Landscape Lighting Troubleshooting

Updated on Oct. 10, 2025

Adding outdoor lighting to a home makes it look better and works better. Outdoor lighting systems are exposed to a lot of things, like bad weather, bugs, and other things that could cause problems over time. It may be hard to deal with these problems, but with the right information and help, you can keep your outdoor lighting system in good shape and avoid problems. We at Andy's Sprinkler, Drainage & Lighting know how important it is to keep your outdoor lighting systems in good shape. Here are some helpful tips for avoiding and fixing common problems with outdoor lighting. With our help, you can keep your outdoor space looking good and safe for many years to come. Here are a number of steps you can take to fix your landscape lighting:

1. Some or All of the Lights Won’t Come On

If your outdoor lighting don't work at all, our staff may do the following to figure out what's wrong:

1. Check the power source: Make sure the transformer is plugged in and the outlet works. We may check the circuit breaker to see if it has tripped if the outlet is not working.
2. Inspect the wiring: We will check the connections at each light fixture and the transformer to make sure they are safe and working properly.
3. Check the bulbs: We will make sure that all of the light bulbs are properly seated in their sockets and are not broken. Replace any bulbs that don't work.
4. Test the transformer: You can use a multimeter to check the voltage coming out of the transformer. You might need to buy a new transformer if the voltage is too low or not there at all.
5. Check the photocell and timer: We will check to make sure that the photocell or timer on your outdoor lights is working properly. We might test the photocell by putting your hand over it to see if the lights turn on. We will change the timer's settings to see if the lights come on at the right times.

If you have problems with your outdoor lighting system, the experts at Andy's Sprinkler, Drainage & Lighting can help. We know how to fix your system so that you can have a beautifully lit outdoor space.

2. The Lights Are Dull

There are many things that could be making the lights in your landscape lighting system dim. We might be able to fix the problems listed below:

1. Check the bulbs: We will check to make sure that they work with your system and that they are not broken. Get rid of any bulbs that don't work.
2. Clean the lenses: Dust and dirt on the lenses could make the lights less bright. We can clean the lenses with a soft cloth if they look dirty, but we need to be careful not to scratch them.
3. Check the voltage output: You can use a multimeter to find out how much voltage each light makes. If the voltage is low, it could mean that the wiring or the transformer is broken.
4. Check the transformer: We will make sure that the transformer is the right size for your system and works properly. If the transformer isn't big enough for your system, the lights might not get enough power.
5. Check for a faulty light: A broken bulb could stop the whole system from working. We could try to unplug the light that isn't working and then check the brightness of the other lights.

3. Pests or Animals Plague the System

It can be very annoying to deal with bugs and animals that are attracted to outdoor lights. There are a lot of things you can do to fix this problem:

1. Use yellow or amber bulbs: These kinds of bulbs are less likely to draw in bugs. Using yellow or amber bulbs might stop bugs from getting into your lights.
2. Install bug zappers: Bug zappers can get rid of some bugs in your yard. But it's important to remember that bug zappers might also attract other bugs, so they might not work for everyone.
3. Use motion sensors: Think about putting motion sensors on your lights. This will shorten the time that the lights are on, which will keep bugs and animals away from your system.
4. Install physical barriers: If animals are a problem, you might want to put up physical barriers around your lighting system. This could mean fences, nets, or a lot of other things that get in the way.
5. Call a professional: If bugs or animals keep getting into your lights, it might be a good idea to call a professional. They can help you figure out what the problem is and how to fix it.

Make sure your outdoor lighting system works when you need them the most. Contact Andy's Sprinkler, Drainage & Lighting right away to set up professional repairs or maintenance for your lighting system. Our experts know how to keep your system running at its best and fix any problems that come up. Don't wait until it's too late. Call Andy's right away for help keeping your home safe and looking good.