How Long Do Garbage Disposals Last?
Are you dealing with an old, unreliable garbage disposal that doesn’t do the job? Or you’ve moved into a home without one and are considering adding this helpful appliance to your kitchen. If so, you’re likely curious about How Long Do Garbage Disposals Last? and whether it’s a worthwhile investment. At Derks Plumbing, we’re dedicated to providing top-quality plumbing solutions for homes and businesses, helping our customers enjoy the safety, convenience, and efficiency that a well-maintained plumbing system can bring.
In this guide, we’ll go over the typical lifespan of garbage disposals, signs it might be time for a replacement, and tips to extend your unit’s life for years to come. Let’s dive into the details so you can make an informed choice for your kitchen!
How Many Years Do Most Garbage Disposals Last?
When you purchase a garbage disposal, you might expect it to last indefinitely, but most disposals have a set life expectancy. On average, a typical garbage disposal lasts between 8 and 15 years. However, there’s a wide range depending on several critical factors, which we’ll examine below. By understanding these factors, you can understand what affects a disposal’s lifespan and make informed decisions about care, maintenance, and potential replacement.
1. Frequency of Use
How often you use your garbage disposal plays a big role in determining how long it will last. If you frequently cook at home and use the disposal multiple times a day, it will likely wear out sooner than a disposal only used a few times a week. Disposals in homes where large amounts of food waste are processed daily experience higher levels of wear and tear, often needing replacement sooner than disposals used occasionally. This means that families or households with high kitchen usage should be especially mindful of signs of aging or decreased performance.
2. Quality of the Unit
Not all garbage disposals are made the same. Generally, higher-end disposals made from quality materials tend to last longer than budget models. For instance, units with stainless steel parts are more resistant to corrosion and general wear, giving them a longer life expectancy. When purchasing a garbage disposal, consider it an investment. A well-made unit with a warranty may cost more initially but can save money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
3. Maintenance Habits
Your habits around maintenance can significantly extend or reduce the lifespan of your disposal. Routine care, such as regularly cleaning and using the unit as intended, can help prevent early breakdowns and costly repairs. Conversely, ignoring maintenance or misusing the disposal can lead to blockages, internal damage, or motor failure. We’ll dive into specific maintenance tips later, but for now, know that basic upkeep is essential to get the most out of your garbage disposal’s life.
Most homeowners generally find that garbage disposals last 10 to 12 years with average use. However, with careful attention to quality, usage, and maintenance, you may enjoy an extended lifespan, keeping your disposal in top shape for close to 15 years or more.
Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Replacement
Recognizing when your garbage disposal is on its last legs is crucial. Ignoring warning signs may lead to sudden failures, leaks, or even foul odors that can affect your kitchen environment. Here’s what to look for to determine if it’s time to consider a new unit.
Frequent Clogs
If you find that your disposal frequently clogs, this could be a sign that it’s struggling with capacity or that its blades have dulled over time. While a one-off clog might mean a blockage, consistent clogs signal that the disposal is no longer as efficient as it once was. Over time, the system might have worn down from overuse or processing unsuitable waste, making it unable to break down food effectively.
Unusual Noises
A garbage disposal is designed to operate with a smooth, steady sound. However, if you start hearing unusual grinding, rattling, or knocking noises, it’s a sign that something is wrong internally. These noises may indicate damaged blades, a loose component, or a motor problem. While a small object may have fallen into the disposal, such noises often point to wear and tear that could signal it’s nearing the end of its useful life.
Bad Odors
Odors are one of the most obvious signs of a problem with garbage disposal. Over time, food particles can build up in the disposal or get stuck in hard-to-reach places, creating unpleasant smells. Persistent odors that don’t go away after cleaning may indicate an internal residue that’s impossible to reach or even mold growth, both of which signal it may be time to upgrade.
Leaks
Leaks around the base or under the sink often suggest cracks in the disposal housing. This problem is frequently beyond repair and requires a replacement, as attempting to patch or seal the disposal is usually a temporary fix. At Derks Plumbing, we also offer leak repair services to our customers. Leaks can lead to water damage in cabinets and countertops, so addressing them promptly is essential.
If your garbage disposal shows any of these signs, it may be time to consider a replacement. Newer units come with advanced features that increase efficiency and reduce the chance of issues like clogs and leaks.
Tips for Extending Garbage Disposal Lifespan
With a few simple adjustments to your daily habits and regular care, you can add years to the life of your garbage disposal. If you follow these steps, you will not wonder why your garbage disposal is not working & How log do garbage disposal last, so follow these steps if you want a healthy garbage disposal. Here are some essential tips that can make a big difference:
1. Run Cold Water
One of the easiest ways to prevent damage is to run cold water while using the disposal. Cold water helps solidify fats and oils, preventing them from coating the blades and sides of the disposal. After running the disposal, continue the cold water for a few seconds to ensure everything has cleared the drain properly.
2. Avoid Fibrous Foods
Fibrous foods like celery, onion skins, and corn husks have stringy textures that can wrap around the disposal’s blades and cause clogs. Also, we have solutions for unclogging a garbage disposal. These fibers also create extra strain on the motor. Instead of putting these items down the disposal, throw them in the trash or compost.
3. Clean Regularly
Regular cleaning helps prevent buildup and keeps odors at bay. Using ice cubes and lemon peels is a quick and effective way to clean your disposal. Ice cubes can sharpen the blades slightly, while lemon peels add a fresh scent and help remove residue inside the disposal. For deeper cleaning, consider using a specialized disposal cleaner once a month.
4. Use Moderately
Overloading your garbage disposal can wear down the motor and blades faster. Process small batches instead of grinding a large amount of food waste at once. This reduces strain and helps the disposal grind more efficiently, avoiding motor burnout and preserving the unit’s life.
When to Call a Plumber for Garbage Disposal Help
Knowing when to call a professional can save you time, money, and frustration. While some issues may be manageable with basic troubleshooting, others require expert intervention to ensure the safety and longevity of your disposal and plumbing system. If your disposal is completely unresponsive, it could indicate motor failure or electrical issues requiring professional expertise. Similarly, persistent clogs or leaks may indicate deeper problems within the plumbing system, and attempting to fix these yourself may lead to more significant damage.
Professional plumbers can assess whether your disposal needs a simple repair or if it’s time for a replacement. Additionally, if your unit is over 10 years old and showing multiple signs of wear, an experienced plumber like Derks Plumbing can help you decide if upgrading to a new model will offer better performance and reliability.
Average Life of a Garbage Disposal
So, what’s the average lifespan of a garbage disposal? Typically, garbage disposal lasts between 8 and 15 years, but many variables are involved in determining this range. Some disposals may last closer to 15 years if used infrequently or if they’re high-quality models with premium materials. Disposals in smaller households with low food waste often see longer lifespans, as they don’t face the daily wear that larger households might impose on the unit.
Around ten years is a reasonable expectation for disposals that are used daily. However, regular maintenance and care can help prolong this to closer to 12 or even 15 years. Understanding the factors that contribute to the lifespan of your disposal can help you decide when it’s time for a replacement and whether additional care practices could extend its life.
How to Avoid Misusing Your Garbage Disposal
Misuse is a primary cause of reduced garbage disposal lifespan, as improper items and poor practices can quickly damage the blades and motor or even lead to plumbing issues. Here’s how to avoid common pitfalls:
Avoid Fats and Oils:
One of the most common mistakes is pouring fats, oils, and grease down the disposal. These materials can cool and harden, creating a sticky residue that traps other particles and causes clogs.
No Hard Objects: Bones, shells, and other hard items should never go down the disposal, as they can severely damage the blades. Even small bones can cause harm, so discarding them in the trash is best.
Minimal Use of Chemical Cleaners: Although chemical drain cleaners might seem like a quick fix for odors or mild clogs, they can corrode the internal components of the disposal. Instead, use natural cleaners, such as baking soda and vinegar, or invest in a safe disposal cleaner for your unit.
Are You Ready for a New Garbage Disposal? Call Derks Plumbing Today!
If you’ve noticed persistent problems with your garbage disposal, or if it’s nearing the end of its life expectancy, replacing it can improve your kitchen’s efficiency and your plumbing system’s health. An outdated or malfunctioning garbage disposal can lead to costly repairs, leaks, and unpleasant odors, affecting your entire kitchen’s functionality. Upgrading to a new model, especially one with advanced features and durable materials, can enhance performance and provide peace of mind.
At Derks Plumbing, we specialize in helping homeowners choose and install garbage disposals that best fit their needs and budget. Our team provides professional installation, troubleshooting, and repair services, ensuring your kitchen runs smoothly. Whether you’re ready for a replacement or need expert advice on maintaining your current unit, our skilled plumbers are here to help. Don’t wait until a small issue becomes a big problem—reach out to Derks Plumbing today and let us keep your garbage disposal in shape.
FAQS
1. How to maintain a garbage disposal?
To maintain garbage disposal, run cold water during and after each use, avoid hard or fibrous foods, and clean monthly with ice cubes and baking soda. Regular maintenance prevents buildup, sharpens blades, and keeps it odor-free.
2. How often do garbage disposals need to be replaced?
Most garbage disposals last 8 to 15 years, depending on quality, usage, and maintenance. Disposals should be replaced if they frequently clog, have recurring leaks, or produce unusual noises, even after repairs.
3. How to fix old garbage disposal
For minor issues, try resetting the unit, clearing any clogs, or tightening loose parts. If these don’t work, professional plumbing repairs may be needed. However, repeated problems in older units often indicate it’s time for a replacement.