Satellite dish repair: what to know

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

What satellite dish repair is

Satellite dish repair fixes a dish that has weak or no signal, a loose or damaged mount, or a cable or connector that has failed. Most problems come from a dish that has moved out of aim, water in a connector, or a worn part at the receiver end, and the fix is usually found with a signal test.

Signs you need it

  • The picture breaks up, freezes or drops in wind or heavy rain
  • The receiver says no signal, or the signal strength has dropped steadily
  • The dish has moved or looks crooked on its mount
  • The coax cable is cracked, chewed or has corrosion at the connectors
  • The dish has rust, loose bolts or a mount that rocks in the wind

What the pro does

  • Check the signal strength and quality at the receiver, and compare it with the satellite settings
  • Inspect the dish for alignment, the mount for loose bolts, and the arm for bending or rust
  • Realign the dish to the satellite, adjusting the azimuth, elevation and skew
  • Check the coax, the connectors and the splitters for damage, water or corrosion
  • Replace the faulty part, such as the cable, a connector, the low noise block or a splitter
  • Retest the signal, confirm the channel list and tighten all mounting hardware

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Every job is different, so we do not publish prices.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.

  • Dish type, age and mount, and whether a bent or rusted arm needs replacing
  • Which part has failed, such as the low noise block, a cable, a connector or a splitter
  • Roof access and the height of the dish, which affect how long the repair takes
  • Length and route of the coax cable, and whether it must be rerun
  • Whether the signal problem comes from an obstruction that needs a different mount
  • Number of receivers and any multiswitch equipment that needs testing

What a written quote should spell out

  • The signal test results before and after the repair
  • Each part replaced, listed with its name and what it fixes
  • Realignment and the satellite settings checked and set
  • Cable and connector work listed as separate lines
  • Any roof work, flashing or sealing, listed separately
  • Warranty on the parts and labor, and what happens if the signal drops again

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What is the signal reading now, and what should it be?
  • Did you find the fault in the dish, the cable or the receiver?
  • Do you realign the dish, and how do you check the skew?
  • Is the low noise block failing, and how do you confirm it?
  • Are the parts new, and what warranty covers them?
  • Will you check the roof and the flashing when you are up there?
  • Do you test the signal again after the repair, and show me the reading?

Red flags

  • They replace the dish without testing the signal or checking the cable
  • They will not show you the signal reading before and after the repair
  • They climb a roof without fall protection or a safe plan
  • They leave the mount loose and say the repair is finished
  • They sell a bigger dish without checking the line of sight

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can check the receiver's signal reading, confirm the cable is firmly connected at both ends, and look at the dish from the ground for obvious damage or a bent arm. Do not climb onto a roof or a ladder near power lines to adjust the dish, and do not touch any connection on a grounding block or at the mast. Call a pro for realignment, the low noise block, cable replacement and any roof work.

Licenses and permits

Satellite dish repair usually does not need a contractor license for the dish, but roof work, grounding to the electrical system and any permit-required work may need a licensed trade. Check with your state or local licensing agency and your local building office for the rules that apply.

Satellite dish repair questions

Why does my satellite signal keep dropping?

Common causes include a dish knocked out of alignment, water in a connector, a damaged cable, a failing low noise block, or an obstruction. A signal test can usually show which one is the problem.

Can I realign the dish myself?

Realigning from the ground is possible with a signal meter, but a roof or ladder adjustment needs fall protection and a safe plan. Call a pro if the dish is high or the roof is steep.

Is the low noise block the cause of my problem?

It can be. A pro should test the signal and the cable before replacing the low noise block, so you know the replacement fixes the fault.

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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