How Long Do Garbage Disposals Last?

Even though we use these machines more than twice every day and make them grind and dispose of food waste, garbage disposals can be considered one of the powerful appliances in our kitchen. They are like decorated soldiers the kitchen. Unfortunately, they also have a lifespan and may stop working when least expected, but you’ll be glad to know that their lifespan is considerably long.

A good quality garbage disposal can last between 8 – 15 years if you take care of it properly. Even though the durability will depend on various factors, you can expect to get a reasonable number of years before replacing it.

In terms of manufacturers, InSinkErator and Waste King Legend produce outstanding garbage disposals and they even provide the longest cover periods in warranty than any other disposal specialist. These brands are so reliable and trustworthy that you can expect to use their disposal units for 10 – 15 years before replacing it. Should some minor incidents occur only small maintenance and repairs can be expected.

How to maintain your garbage disposal

There are a number of proven methods to effectively extend the lifespan of your garbage disposal.
It may sound insignificant but keeping your garbage disposal smelling fresh is one of the most important ways on how to extend the lifespan of your beloved disposal. Did you know that foul odor in your disposal builds up bacteria that can create an acidic environment inside the chamber causing the disposal to rust and ultimate failure? Regular cleaning is very important.

Read more on How to Clean Your Garbage Disposal

Use the disposer properly. Even though the name might state garbage disposal it doesn’t mean that you can throw anything down its throat. Waste disposal units are only meant for biodegradable food.

Food waste that you should never put in the unit is bones, plastic or silverware like crockery. To save it is important to note if your garbage disposal has a magnetic ring to attract silverware that might fall into the unit.

Some other food types that could also be responsible for damaging your waste unit are:

Grease and oil – this could affect drain pipes and cause blockage in the long run then ultimately replace unnecessary pipe lines.

Fruit pits – which could damage the blades

Rice and pasta – these types of food expands when wet causing blockage in the pipes

When to Replace Your Garbage Disposal?

• If it won’t turn on even if you’ve check all the electrical points including the reset button
• Your disposal runs slower than normal
• The outer unit leaks water
• When it makes a continuous humming noise
• When it operates louder than normal for long periods of time
• Continuous clogged and jams causing blades to work slower than normal
• Frequent maintenance of the unit than normal

Maintaining your disposal isn’t as hard as it might sound. When you plan to remove the unit it is of utmost importance that you switch off the electricity supply for safety purpose. Installing or removing the waste unit is s simple process. Manufacturers like InSinkErator and Waste King Legend manufactures their modern day units with a Quick Lock Mounting System for easy installation. Of course, if you need a professional plumber to do a proper job Amazon offers In-Home Services so you can what you do best.

So How Long Do Garbage Disposals Last? Unfortunately, there’s no definite answer. It all depends on various factors described above.