How to Repair Sagging Recessed Light Trim

How to Remove a Drawer From a Electrolux Refrigerator
Written By
Dave Donovan
Dave Donovan
Published: Apr 2, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

To make matters worse, once the trim begins to sag, the area of cut drywall is not only exposed, but drywall dust can actually start falling from the ceiling onto whatever is located beneath the light. Knowing how to repair sagging recessed light trim will keep your fixtures, and everything below them, looking neat and clean.

Things You Will Need

  • Needle-nose pliers
  • Screwdrivers
  • Replacement springs for recessed light trim
  1. Turn off the circuit breaker that powers the recessed light with the sagging trim. This is an important step because you will be working near the socket; turning the breaker off will prevent an accident if your tools inadvertently slip and touch the interior of the socket.

  2. Allow the bulb to cool. Then remove it.

  3. Look at the springs that are securing the recessed light trim to the fixture body. The one nearest the sagging area is probably stretched out to the point that it is no longer holding the trim tight against the ceiling.

  4. Use the needle-nose pliers or the screwdriver to release the springs so you can remove the trim.

  5. Replace the worn out springs with newer ones purchased from your local hardware store.

  6. Re-install the recessed light trim by hooking the springs into their designated spots. The trim should now sit tight against the ceiling.

  7. Install the light bulb and turn the circuit breaker back on.

The Drip Cap

  • Recessed lights can transform any room into a show-stopper.
  • To make matters worse, once the trim begins to sag, the area of cut drywall is not only exposed, but drywall dust can actually start falling from the ceiling onto whatever is located beneath the light.
  • Turn off the circuit breaker that powers the recessed light with the sagging trim.

Photo Credits

David Sacks/Lifesize/Getty Images

David Sacks/Lifesize/Getty Images

Dave Donovan

Based in Atco, NJ, Dave Donovan has been a full-time writer for over five years. His articles are featured on hundreds of websites, and have landed him in two nationally published books "If I Had a Hammer: More Than 100 Easy Fixes and…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.