Knob-and-Tube Wiring Removal
Safe removal and replacement of outdated knob-and-tube wiring in older Toronto and GTA homes.
Overview
Knob-and-tube wiring was standard in homes built before the 1950s, and a lot of it is still live in walls and ceilings across Toronto today. It has no ground conductor, its rubber insulation degrades with age, and it was never designed for modern loads. We assess your existing wiring, explain what’s actually still knob-and-tube versus what’s already been updated, and remove and replace it with modern copper wiring that meets current code and satisfies insurance requirements.
- Full and partial knob-and-tube rewiring
- Insurance-ready ESA documentation
- Minimal drywall disruption
We provide knob-and-tube wiring removal across Toronto and the GTA. Have a question first? Contact us or read more about our team.
Why It Matters
Most Ontario insurers will not write or renew a homeowner policy on a house with active knob-and-tube wiring, which is often the real trigger for this call, not a specific electrical symptom. Beyond insurance, the risk is real: the original insulation becomes brittle with age and is not rated to be covered by modern attic insulation, which traps heat around the conductors, and the lack of a ground conductor means some circuits can’t safely support grounded appliances or GFCI protection. It shows up most often in Toronto’s older east and west end neighbourhoods, in homes that have been partially rewired over the decades, sometimes leaving a mix of knob-and-tube and modern wiring in the same house that needs to be properly traced before any work starts.
How Knob-and-Tube Wiring Removal Works
- 1
Wiring assessment
We trace your home’s circuits to identify exactly which areas are still on knob-and-tube versus already updated, and check panel capacity for the new wiring.
- 2
Rewire plan & permit
We scope a partial or full rewire based on what we find, and pull the ESA permit before any work begins.
- 3
Removal & rewiring
We remove the old wiring and run new copper circuits, working through existing wall and ceiling cavities to keep drywall disruption to a minimum.
- 4
ESA inspection & documentation
Once inspected and approved, you get a certificate of inspection for your insurer or for your records.
What Affects the Cost
Cost depends on how much of the home is still on knob-and-tube versus already updated, whether walls and ceilings are finished or open, whether the job is a full-home rewire or a targeted partial replacement, and whether panel capacity needs to be increased to support the new circuits.
Where We Provide Knob-and-Tube Wiring Removal
We install and repair knob-and-tube wiring removal for homes and businesses throughout the GTA. Pick your city for local details and to request a free quote:
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know if my home still has knob-and-tube wiring?
- Knob-and-tube is visible in unfinished attics and basements as ceramic knobs and tubes with cloth-insulated wiring. Many homes have a mix of knob-and-tube and updated wiring, so a proper inspection is the only way to know for certain.
- Does my home insurance require knob-and-tube removal?
- Many insurers in Ontario will not write or renew a policy on a home with active knob-and-tube wiring, or will require it to be inspected and certified. We provide documentation your insurer can use either way.
- Do you need to open every wall to remove knob-and-tube wiring?
- Not always. We route new wiring through existing wall and ceiling cavities wherever possible, and will tell you upfront if a section genuinely requires opening drywall.
- Can knob-and-tube wiring be replaced in stages?
- Yes, a partial rewire is common, especially if only certain circuits or areas of the home are still on knob-and-tube. We can also plan a phased full rewire if that fits your budget better.
- How long does a knob-and-tube rewire take?
- A single-circuit or partial rewire can often be done in a day or two, while a full-home rewire typically takes several days depending on the size and layout of the house.
- How much does knob-and-tube wiring removal cost?
- Cost depends on how much of the home needs rewiring and how accessible the walls and ceilings are. We provide a clear quote after assessing your home’s actual wiring.
Other Services
Get Started
Request a Quote Today
Tell us about your project and we'll get back to you with a free, no-obligation quote.
(416) 828-6976