Pathway lighting does more than make your home look nice at night. It helps your family walk safely. It helps guests find your front door. It adds warmth and charm to your yard, which is why many homeowners rely on a trusted pathway lighting company to design and maintain their systems.
Here in Indianapolis, our weather can be rough on outdoor lighting. Snow piles up in winter. Spring brings heavy rain. Summer heat bakes the soil. All of that can wear down a lighting system over time.
At Warweg & Co., Inc., we just installed a pathway lighting system for a family in Carmel. A week later, they asked how to keep it looking great for years. That’s a smart question. After serving Central Indiana, we’ve seen what happens when lights are ignored—and what happens when they’re cared for.
Why Do Pathway Lights Stop Working?
Pathway lights may seem simple, but a lot is going on under the ground.
In Indianapolis, the freeze and thaw cycle causes soil to shift. When that happens, wires can loosen or pull apart.
Here are common problems we see on service calls in Fishers, Greenwood, and Franklin:
Loose wire connections. Ground movement can pull low-voltage wires apart, which causes lights to flicker or go dark.
Water inside the fixture. Rain and melting snow can sneak into older or cracked fixtures and damage bulbs and sockets.
Bulb failure. Even LED bulbs can wear out over time, especially if the voltage is uneven.
Damaged cables. Lawn mowers and edging tools sometimes cut shallow buried wires without anyone noticing.
We just repaired a home in Indianapolis where three lights were out along the walkway. It turned out that one small cut in the wire was the cause. Once fixed, everything came back on.
How Often Should Pathway Lighting Be Checked?
I recommend checking your pathway lighting at least once a year. Spring is a great time. Winter can be hard on fixtures and wiring.
When we perform maintenance at Warweg & Co., Inc., we focus on the full system, not just the bulbs.
Checking Fixture Alignment
Lights can tilt over time. When they lean, the beam shines in the wrong spot. We straighten and reset each one so the light spreads evenly.
Cleaning the Lenses
Dirt, mulch, and grass clippings block light output. A simple cleaning makes a big difference in brightness.
Inspecting the Transformer
The transformer controls the power. We check that it is dry, set properly, and sending steady voltage through the system.
Small tune-ups like these help prevent bigger repairs later.
What Can Homeowners Do Themselves?
There are a few simple steps homeowners can handle safely.
Lens cleaning: Wipe lenses gently with a soft cloth and mild soap to remove dirt buildup.
Repositioning fixtures: Push tilted lights back into the soil so they shine on the path, not into the yard.
Plant trimming: Cut back plants that block the beam of light.
Visual checks: Look for dark spots along the path and note any flickering lights.
If you notice exposed wires or signs of water damage, that’s when it’s best to call a professional. We just helped a homeowner in Greenwood who tried to patch a wire with tape. The repair did not last, and the system needed more work than expected.
When Is It Time to Replace Instead of Repair?
Sometimes a quick fix works. Other times, an older system may be ready for an upgrade.
If your lighting system is over 15 years old, you may notice dim light or uneven color. New LED pathway lighting systems are more energy efficient and last much longer.
We recently upgraded a home in Fishers from older halogen lights to LED fixtures. The difference was clear right away. The walkway looked brighter and cleaner, and the homeowner noticed lower energy use.
Here are signs it may be time for replacement:
Frequent bulb changes: Replacing bulbs often can mean the system is aging.
Rust or cracks: Damaged fixtures allow moisture inside and shorten system life.
Uneven light color: Mixed old and new bulbs can create patchy lighting along the path.
Upgrading can improve safety and appearance at the same time.
Why Hire a Professional for Maintenance?
Outdoor lighting may look simple, but proper voltage balance and wire layout matter. At Warweg & Co., Inc., we check every connection, measure voltage levels, and make sure the light spacing is correct.
We also understand Indiana soil conditions. Clay soil tends to hold moisture, while sandy soil lets water drain away faster, and both can affect how underground wiring performs over time. That’s why we pay close attention to installation depth, connections, and fixture selection—especially when planning lighting that can run efficiently through colder months without wasting energy.
After decades of installing and maintaining outdoor lighting across Central Indiana, we’ve learned that small details matter. The right depth for wires. The right fixture spacing. The right beam angle for safe walking.
That’s what keeps your pathway lighting working year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pathway Lighting
Should pathway lighting be serviced every year?
Yes. Annual service helps catch small problems before they turn into larger repairs.
Can I fix a broken pathway light myself?
Yes, for simple bulb replacements or cleaning. For wiring or electrical issues, it’s safer to call a professional.
Do LED pathway lights last longer than halogen lights?
Yes. LED lights usually last much longer and use less electricity, which means fewer replacements over time.
Keep Your Pathway Lighting Safe and Bright
Pathway lighting protects your family and adds beauty to your home. With regular care, it can last for many years. Check your system each spring. Clean the lenses. Watch for leaning fixtures. Call for help when you see wiring problems or water damage.
At Warweg & Co., Inc., we take pride in helping Indianapolis homeowners care for their outdoor spaces. If your pathway lights are dim, flickering, or not working at all, give us a call at (317) 885-8983 to schedule a pathway lighting check. We’re always happy to help keep your home safe and welcoming.