DIY Landscape Lighting Repair: What You Can Fix Before Calling a Pro

Outdoor lighting does a lot more than just make your yard look nice. It adds curb appeal, helps people move around safely at night, and makes your home less appealing to unwanted visitors. A good lighting setup can completely change how your home looks and feels after dark—but like anything else outdoors, you’ll need landscape lighting repair and maintenance from time to time.

The good news? You don’t always have to call in a pro. Some of the most common lighting problems—like a timer acting up or a loose connector—are things you can often fix yourself with a few basic tools and a little guidance.

This article walks you through simple troubleshooting tips and repairs you can handle on your own. And if you run into something that’s over your head, no worries, experts at American National Sprinkler and Lighting are just a call or click away. 

Understanding Your Low-Voltage Landscape Lighting System: Key Parts and Safety Tips

Before you start any repairs, it helps to understand how your landscape lighting system works. Most residential outdoor lighting runs on low voltage—typically 12 volts—which is much safer than standard household current. That said, it’s still electricity, so a little caution goes a long way.

A typical setup includes a transformer, which steps down your home’s standard voltage to a safer, lower level. From there, the timer or photocell controls when your lights turn on and off—either automatically or on a schedule. Wiring runs underground or along garden beds to connect everything, while fixtures and bulbs bring the lighting to life around your home.

Each part plays a role, so when something isn’t working right, identifying the component involved can save you time and frustration. Whether it’s a burnt-out bulb or a faulty timer, understanding these basics will help you troubleshoot more effectively—and safely.

Always remember: turn off the power at the transformer before inspecting wires or fixtures. If you’re ever unsure, it’s better to get expert help than risk a DIY mishap.

Tools You’ll Need for Basic Outdoor  Landscape Lighting Repairs

Before you get started with any DIY outdoor lighting fix, it’s important to have the right tools on hand. Fortunately, most common landscape lighting repairs can be handled with a few basic items—no specialty equipment required.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Voltage tester or multimeter – To check if power is reaching your lights safely
• Wire strippers and cutters – For trimming damaged wires or prepping new connections
• Waterproof wire connectors – Essential for protecting wire splices from moisture
• Screwdrivers and pliers – For adjusting or tightening fixtures and connections
• Spare bulbs and fuses – Always good to have backups ready for quick replacements
• Timer or photocell – And if you’re replacing yours, now’s a great time to upgrade to a smart lighting controller for more convenient scheduling and remote access

Having these tools ready can save you time and hassle, and help you make simple fixes without needing to call in a technician.

Common Outdoor Lighting Problems You Can Fix Yourself

Not every issue requires professional landscape lighting repair. Many common problems are easy to spot and even easier to fix with a few basic tools. Here’s a breakdown of the most frequent issues homeowners run into—and how to handle them on your own.

1. Burned-Out Bulbs

What to look for: Dim or non-working lights in otherwise functional zones.

How to fix it: First, check that the bulb is securely screwed in. If it still doesn’t turn on, turn off the power at the transformer and remove the bulb. Make sure to use gloves to avoid getting oils on the new bulb’s surface, especially if it’s halogen. Check the wattage and match it with the manufacturer’s specs before replacing it.

2. Timer or Photocell Malfunction

What to look for: Lights not turning on or off when expected, or staying on during the day.

How to fix it: Start by resetting the timer and replacing its backup battery if it has one. Double-check your time and date settings—power outages can cause these to reset. If you’re using a photocell, make sure it’s clean and unobstructed. Still having issues? You might be dealing with a power surge that damaged the unit. If resetting doesn’t work, replacement is usually the best bet. And if you’re already replacing the timer or photocell, consider upgrading to a smart controller for remote control and scheduling flexibility.

3. Loose or Corroded Connectors

What to look for: Flickering lights or zones that work intermittently. You may see white or green buildup on wire connectors.

How to fix it: Turn off power at the transformer. Disconnect the wires and clean off any corrosion with a small wire brush. Reconnect using waterproof wire nuts to keep moisture out and prevent future corrosion. Avoid reusing old connectors—fresh ones create a more secure and long-lasting seal.

4. Faulty Wiring or Cut Lines

What to look for: One or more lights out, especially after recent digging or landscaping.

How to fix it: Use a voltage tester or multimeter to check for power along the line. If there’s a break, dig carefully to expose the damaged wire. Strip both ends, twist the wires together, and secure the connection with waterproof wire connectors or gel-filled splices. Always shut off power at the transformer before handling wiring.

5. Dirty or Misaligned Fixtures

What to look for: Lights that seem dim or aren’t pointing in the right direction.

How to fix it: Clean dirt and debris off the lens using a damp cloth. Check that the fixture is securely seated in the ground or mount. Reposition and tighten if necessary—especially after heavy rain, snow, or foot traffic.

Tackling these simple issues can keep your lighting system running smoothly and extend its life. For anything more complicated, our team is just a click away.

Safety Tips for DIY Landscape Lighting Repairs

Before you grab your tools and start troubleshooting, it’s important to keep safety front and center. Low-voltage lighting systems are generally safe to work with, but you still need to take the right precautions to protect yourself and your system.

• Always cut the power at the transformer before touching any wiring or fixtures. Even at low voltage, it’s best to eliminate any risk of electrical shock.
• Use waterproof connectors any time you’re repairing or replacing wire connections. This prevents corrosion, which is one of the leading causes of lighting failure over time.
• Don’t work in wet conditions. Wet soil and moisture around wires or fixtures can make even simple repairs risky. Wait for a dry day to tackle outdoor electrical work.
• Mark underground wires if you’re digging or adjusting your landscape. Knowing where your lines run can prevent accidental damage and another repair job down the road.

A little caution goes a long way. And if a landscape lighting repair ever feels beyond your comfort zone, don’t worry—we’re just a phone call away.

When It’s Time to Call a Professional

DIY fixes are great for small issues, but sometimes it’s best to bring in the pros, especially if you’re dealing with problems that go beyond basic troubleshooting.

If multiple lights go out at once, the issue could be with the transformer, a buried circuit, or an overloaded system. These are more complex to diagnose and often require specialized tools. Recurring issues—like flickering, shorting, or zones that won’t stay on—can also be signs of deeper electrical problems.

Another red flag is underground wire damage, often caused by digging, root growth, or rodent activity. Finding and safely repairing these breaks takes experience and care to avoid further damage.

And if you’re thinking about upgrading your system—whether it’s switching to long-lasting LEDs or installing a smart controller—it’s a good time to let a licensed technician handle the install. You’ll get a safer, cleaner setup that performs exactly the way you want it to.

Need help? Our experienced team is ready when you are. Learn more or schedule service here.

Keep Your Landscape Lighting Shining Bright

Taking care of your outdoor lighting system is something any homeowner can take pride in. With a few basic tools and some know-how, you can handle minor issues like burned-out bulbs, loose connectors, or a glitchy timer—all while keeping your yard looking its best.

That said, some problems are better left to the experts. If you’re dealing with persistent outages, underground wire damage, or want to upgrade to a more efficient system, our team is here to help.

We’ve been providing landscape lighting repair and maintenance to systems across the Chicago area for decades, and we’re just a click away.

👉 Landscape Lighting Repair by American National

Let us take the guesswork out of keeping your property well-lit and worry-free.