Older home rewiring
Knob and Tube Replacement Grimsby
Replace knob and tube wiring or fix aluminum wiring in older homes, with as little wall damage as possible.
Rewiring older homes so you can insure, renovate and sell
Knob and tube wiring was common in homes built before about 1950. It has no ground, the insulation gets brittle with age, and many Ontario insurers won't cover a home that still has it, or charge more until it's replaced.
Aluminum branch wiring, used in some homes from the 1960s and 70s, can overheat at connections. It doesn't always need to be ripped out: approved connectors and devices can make the connections safe.
What we do
Find what's still live
We trace the circuits to see how much knob and tube is still in service and where it runs.
Rewire room by room
New grounded wiring is fished through walls and ceilings, with small access openings instead of tearing out walls.
Aluminum wiring repairs
Connections are made safe with approved aluminum-to-copper connectors and rated devices.
Paperwork for your insurer
The work is done under an ESA permit, so you have the documents your insurer or buyer asks for.
Knob and Tube Replacement in Grimsby: What to Expect
- We inspect the house and tell you how much old wiring is still in use.
- You get a written quote that shows which circuits and rooms are included.
- We file the ESA permit and plan the work room by room so you can stay in the house.
- Old circuits are disconnected and replaced with new grounded wiring.
- ESA inspects, and you get the paperwork for your insurer.
Rewiring is a good time to add circuits for a kitchen or basement, or to upgrade the panel. See panel upgrades, or return to our licensed electrician in Grimsby home page.
How to tell if you have old wiring
- Ceramic knobs and tubes visible in the attic or basement joists
- Two-prong outlets with no ground, especially in a home built before about 1950
- Cloth-covered wiring in older light fixtures or boxes
- Dull silver-coloured wire at outlets or the panel, which can mean aluminum wiring from the 1960s or 70s
- An insurer or home inspector asking about the wiring
Don't pull fixtures apart to check. If you see any of these signs, an electrician can confirm what's in service.
How Much Does Knob and Tube Replacement Cost?
Rewiring a whole house typically costs about $10,000 to $30,000, depending on its size, how much knob and tube is still live, and how easy it is to reach the walls and ceilings. Drywall and plaster patching is usually separate. Partial jobs cost less.
Knob & Tube Replacement questions
Is knob and tube wiring dangerous?
It wasn't designed for modern loads, has no ground and the insulation breaks down with age. It's a common reason for insurance problems.
Do I have to replace all of it?
Insurers usually want all live knob and tube removed. We'll show you what's still in service so you know the full scope.
Can aluminum wiring be repaired instead of replaced?
Often, yes. Approved connectors and devices can make aluminum connections safe without rewiring the whole house.
Can we live in the house during the work?
Usually. We work room by room and keep power on to the rest of the home where we can.
Insurance asking about your wiring? Call to book an inspection.
Call (289) 768-7333Where we work
We serve Grimsby and nearby communities across West Niagara and Stoney Creek.