SMTP connect() failed - WordPress

Hi,
I'm non technical so please bear with me.
We have a WordPress website that has a number of plugins which send out e-mails for example, a form plugin, security plugins etc.
I have an issue where I found that the website wasn't sending any messages to the intended recipients.
Our website is hosted at one company and the e-mails reside at another.

I've contacted both the hosting company and the e-mail service provider and they stated that all is well at both their ends but I'm still not able to send messages from the website.

This is an example of the error message:
SMTP connect() failed. https://github.com/PHPMailer/PHPMailer/wiki/Troubleshooting

I suspect that this is an issue at the Hosting end but after speaking with one of their reps again yesterday, they seemed more interested in telling me what they won't do rather than what they would.
They ran a script which sent a message from the hosting server but this was from their server not the SMTP server.
They also stated that they did not have any blocks in place to prevent the SMTP connection.

Does anyone have any idea what I can do to move things forward?

Thanks!
canuWebmasterAsked:
Who is Participating?
I wear a lot of hats...

"The solutions and answers provided on Experts Exchange have been extremely helpful to me over the last few years. I wear a lot of hats - Developer, Database Administrator, Help Desk, etc., so I know a lot of things but not a lot about one thing. Experts Exchange gives me answers from people who do know a lot about one thing, in a easy to use platform." -Todd S.

Marcus BointonCommented:
Have you tried the tests described in the troubleshooting guide? Don't believe your ISP when they say they're not blocking SMTP - check it yourself!

Experts Exchange Solution brought to you by

Your issues matter to us.

Facing a tech roadblock? Get the help and guidance you need from experienced professionals who care. Ask your question anytime, anywhere, with no hassle.

Start your 7-day free trial
canuWebmasterAuthor Commented:
Unfortunately Marcus, the troubleshooting guide reads like Mandarin to me. I'm not a programmer and don't know any PHP.
From the very limited description of the problem, could the ISP be blocking the SMTP connection?
Marcus BointonCommented:
Yes. It's very common. Alternatively, they could be intercepting SMTP traffic and redirecting it to their own server, which may also prevent things working as you expect - for example it will cause TLS connections to fail.
Active Protection takes the fight to cryptojacking

While there were several headline-grabbing ransomware attacks during in 2017, another big threat started appearing at the same time that didn’t get the same coverage – illicit cryptomining.

LEARN MORE
canuWebmasterAuthor Commented:
OK, thanks Marcus.
Is there a more simple to understand way of diagnosing this issue?
Thanks for your time.


Regards,
canu
Marcus BointonCommented:
Not really. It's a technical problem with technical solutions. Without being able to test it properly, we are working blind.
canuWebmasterAuthor Commented:
I used another plugin to try and diagnose the problem and found that the SMTP ports were being blocked by the mail ISP which I will address with them.
It's more than this solution.Get answers and train to solve all your tech problems - anytime, anywhere.Try it for free Edge Out The Competitionfor your dream job with proven skills and certifications.Get started today Stand Outas the employee with proven skills.Start learning today for free Move Your Career Forwardwith certification training in the latest technologies.Start your trial today
SMTP

From novice to tech pro — start learning today.