Landscape Lighting Repair Tips

When low voltage landscape lighting develops problems, it’s usually due to corrosion on the wire or bulb contacts cause by constant exposure to the elements.

To repair landscape lighting:

    • Wire Connections: Clean off any corrosion in the wire connections between the fixture and main line, then seal the junction with silicone caulking.
  • Bulb Connections: Remove the bulb and use an emery board or sandpaper to clean any corrosion off the bulb fixture contacts, then spray with contact cleaner before reinstalling the bulb.

Watch this video to find out more.

Further Information

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Danny Lipford: Steven has this question, “Our landscape lights have stopped working. What’s the problem?”

Usually when homeowners are having trouble with landscape lighting, the first thing you think about is a burned out bulb. But the bulbs in these things last a long, long time. Usually the problem: either a connection or moisture or both.

So, the first thing you want to check on is where this fixture connects to your main line, which will be slightly underground or sometimes just under the mulch. Make sure there is no corrosion on it, make sure it’s nice and tight. Then encase it with silicon caulk to really keep it nice and dry.

Then you’ll want to take the bulb out very carefully, and look for any corrosion where the bulb contacts are. You may need to use an emery board or a little bit of sandpaper to sand any corrosion off. Then spray it with a little contact cleaner to really keep it clean for a long, long time.

Do a few little maintenance things like this, landscape lights will last forever.

8 COMMENTS

  1. After tracking why my ground landscape was out –a string of 8 on 12 gage landscape wire—-I found at the first fixture a completely melted connector and melted insulation on the fixture side –water protected connectors—and singed landscape bark. Replaced the fixture and spliced in four ft of 12 gage wire (water proof connectors)— and so now I had a splice between the transformer and the first fixture. String worked for a couple of months and shut down. Checking it out and the splice between the transformer and the first fixture—again a completely melted connector on one side melted insulation. Have cut out and replaced the connectors again and monitoring. The system comes on about six hours. I’m concerned about this string. It’s the only one on this transformer. WHY TWICE DID IT NOT TRIP THE TRANSFORMER BREAKER AND WHAT IS POSSIB LY HAPPENING. RISKY???? I have three other transformers and nothing but replacing bulbs for ten years

  2. Any suggestions for a replacement for Malibu uplights? I have a string of 6, 4 of which have burned out. I see Malibu is out of business. Is there an LED replacement bulb? Should I replace the entire string of lights? Should I use the inexpensive solar lights I see on Amazon?
    I like that the Malibu lights are angled and case beautiful shadows on the wall. I really miss them. What to do?

  3. The spike on my landscape light broke but the stem has the electrical cord going all the way up the stem. Do I have to cut the cord in order to repair? I can send a picture if you need to see what I am talking about.

    • Hi, Linda! Your light issue could be due to numerous causes, but this sounds like a question for the product’s manufacturer.
      We recommend contacting them and explaining the situation. Good luck!

  5. I have 12 volt light housing recessed into my concrete steps
    Approx 3” x 5”. The housing has a plate that can ce removed and I want to put a few spot lights in them

    I have some LED lights up these stairs now I want to use new spot lights going towards the landscaping

    Not sure what I need or what would fit into existing housing

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