How Long Do Garbage Disposals Last?
Garbage disposals are surprisingly resilient and long-lasting, considering their daily wear and tear.
Garbage disposals are surprisingly resilient and long-lasting, considering their daily wear and tear. Still, even these durable appliances can’t last forever. Please keep reading to learn how long garbage disposals last and how to maximize their life expectancy.
What is the typical lifespan for a garbage disposal unit?
An average garbage disposal unit will last between eight and 15 years. The exact number will depend on the model, its use frequency, and maintenance and ongoing care level.
How to maximize a garbage disposal’s lifespan
A high-quality garbage disposal can serve a household for many years, providing its members maintain it properly. However, a negligent household can cause the unit to break down much faster. In worst-case scenarios, a poorly maintained garbage disposal will only run for a few years.
Here’s how to ensure the shelf life of a garbage disposal unit easily exceeds a decade:
Buy garbage disposal models with high-quality components
Like other appliances, high-end garbage disposals will typically run longer than budget models. The longer life expectancy results from high-quality parts, including the unit’s motors, gears, and blades. Since these components use better materials, they won’t accumulate food waste or break down as quickly.
Avoid using the garbage disposal for harmful food waste
Homeowners shouldn’t overestimate the capabilities of their garbage disposal and use it for any food waste that comes their way. These appliances can’t break down certain types of debris, so disposing of them will dull the blades and reduce the unit’s effectiveness in the long run.
This debris includes harder materials, such as:
Eggshells
Chicken bones
Uncooked pasta
Other food waste might clog the drains, rendering the garbage disposal useless. These include:
Cooking oil
Coffee grounds
Grease
Even soft vegetables can cause issues for the garbage disposal unit by wrapping around its mechanical parts. So, homeowners should also avoid throwing the following vegetables in their garbage disposal:
Potatoes
Onions
Asparagus
Avoid overusing the garbage disposal
Even the highest-quality garbage disposals have a limited lifespan. The more frequently residents run the unit, the faster its components will wear down. So, a household should avoid running the garbage disposal unit every time they use the kitchen sink.
Clean the garbage disposal regularly
Cleaning a garbage disposal unit takes no more than 10 minutes yet can go a long way toward increasing its lifespan. By regularly cleaning the unit, household members will ensure it runs smoothly and leaves no unwanted odors or debris behind. Every week or two, they should:
Put a handful of coarse salt and a dozen ice cubes down the drain for regular cleaning
Pour some vinegar and baking soda down the drain for deeper cleaning
What to do when a garbage disposal unit breaks down
If the garbage disposal stops running smoothly or displays other unusual signs, such as weird noises or odd smells, homeowners should contact a reliable plumber. These professionals will try to repair it if possible. If not, they will install a new garbage disposal unit safely and quickly. This way, homeowners won’t have any issues arising from a botched DIY installation.
If you need a licensed, bonded, experienced plumber for plumbing installation and service in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek, Ahwatukee or San Tan Valley call Norfleet Family Plumbing Heating and Air at 480-681-1764.
