So, you're staring at a tangled mess of old coaxial cables in your basement or snaking along the side of your house, & you're wondering, "Is it a bad idea to just rip all this stuff out?" It's a super common question, especially in older homes where every room seems to have a cable outlet from a bygone era. The short answer is: it's complicated. But honestly, you've come to the right place. We're going to dive deep into this, so grab a coffee & let's unravel this wiring puzzle together.
The Great Coaxial Cable Debate: To Remove or Not to Remove?
Here's the thing, a lot of homeowners are in the same boat. You've cut the cord, you're all about streaming, & those old cables are just... there. They're unsightly, they're confusing, & they can make your basement look like a tech graveyard. It's tempting to just go in with a pair of wire cutters & have at it. And for the most part, since coaxial cables are low-voltage, it's generally safe to do so. But before you start yanking, there are some pretty compelling reasons to pause & think about the future.
The Case for Keeping Your Old Coax
I know, I know, you want to declutter. But hear me out. That old wiring might just be a hidden gem.
Future-Proofing with MoCA: This is the big one, & it's a game-changer. MoCA, which stands for Multimedia over Coax Alliance, is a technology that lets you use your existing coaxial cables to create a super-fast, stable, wired internet connection throughout your house. Think of it as an "Internet Autobahn" running through your walls. If you're into online gaming, have a bunch of smart TVs streaming 4K movies, or work from home & need a rock-solid connection for video calls, MoCA is your best friend. It can deliver speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which is often faster & more reliable than Wi-Fi, especially in larger homes with dead zones. All you need are a couple of MoCA adapters, & you've got a powerful wired network without the headache of running new Ethernet cables.
The Ultimate "Pull String": If you ever do decide to run new wiring—whether it's Cat6 Ethernet for even faster speeds, fiber optic cable, or something else entirely—those old coax cables can be a lifesaver. You can tape the new wire to the end of the old one & use it to pull the new cable through the walls. It's a classic trick that electricians & low-voltage contractors use all the time, & it can save you a ton of time & effort.
Resale Value: While it might not seem like a huge deal, having a house that's already wired for both coax & Ethernet can be a selling point for some buyers. It gives them options, & in a competitive market, every little bit helps.
Just Plain Easier (Sometimes): Let's be honest, if the cables are snaked through finished walls & you're not planning a major renovation, the effort of removing them might not be worth the reward. Sometimes, the path of least resistance is to leave them in place, especially if they're not causing any immediate problems.
The Case for Ripping It All Out
Of course, there are also some very valid reasons to get rid of old, unused coax.
Aesthetics & Decluttering: This is probably the number one reason most people want to remove old cables. A tangled web of wires in the basement or along the exterior of your home is just plain ugly. Cleaning it up can make a huge difference in the overall look & feel of your space. And if you're looking to finish your basement or just make it a more usable storage area, getting rid of that "wire spaghetti" is a must.
Reduced Confusion: The more unused wires you have, the harder it is to figure out what's what. When you're trying to troubleshoot an issue with your internet or TV, the last thing you want to do is sift through a dozen mystery cables. A clean, well-organized wiring setup is a happy wiring setup.
Potential for Signal Interference: This is a more technical reason, but it's an important one. An unused coaxial cable that's still connected to a splitter can act like an antenna, picking up stray radio frequency (RF) signals from the air. This can introduce noise into your system, which can lead to a whole host of problems, from a spotty internet connection to a fried modem. Even if the cable isn't connected to a splitter, if it's not properly terminated, it can cause signal reflections that can degrade the performance of the cables you are using.
So, What's the Verdict?
Honestly, the best approach is probably a hybrid one. Instead of just ripping everything out indiscriminately, take a more strategic approach.
- Identify the keepers: Figure out which cables run to locations where you might want a wired internet connection in the future. Think home offices, entertainment centers, & even bedrooms. These are your candidates for a future MoCA network.
- Get rid of the junk: If you have cables that are just dangling, not connected to anything, or run to places where you'll NEVER need a wired connection, those are the ones you can probably safely remove.
- The incoming service line: This is the cable that runs from the telephone pole or pedestal to the side of your house. This cable is technically the property of the cable company, & they can be a real pain about removing it, especially if you're not a customer. We'll talk more about this later.
How to Be a Coaxial Cable Detective: Identifying Unused Wires
Before you start cutting, you need to know what's what. Here's how to figure out which cables are actually unused.
The Low-Tech Approach: The easiest way to start is to simply unplug the coaxial cable from your modem or the main splitter coming into your house. Then, go to each room & see which outlets no longer get a signal. This is a bit of a process of elimination, but it can work.
The Multimeter Method: For a more definitive answer, you can use a multimeter. You'll need one with a continuity setting (it usually has a little speaker symbol). Here's the trick:
- Go to a coax outlet in a room you want to test.
- Take a small piece of aluminum foil & stuff it into the end of a short coax cable, making sure the foil is touching both the center pin & the outer metal connector.
- Plug the other end of this "shorted" cable into the wall outlet.
- Now, go down to your basement or wherever all the coax cables converge.
- Set your multimeter to the continuity setting.
- Touch one probe to the center pin of a cable & the other probe to the outer connector.
- When you find the cable that's connected to the outlet you shorted, the multimeter will beep.
- Label that cable! Repeat the process for each outlet in your house.
The Pro-Level Tool: If you have a lot of cables to trace, it might be worth investing in a coaxial cable tester/mapper. These tools come with multiple color-coded remotes that you plug into the outlets in each room. Then, you go to the central location with the main testing unit & it will tell you which remote (and therefore which room) each cable is connected to. It's a lot faster & easier than the multimeter method.
The Nitty-Gritty: How to Actually Remove Old Coaxial Cables
Once you've identified the cables you want to remove, it's time to get to work. Here are the tools you'll need & the steps to follow.
- Wire cutters or diagonal cutters: For snipping the cables.
- Coaxial cable stripper: This tool is specifically designed to strip the outer jacket, shielding, & insulation of a coax cable without damaging the center conductor. It's essential if you plan on putting new connectors on any of the cables.
- Compression tool & connectors: If you're going to be re-terminating any cables (for example, to use with a MoCA adapter), you'll need a compression tool & the appropriate F-type connectors.
- Screwdriver: For removing wall plates.
- Drill (optional): If you need to make any new holes or enlarge existing ones.
- Fish tape or pull string (optional): If you're using an old cable to pull a new one.
- Safety glasses: ALWAYS a good idea when you're working with tools & wiring.
Step-by-Step Removal Guide
- Disconnect from the source: The very first thing you should do is find the main splitter where all the coaxial cables connect & disconnect the ones you plan to remove. This will prevent any potential signal interference issues.
- Remove from the outlets: Go to each room & unscrew the wall plate. Disconnect the cable from the back of the outlet.
- Pull the cable: Now for the fun part. If the cable is just stapled to the joists in your basement, simply remove the staples & pull it out. If it's running through walls, you might be able to just pull it from one end. If it's snagged on something, you might have to cut it at both ends & leave the piece in the wall. It's not ideal, but sometimes it's the only option without tearing open the drywall.
- Patch any holes: Once the cable is removed, you'll be left with holes in your walls. You can either patch them with spackle or, a better option, install a blank wall plate for a cleaner look.
The Art of Termination: Why You Shouldn't Leave Unused Outlets Hanging
Okay, so maybe you've decided to leave some of the unused cables in the walls for a future MoCA network. That's a great idea! But there's one crucial step you can't skip: termination.
As we mentioned earlier, an unterminated coaxial cable can cause all sorts of signal problems. To prevent this, you need to put a 75-ohm terminator on any unused port on a splitter & on any unused wall outlet. These little caps are cheap & easy to install. They essentially tell the signal that it has reached the end of the line, which prevents reflections & interference. You can find them at any home improvement or electronics store.
What to Do with the Aftermath: Recycling Old Coaxial Cables
Once you've ripped out all those old cables, don't just toss them in the trash. Coaxial cables contain copper & other metals that are valuable & can be recycled. However, most scrap yards won't take them as-is because of the plastic insulation.
Here are a few options for responsible disposal:
- E-waste recycling centers: Many cities & towns have e-waste recycling events or permanent drop-off locations that will accept old cables. This is your best bet for ensuring they're disposed of properly.
- Big-box electronics stores: Stores like Best Buy often have recycling programs for old electronics & cables.
- Mail-in programs: Some companies offer mail-in recycling services for e-waste.
The Elephant in the Room: The Incoming Service Line
This is where things can get a little tricky. The cable that runs from the street to your house is owned by the cable company, & you technically don't have the right to remove it yourself. Getting them to come out & do it can be a frustrating experience, especially if you're no longer a customer.
Your best bet is to be persistent. Call the cable company, explain the situation, & request that they remove the line. If that doesn't work, you can try contacting your local public works department or inspector's office. They may be able to put some pressure on the cable company to take action.
As a last resort, some people do end up cutting the line themselves, especially if it's a safety hazard or is preventing them from doing necessary work on their home. However, be aware that there could be legal or financial repercussions if the cable company ever decides they want the line back.
Decluttering Beyond the Wires: A Quick Word on Space
While you're in the decluttering mindset, you might find yourself with a pile of stuff you need to get rid of or store. If you've cleaned out your basement or garage to get at all that old wiring, you might be looking at a lot of newly available space. Here's a thought: what if you could turn that extra space into a source of passive income?
Platforms like Prked are making it super easy for homeowners to rent out their unused driveways, garages, or even storage spaces to people who need them. It's a pretty cool way to make some extra cash from something that was just sitting there empty. So, after you've dealt with the cable clutter, you might want to think about how you can put that newly reclaimed space to work for you. Or, if all that decluttering has left you needing a place to stash some things, Prked can also help you find affordable & convenient storage in someone else's garage, attic, or basement. It's a win-win.
So, Is It a Bad Idea? The Final Verdict
So, back to the original question: is it a bad idea to remove old, unused coaxial cables from your house? The answer is a resounding "it depends." It's not a simple yes or no question.
- If you're all about that minimalist life & you're SURE you'll never need a wired connection in a particular room, then by all means, rip it out (as long as you do it safely & responsibly).
- But if you're a gamer, a streamer, or a remote worker, or if you just want to keep your options open for the future, you should seriously consider keeping those cables in place & leveraging the power of MoCA.
The most important thing is to be intentional about it. Don't just start cutting without a plan. Take the time to figure out what you have, what you need, & what you might want in the future.
I hope this was helpful! It's a lot to take in, I know. But with a little bit of planning & the right tools, you can conquer that cable clutter & make your home's wiring work for you. Let me know what you think in the comments
