Knob and Tube Wiring Replacement & Rewiring

Knob and tube wiring is the ungrounded wiring used in homes built before about 1940. It is not automatically dangerous, but its insulation becomes brittle, it has no ground, and many insurers will not cover it. Rewiring a 2,000 sq ft Orange County home often costs about $12,000 to $25,000. Call 657-201-1586 to get connected with a licensed electrician.

Where we see old wiring in Orange County

Knob and tube turns up in pre-1940 homes in Old Towne Orange, Santa Ana's Floral Park and French Park, Fullerton's older neighborhoods, Anaheim's Colony district and parts of Whittier. Aluminum branch wiring shows up in some homes built around 1965 to 1973. Both deserve an inspection by an electrician.

What are the signs a house needs rewiring?

Two-prong ungrounded outlets throughout the house
Ceramic knobs and tubes or cloth-covered wire in the attic or crawlspace
Frequent tripping, flickering or warm switch plates
Aluminum branch circuits (marked AL) with no approved repair at the connections
Past DIY wiring, splices without junction boxes, or rodent damage
An insurer or home inspector requiring replacement before closing

How much does it cost to rewire a house?

Job	Typical Orange County range
Whole-house rewire, about 1,200 sq ft	$8,000 – $15,000
Whole-house rewire, about 2,000 sq ft	$12,000 – $25,000
Partial rewire (kitchen, bath or one circuit group)	$2,000 – $7,000
Aluminum wiring repair with approved connectors (per home)	$1,500 – $4,000

Plaster walls, two-story homes and limited attic or crawlspace access add cost. Drywall patching and painting may be separate.

Can a house be rewired without removing drywall?

Usually yes. Electricians fish new cable through attics, crawlspaces and small access holes, so walls do not have to be torn open. You will have small patches to repair, not whole walls. Plaster homes take more care.

Aluminum wiring

Aluminum branch wiring expands and contracts more than copper, which can loosen connections and cause overheating. Approved repair methods include COPALUM crimps and AlumiConn connectors at each connection, or replacing the circuits with copper.

Rewiring & Knob and Tube across Orange County

We connect callers with electricians for rewiring & knob and tube in every Orange County city, including:

Last updated October 2026. Prices are planning ranges, not quotes. Your contractor confirms the price before work begins.

Rewiring & Knob and Tube: common questions

Is knob and tube wiring safe?

Original, undisturbed knob and tube can still work, but it has no ground, the insulation becomes brittle with age, and it is unsafe when buried in attic insulation or extended with modern wire. Most electricians and insurers recommend replacing it.

Will insurance cover a house with knob and tube wiring?

Many California insurers will not write a new policy, or charge more, for homes with active knob and tube. Some accept an electrician's inspection letter. Check with your carrier.

How long does it take to rewire a house?

A typical Orange County single-family rewire takes about three to ten working days, plus permit and inspection time.

What is the cheapest way to rewire a house?

Rewiring in phases, starting with the highest-risk circuits such as kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms, spreads the cost out. Fishing wire through attics and crawlspaces instead of opening walls also saves on repair work.

How our free referral service works

Call 657-201-1586Tell us what is going on: the problem, your city and how soon you need help.
Get connectedWe connect you with a licensed, independent electrician who serves your part of Orange County.
Get it fixedThe electrician confirms the price with you, does the work and pulls any permit the job needs.

The referral is free. You only pay the electrician you choose to hire, for the work you agree to.

Knob and Tube Wiring Replacement & House Rewiring in Orange County