to use to fix that problem is your checkbook."

(Also, how do you know Dan?)

Re: Wow that's a chunk of change

[darxus.livejournal.com]

Yes, all out of my pocket.

After this post I emailed Dan after this post and asked him the same question :)
Apparently I got added to his RSS feed when I was dating nchanter, who he knows.