Is an old phone jack staring at you from your wall? More decorative than useful? Don’t worry. You’re not alone. Plenty of homes still have these dated relics. But do you tackle this tiny timewarp yourself—or call in a pro? Let’s break it down in a way that’s simple, helpful, and maybe even a little fun.
Why Replace an Old Phone Jack?
Old phone jacks can be more than just eyesores. Here’s why people choose to replace or remove them:
- Update the look – Clunky beige plates don’t exactly scream “modern.”
- Unused connections – Many people rely only on cell phones or VoIP these days.
- Wall repairs – Doing home renos? That jack might be in the way.
- Safety – Loose wires can pose minor fire risks or interfere with new installations.
Okay, so you’re convinced. The question now is: DIY or call a pro?
DIY: Replacing a Phone Jack Yourself
If you’re handy with a screwdriver and have a bit of patience, this can be a solid weekend project.
What You’ll Need:
- Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
- Voltage tester (to be safe!)
- New phone jack plate (if replacing)
- Wire strippers (in some cases)
- Drill and drywall patch (if removing completely)
Step-by-Step: Swapping Out the Jack
- Turn off power. This is a low-voltage device, but safety first! Use a tester if you’re unsure.
- Remove the old plate. Unscrew the faceplate and pull it away gently.
- Take a look. You’ll see wires—typically red, green, black, and yellow. Older homes might have different colors.
- Disconnect the wires. Unscrew or pull them from the terminals.
- Check the wires. If switching to a new jack, strip the insulation if needed.
- Connect to the new jack. Usually, green and red are the main lines to use.
- Screw in the new plate. Tidy, secure, and done!
Feeling strong? You can even remove the jack entirely and patch the wall.
When It’s Simple:
- The jack is surface-mounted and easily accessible.
- The wires are intact and clearly color-coded.
- No other devices are connected to that jack’s wiring.
- You’re just replacing the faceplate, not re-routing anything.
When to Call a Pro
Okay, we get it. Not everyone is thrilled about poking into their walls. And that’s totally fair.
Hire Someone If:
- You’re dealing with old, brittle, or unclear wiring.
- There are multiple phone jacks in the house tied together.
- The wires are behind drywall and hard to reach.
- You want the jack removed completely and the wall patched professionally.
- You’re planning upgrades or renos and want it done “right.”
Pros also have testing gear to check phone line continuity—something most DIYers don’t have lying around.
Electricians or experienced handymen can do this zap-free and fast. Sure, it’ll cost a bit—usually $75 to $150—but you’ll save time and avoid headaches.
What If the Jack is Still Live?
Some phone jacks still have a dial tone. Others don’t. And guess what? That matters.
Live (working) jacks may still have low voltage running through them. It’s pretty safe, but it’s good practice to:
- Unplug any connected devices
- Use a tester to check for voltage
- Notify your service provider if you’re disconnecting service inside your home
If your jack’s out-of-date and just sitting there as a wall wart, you might be in the clear to remove it easily. If not, tread carefully, or make that professional call.
Bonus Tips for DIYers
Here are a few hacks if you’re tackling this job solo:
- Take a picture of wire positions before removing them.
- Label wires with tape if they’re not color coded.
- If you have multiple jacks in the house, test them one by one.
- Don’t yank wires—you might damage more than you fix.
- Use a cable tester if you’re unsure whether the jack is still active.
Still Have Landline Service?
If you’re still using good ol’ Ma Bell, and need to keep a line running, replacing the jack doesn’t mean ending your landline life. Just treat it like a normal upgrade.
You can even upgrade to more modern jacks or modules that match your decor (hello, brushed nickel faceplate!).
Goodbye Jack, Hello Modern Wall
Once you’re done—whether by yourself or by hiring help—you’ll love the cleaner wall. No weird cords. No ancient plastic. Feels like breathing fresh air.
And if you went full DIY, give yourself a little high five. Not everyone takes on home tech from the ’90s!
So, DIY or Pro?
Here’s a quick summary to make your decision easier:
| DIY | Call a Pro |
|---|---|
| Jack is easy to reach and inactive | Wires are old or confusing |
| You’re just swapping the faceplate | You’re removing multiple jacks |
| You’re comfortable with basic tools | You want it gone with no mess |
| You want to save money | You want expert results |
The Final Ring
Old phone jacks may have connected us to the world once—but now, they’re often just in the way. Whether you crack open the toolbox or call for back-up, getting rid of or replacing one can be surprisingly rewarding. So go ahead, make that call—or not. You’ve got options!