How much does it cost to remove a DIRECTV dish?

How Much Does It Cost to Remove a DIRECTV Dish?

To decide to cancel your DIRECTV service is not an easy decision particularly if you have been a customer of their satellite service for quite a while. But once you have made the decision to sever your connection with the company one of the things that you are likely to do is to take down the DIRECTV satellite dish from your house. This equipment is being provided by DIRECTV and so cannot be left around or discarded whenever one cancels the subscription. It should be returned properly. But, how much does it cost to remove a satellite dish for the DIRECTV services? Here is everything you should know about DIRECTV dish removal and the average cost associated with the procedure.

DIRECTV Dish Ownership and Removal Policies

To begin with, one needs to know who is the legal owner of the DIRECTV satellite dish and equipment that are present at your residence. Even though the dish and wiring may be securely fastened to your roof or the exterior walls of your house for the equipment to work as designed, this equipment cannot be regarded as yours even though you pay for them as part of your DIRECTV package. What you are really doing is using it as part of the services that you are offering under the agreement. DIRECTV permits its certified technicians to fix satellite dishes on the homes of its subscribers but retains ownership of the equipment.

In other words, when you cancel your DIRECTV television service, you will have to return this equipment to DIRECTV. You will probably need to schedule a dish removal or “de-install. ” If you don’t remove the DIRECTV satellite dish yourself or pay someone else to take it down after ending your service, DIRECTV can make you pay for the value of the equipment. Usually this fee ranges from $135, but can increase depending on the number of receivers, dvrs, or dishes that were put in. No hidden charges and ensure that the DIRECTV equipment is also returned in the right manner.

DIY DIRECTV Dish Removal

You can dismantle a DIRECTV satellite on your own, this will enable you to avoid paying for the dish removal charges. However, this do-it-yourself approach has the advantage of ascending ladders and your roof to get to the components. It would require the removal of the LNB, followed by the removal of the dish arm from the exterior wall mount using bolts. Special caution should be taken when operating from ladders and on the roof to prevent such mishaps. Weather conditions are also important, do not attempt to remove the dish during storms, high winds, rain or icy conditions.

What is left after you have disassembled the arm and dish is holes in your exterior wall and roof. It is your duty as the homeowner to patch, repair, and repaint these areas as necessary. Remember to seal all gaps and cracks right to prevent water from penetrating the area or other small animals from getting access to those holes. Ensure that you return the DIRECTV satellite dish as well as any components that may have been removed to an appropriate place as directed by the company. This is usually done through a local UPS store or by mailing it back.

Since there are certain dangers when it comes to operating ladders and lifts to reach equipment that is installed high above the ground, then most people decide to look for a company that offers satellite dish removal services to remove the DIRECTV equipment. But how much does it cost to hire a professional for removing the DIRECTV satellite dish?

Professional DIRECTV Dish Removal Cost<|reserved_special_token_264|>

The cost for a certified technician to remove or ‘de-install’ your DIRECTV satellite dish ranges between $50 and $150 with the national average at $100 for professional dish removal from a residential property. Here are some of the common factors that influence the overall cost to remove a DIRECTV satellite dish:Here are some of the common factors that influence the overall cost to remove a DIRECTV satellite dish:

• Number of dishes/receivers – The more houses that have satellite dishes, DVRs, and cable boxes wired throughout the house, will take longer and be more work to completely destroy. Extra charges are often required for additional equipment more than the basic one dish.

• Dish location/accessibility—The location of the dish either on a low side of the house or a high two-story roofline makes a big difference in terms of access and the time the technician will take. It should be noted that the prices for dishes located on upper floors, and especially on the roof, can be twice as high.

• Wall and roof repairs—Some companies offer wall and roof repair services in satellite removal package while others charge extra for the services in terms of hole patching and repainting. Where this is necessary, do not forget to enquire about any charges for repairs.

• Transportation costs—Sometimes a dish removal firm may charge you transport fees depending on the distance they will have to travel to get to your home, particularly if the house is located in a remote area. Travel fees can cost anywhere from $20 to $60 on average.

  When you hire a technician, make sure that you receive a quotation that outlines all the costs that are involved so that other charges are not added to the final bill. Also look for a company that deals with satellite tv equipment installation and removal and not general contractors as they are more equipped to notice all wiring and other parts that should be removed.

  Disadvantages of DIY Dish Removal: Safety Concerns

  As suggested earlier, dismantling of a DIRECTV satellite dish placed at a very high position involves dangerous exercises which are quite complicated and thus makes it advisable for most homeowners to hire a professional advisor. Alas, your safety must be the number one priority in this case. Risks involved with DIY DIRECTV dish removal include:Risks involved with DIY DIRECTV dish removal include:

• Falling from heights—Ladders, lifts and rooftops are some of the common causes of falling and getting severe injuries. If you’re aware of your ability to work at heights then this is one very dangerous do-it-yourself project to try out.

• Electrical shock—There may always be some residual current in the cables and equipment even if the receivers are switched off, especially if working with wires overhead. Employees with heart conditions are at a special risk around electrical wiring.

• Structural/water damage – This is due to negligence in the process of repairing holes in the exterior walls or roofs since they allow moisture to seep through and cause rot and mold. Risk further repairs by doing this incorrectly.

• Legal issues—In the event that a friend or a family member or anyone who is assisting you remove the satellite dish has an accident or gets injured, you may be held partially responsible or legally liable as the homeowner.

  When seeking to reduce the cost of removing a DIRECTV satellite dish also check on the value of your safety and health. For the average homeowner, it is better to hire an insured specialist to take down the dish because of the inherent risks involved. Just ensure that before you let your workers loose on your roof and property that you check on the companies thoroughly.

  Advice on how to get rid of a DIRECTV satellite dish

  If you do decide to remove your own DIRECTV satellite equipment, keep these tips in mind to stay safe and avoid unnecessary fees or damage:If you do decide to remove your own DIRECTV satellite equipment, keep these tips in mind to stay safe and avoid unnecessary fees or damage:

  To avoid moving while holding something especially when using ladders, enlist the services of 1-2 friends to help in steadying the ladders and passing equipment down to you. Choose a project manager who will be in charge of the whole process.

  Check the weather—While performing exterior works at heights, the weather should be good with no rain and little wind. Cancel if there are forecasts of rain, snow or high winds in the area where the event is scheduled to be held.

  Disconnect electricity—With reference to the electrical breakers/fuses, turn off the electrical power of all the DIRECTV system components to mitigate shock risks when dealing with the wires.

  Cover the floor—Ensure that you have a drop cloth set to cover the areas of the house you intend to work on in order to trap all the falling items, wires and tools. Also prevents paint drips while fixing holes on the wall or during the painting process.

  Document process—It is helpful to photograph the process at each stage; wiring and components connections are difficult to recall. Makes reassembly simpler.

  Beware—Gently take along removed dish/arm/wiring rather than dropping it to the ground. Obsolete equipment could attract replacement costs from DIRECTV.

  Disposing of waste—If you have disassembled a large satellite dish system, call a pick-up for large items rather than attempting to cram the bulky equipment into your car to transport to a disposal site.

  The Bottom Line

  It takes time, care and courage to dismantle an old DIRECTV satellite system, the last step involves climbing up high to disconnect wires and equipment. Even though removing a house oneself might appear to be a more cost-effective way at the start, understand the dangers related with the process, and other costs which may follow in case of improper repair or patching work. Sometimes, it is even cheaper hiring an insured person than it is to purchase the supplies and equipment used in DIY dish removal. Besides, it provides you with something priceless – the assurance that an expert has properly disassembled and taken away all the DIRECTV satellite equipment. Therefore, consider all the factors you have when deciding whether to do it yourself or hire professionals for removal.