Weatherhead damage? Coordinated response with PG&E.
The weatherhead is the customer-side entry point for the overhead service drop. Storm damage there requires a coordinated response — PG&E for service-side, licensed electrician for customer-side.
By Steven Lockhart · Reviewed by Alex Towery, C-10 #989290
Updated 2026-06-16
If a storm or tree impact has damaged the weatherhead (the metal conduit hood where the overhead service drop enters your home): (1) Stay clear if wires are visibly damaged or arcing. (2) Call 911 if downed lines are present. (3) Call PG&E at 1-800-743-5002 — they own the line up to the weatherhead. (4) Call licensed electrician for the customer-side repair. Standard sequence: PG&E disconnects, electrician repairs/replaces weatherhead and service entrance components, PG&E reconnects after inspection. Total downtime typically 8-24 hours depending on damage and PG&E response.
01Where ownership splits: weatherhead is the boundary.
The weatherhead is the point of demarcation between PG&E ownership and homeowner ownership on overhead services. The service drop wires from the pole to the weatherhead belong to PG&E; the weatherhead itself, the mast it sits on, and everything downstream into the meter base and panel belong to the homeowner. This ownership split matters because it determines who fixes what and who pays.
In Marin, atmospheric river events and winter storms regularly produce weatherhead damage scenarios: wind-loaded tree limbs hit service drops and rip weatherheads off masts, falling trees take down the entire service-side assembly, or aging masts fail under modest wind loads. Each scenario has the same response pattern: 911 if there's immediate danger, PG&E for line work, electrician for customer-side work. Sequencing matters — you can't repair a weatherhead while it's energized, so PG&E disconnect comes first.
02Repair scope and what to expect.
PG&E disconnect first
PG&E dispatches a crew to disconnect the service drop at the pole (or cut and clear if the drop is damaged beyond reuse). This step is non-negotiable — the customer-side work cannot proceed until the line is de-energized at the pole. Response time varies with storm load on PG&E; 2-12 hours is typical during widespread storm events.
Electrician customer-side repair
Replace weatherhead, mast if damaged, riser conduit, service entrance conductors as needed. Sometimes the meter base or panel also needs work if water entered or impact propagated. Inspection (Marin County or Novato city depending on jurisdiction) typically required for service entrance work.
PG&E reconnect
After repair passes inspection (or AHJ sign-off), PG&E returns to reconnect the service drop. Coordinate scheduling — both your electrician and PG&E need to know when each step is complete. Total restoration usually same-day to next-day in typical Marin storm scenarios.
03Cost and insurance considerations.
Weatherhead repair cost range: $1,200-$3,500 for typical scope (weatherhead, mast, riser, service entrance conductors, inspection). If the meter base or panel were also damaged, scope expands accordingly — $3,000-$8,000+ for full service entrance + panel work. PG&E does not bill the homeowner for their disconnect/reconnect work; their service-side line repair is also their cost.
Homeowners insurance: most policies cover storm damage to service entrance components, with deductible. Document damage with photos before repair begins, get itemized invoice from electrician, file claim with insurer. We provide documentation suitable for insurance claims (photos, invoice, scope description). If tree from a neighbor's property caused the damage, their homeowners insurance may be involved — your insurer's adjuster handles that subrogation.
Common questions.
Is this an emergency at night?
If wires are downed and energized, yes — call 911 and PG&E immediately. If the weatherhead is damaged but wires are intact and not arcing, it can wait until morning for normal-hours service. We do dispatch after-hours for true emergencies; the call gets routed to on-call electrician with appropriate response time.
Can I keep power during repair?
No. The service entrance has to be fully de-energized for safe repair. PG&E disconnect at the pole is part of the process. Your home will be without power from disconnect through reconnect — typically a workday during which the repair happens.
What if PG&E says they can't get there for days?
During major storm events with widespread damage, PG&E response can extend. Your electrician coordinates with PG&E's dispatch and provides safety information. In the meantime, the service should be de-energized at the main breaker if it isn't already, and the home should be considered without safe power. Hotel during the wait may be the practical answer in extended scenarios.
Will the repair require a permit and inspection?
Service entrance work in Marin County typically requires permit and inspection. Your electrician pulls the permit (we handle this in our scope), completes the work, and arranges inspection. PG&E will not reconnect without the AHJ sign-off (Marin County, Novato, San Rafael, or other city jurisdiction depending on your address). Built into our timeline.
How do you handle pricing — flat fee or hourly?
Both, depending on scope. Routine service calls and predictable scope (panel replacement, EV charger install, transfer switch install, fixture replacement) are flat-fee quoted up front. Diagnostic visits and emergency scope are hourly because we don't know what we'll find. Either way, you get a written quote before work starts on anything significant, and we don't proceed beyond the quote without your sign-off.
How quickly can you schedule?
Depends on scope and season. Emergency dispatch: same-day across Marin County (1-3 hours business hours, 1-4 hours after-hours). Same-day standard service: 3-6 hours from call when capacity allows; otherwise next business day. Scheduled service work: 1-3 weeks typical. Larger projects requiring permits and PG&E coordination: 4-12 weeks depending on scope. We're upfront about timeline at the quote stage.
What warranty do you offer on work?
Our standard residential warranty: 2 years on labor, manufacturer warranty on parts (varies by product — typically 1-10 years). Major installs (panels, generators, EV chargers) often have longer manufacturer warranties (5-10 years). If there's an issue with our work in the warranty period, we come back and fix it at no cost. We also stand behind work past warranty — repeat customers and referrals matter more than a transactional fix.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. California State License Board C-10 Electrical Contractor #989290, in good standing. Carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance as required by California law. Bondable on projects requiring it. Happy to provide proof of insurance to clients or property managers on request. License lookup: cslb.ca.gov.
Emergency response across Marin County.
Same-day dispatch for safety scenarios. Typical on-site time 1-3 hours weekday, 1-4 hours after-hours.