Page Contents
Quick Answer
Yes, you can cover up an old phone jack that is no longer in use. Some easy ways to do this include:
– Using a wall plate cover – This slides right over the old jack and blends in with your wall.
– Painting over it – If the old phone jack is flush to the wall, simply paint over it using the same paint as your wall color.
– Using furniture or decor – Place a piece of furniture like a bookshelf in front of the old phone jack to conceal it. Or hang a picture, wall art, etc. over the old phone jack.
Should I cover an unused phone jack?
There are a few reasons you may want to cover up an old phone jack:
– Aesthetics – Exposed phone jacks can look unsightly, disrupting the look of your wall. Covering it for a streamlined appearance.
– Safety – Open phone jacks pose a safety risk for curious little fingers. Covering it prevents tampering.
– Functionality – If you no longer need the phone jack, covering it clears wall space for use.
Unless you foresee needing the phone jack in the future, there is no reason not to cover it. Doing so can open up your options for decorating or using the wall space while eliminating unsightliness.
How to Cover a Phone Jack
There are several easy options for covering a phone jack you no longer use:
Wall Plate Cover
Wall plate covers specifically designed for phone jacks are inexpensive and widely available. To use:
1. Purchase a wall plate cover that fits over your old phone jack. Verify the dimensions.
2. Clean the wall area thoroughly where the phone jack is located.
3. Disconnect and remove any remaining phone wiring from the jack.
4. Slide the cover plate securely over the old jack. Some have an adhesive to stick to the wall.
5. If needed, use plastic wall anchors to affix the cover plate for added stability.
Painting Over It
If the outdated phone jack is flush to your wall, painting over it can conceal it.
Follow these steps:
1. Clean the wall area well and fill in any holes or uneven spots around the jack with drywall compound. Let dry completely.
2. Apply 1-2 coats of primer paint over the jack and surrounding area. Allow to dry fully.
3. Paint over the primed area with 2 coats of wall paint in the appropriate color.
4. Consider painting a slightly larger square than just the old jack area to blend better.
Furniture Concealment
Strategically placing furniture in front of the old phone jack is an option. Some good choices are:
– Bookcase
– Cabinet or sideboard
– Sofa or chair
– Wall unit or entertainment center
Be sure the piece is large enough to fully conceal the phone jack. Angle furniture slightly or place it a few inches out from the wall if needed.
Decorative Concealment
Use decorative elements to disguise the outdated phone jack such as:
– Hanging artwork like a painting or mirror over it
– Installing wallpaper in that area to blend with existing wallpaper
– Tacking decor items onto the wall like photos, artificial plants or wreaths
– Placing a tall floor lamp, coat rack or bookshelf in front of it
Experiment with different decor pieces to see what best camouflages the old phone jack.
Wiring Considerations
Before covering up the old phone jack opening, check that any wiring is disconnected. Do not simply cover over live wires.
Follow these steps to properly handle old cabling:
1. Unplug any remaining phone wiring that is connected to the jack.
2. Remove the wall plate covering the jack (if there is one).
3. Check that the cabling is not hot by testing with a voltage tester. There should be zero voltage.
4. Cut all wiring back so no loose cables hang from the open jack.
5. Cap or tape the trimmed ends of unused wiring wires to prevent fraying and interference.
Terminate wiring properly for safety before enclosing the old phone jack. Never overlook live electrical components.
Will Covering It Cause Problems?
Covering over an unused phone jack will not cause any functionality or safety issues in your home, provided the wiring is properly disconnected first. Key points:
– Phone jacks rely on wiring to work – With this removed, covering the jack is harmless.
– today’s wireless phones don’t need physical jacks – No loss of usage from concealing jacks.
– Painting or wall plates present no safety risks – These materials won’t conduct electricity.
– Covering unused jacks reduces temptation – Prevents curiosity and tampering.
As long as you confirm the phone jack and wiring is disconnected and non-functional first, covering it over will not cause any problems. Proceed with your preferred method of concealing for an improved appearance.
Do I Need to Remove the Jack Entirely?
Removing the old phone jack entirely is an option, but not necessary. As long as wiring is disconnected, simply covering it over is adequate.
Here are pros and cons of completely removing a phone jack vs. covering it:
Removing Jack Pros:
– Eliminates all signs of the old phone jack
– Allows you to repair holes or imperfections in the wall from the removal process
– Lets you use the full wall space with no covered up areas
Removing Jack Cons:
– More complex than simply covering
– Requires repairing drywall once removed
– Permanent if you want phone wiring again later
Covering Jack Pros:
– Quick and easy to do
– Inexpensive options like wall plates
– Non-permanent in case you need the jack later
Covering Jack Cons:
– May still be slightly visible depending on method used
– Cover plate can fall off over time
In most cases, covering over the old phone jack sufficiently conceals it with little time and effort. But removing the jack entirely is an alternative if you want a seamless, permanent change.
Conclusion
Outdated, unused phone jacks can disrupt the look of your home’s walls. But covering them up is simple with the right materials and planning.
To safely conceal an old phone jack:
– Disconnect any remaining wiring and cap it off properly. Never cover live wires!
– Clean and prepare the wall area thoroughly to ensure your covering method sticks.
– Choose an inconspicuous option like a wall plate, paint, furniture or decor.
– If painting, apply primer and let dry before painting the top color.
– Consider fully removing the jack and patching the wall for permanent change.
With some basic steps, you can easily cover up old phone jacks for an improved appearance. This opens up your wall space for more design possibilities. Just take care to handle any latent wiring correctly for safety.