Aluminum Wiring: Pigtailing vs Full Replacement — Which Is Right for Your Home?

If your Ontario home was built between the mid-1960s and late 1970s, there is a good chance it has aluminum wiring. And if you have been getting quotes from electricians, you have probably heard two very different approaches: pigtailing and full replacement. Here is an honest comparison so you can make an informed decision.

What Pigtailing Does

Pigtailing adds a short piece of copper wire to each aluminum connection point using an approved connector (AlumiConn or Copalum). The aluminum wiring stays in the walls, but every point where it connects to a device — outlets, switches, fixtures, and the panel — gets a safe copper-to-device interface.

Cost: $2,000-$4,500 for a typical 3-bedroom home. Timeline: 1-2 days. Disruption: Minimal — we work at each outlet and switch without opening walls. Insurance acceptance: Most Ontario insurers accept pigtailing with ESA documentation.

What Full Replacement Does

Full replacement removes all aluminum wiring and runs new copper wiring throughout the home. This eliminates aluminum entirely but requires opening walls to access the existing wire paths.

Cost: $8,000-$15,000+ depending on home size and accessibility. Timeline: 3-7 days. Disruption: Moderate to significant — drywall patching and painting may be needed. Insurance acceptance: Always accepted since aluminum is completely removed.

Which Should You Choose?

For most homeowners, pigtailing is the practical choice. It is recognized by the ESA as a safe remediation method, it costs a fraction of full replacement, and it can be done with minimal disruption. If your insurance company accepts pigtailing with proper documentation (most do), it resolves the concern effectively.

Full replacement makes sense if you are already planning a major renovation that opens the walls, if your insurance company specifically requires full removal, or if you simply want aluminum out of your home entirely for peace of mind.

We handle both approaches at KV Bear Electrical (ECRA/ESA 7014730) and will give you an honest recommendation based on your home's condition, your budget, and your insurer's requirements.