Satellite dish installation: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What satellite dish installation is

Satellite dish installation mounts a dish, aims it at the satellite, runs coax to the receiver and tests the signal strength. A good install has a clear line of sight to the satellite, secure fastening, and a roof or wall penetration sealed so it does not leak.

Signs you need it

  • You want satellite TV at a home that has no dish yet, or a dish that was removed
  • Trees, a roofline or a neighboring building block the view to the satellite
  • The current dish is bent, rusted or loose on its mount
  • You are moving into a home with an existing dish that needs to be checked and aimed
  • You want a new receiver connected to a dish, with the cable run set up cleanly

What the pro does

  • Check the site for a clear line of sight to the satellite, and confirm the mount location
  • Mount the dish to the roof, wall or pole, and fit flashing or sealant at any roof penetration
  • Aim the dish by setting the azimuth and elevation, then adjust the skew for the satellite
  • Run the coax cable to the receiver through the approved route, with the connectors fitted and weatherproofed
  • Connect a grounding block at the cable entry, and bond the mast to the home's grounding system
  • Scan the satellites, check the signal strength and quality, and set up the receiver's channel list

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Mount type, such as roof, wall, pole or ground mount, and how high the dish must go
  • Roof type and pitch, since steep or fragile roofs need more time and fall protection
  • Length of the coax run and the route through walls, attics or exterior surfaces
  • Number of receivers and whether a multiswitch or splitter is needed
  • Obstructions such as trees or buildings, which may require a different site or a taller mount
  • Whether the grounding connection requires a licensed electrician
  • Access to the roof, the attic or the equipment area for the cable run

What a written quote should spell out

  • The dish size, model and mount type, with the mounting location named
  • Coax cable type, length and the route through the building
  • Connectors, grounding block, weatherproof sealing and flashing as separate lines
  • Number of receivers connected and any multiswitch or splitter used
  • The grounding work, listed for the licensed electrician where required
  • Signal test results, and warranty on the dish, the mount and the labor

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Is there a clear line of sight to the satellites from the spot you want?
  • How will you mount the dish, and how do you seal the roof penetration?
  • What coax do you use, and how are the connectors weatherproofed?
  • Who does the grounding, and is a licensed electrician needed?
  • What signal reading will I get, and how do you show it to me?
  • What warranty covers the dish, the mount and the labor?
  • How do you handle the roof safely, and what fall protection do you use?

Red flags

  • They mount the dish without checking the line of sight to the satellite
  • They drill the roof without sealing the penetration, or use sealant as the only protection
  • They skip the grounding, or leave the mast ungrounded
  • They splice coax with cheap connectors, or leave the cable exposed to weather
  • They climb a steep roof without fall protection

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can check the sky view from the install spot with a phone compass or a satellite finder app, and can connect a receiver to a dish that is already mounted and aimed. Do not climb a roof, mount to a roof or wall, or run cable through the building yourself without fall protection and a plan for the penetration. Call a pro for mounting, aiming, roof work, grounding and the cable run.

Licenses and permits

Satellite dish installation usually does not need a contractor license for the dish itself, but grounding the mast to the home's electrical system and any roof work may need a licensed trade or a permit. Check with your state or local licensing agency and your local building office for the rules that apply to your roof and mount.

Satellite dish installation questions

How do I know if I have a clear view of the satellite?

A pro can check the sky view with a satellite finder and confirm the line of sight at the spot. Trees and buildings can block the signal, and the installer should tell you before the dish is mounted.

Will a dish on the roof cause leaks?

It can if the penetration is not sealed correctly. The installer should use proper flashing and sealant at each fastener, and check the roof after the install.

Why does the signal drop in heavy rain?

Heavy rain can weaken the satellite signal, which is called rain fade. A stronger signal margin, a better dish location or a larger dish can help, so ask the installer to check the signal margin for your site.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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