April 2, 2020

How Long Should a Garbage Disposal Last?

How long do garbage disposals last? Many homeowners don’t know the life span of a garbage disposal before it needs to be replaced with a new one. The garbage disposal is the workhorse of the kitchen. It was first invented back in 1927 by Mr. John Hammes. The design of the garbage disposal has not changed much but that doesn’t seem to bother homeowners.

This appliance has secured its spot in kitchens all around the world from residential to commercial properties, and many cannot fathom their everyday food preparation or clean up without it. The garbage disposal keeps your plumbing clear of debris, unwanted clogs, and bad odors, which is why it’s important to know how to properly maintain it. If you need plumbing services, contact Joe the Plumber today.

How Long Should a Garbage Disposal Last?

The kitchen appliance is designed to chew up food that is thrown down the drain. Typically, you will want to run water anytime you turn on the garbage disposal to help it grind the food more easily. Once the disposal is turned on, the impeller plate turns rapidly, forcing food scraps against the grinder chamber’s outer wall. As a result, the food is pulverized into smaller bits and they eventually get washed down the holes in the chamber wall. Garbage disposals have impellers or 2 blunt metal teeth but on the impeller plate there are no sharp blades. This is a common misconception among people around the world.

What is their life span?

How long do garbage disposals last? The disposal can last between 8 to 15 years before the motor burns out or the blades start to wear down. Newer garbage disposals are designed to last longer so the installation definitely plays a role in the life span. Other variables should also be considered such as the frequency of use, maintenance, and more. On average, the disposal should last a good amount of time before it begins to deteriorate. Below we will list the top 3 ways to extend the service life of a garbage disposal

1. Daily disposal maintenance

Reduce the buildup of debris by using soapy water while running disposal. This will help thoroughly rinse the disposal during use.

2. Weekly disposal maintenance

Fill the kitchen sink with cold clean water. Then pull the drain plug once the sink is full. This will rush the water through the unit, cleaning it out. Clean out the unit by filling the kitchen sink with cold clean water and letting it drain through every week.

3. Monthly disposal maintenance

This process requires three steps. Follow along for the monthly maintenance process below.

– Dump ice cubes in the sink
Throw ice cubes down the kitchen sink and let the disposal crush them until it turns into slush. Then, fill the sink with cold water and let the ice fill up to the drain line.

– Remove drain baffle
If you have a drain baffle, remove it. Then clean the baffle before you place it back in the original location.

– Baking soda and vinegar
In the final step, you will need 1 cup of vinegar and ½ cup of baking soda. Place the mix in the grinder chamber. Wait until the mix turns into foam. Make sure you boil a pot full of water. Once the water comes to a boil, carefully pour it down the kitchen drain.

By following the steps above and the daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance, the disposal can provide you with flawless performance for many years. Just avoid letting certain foods pass through your kitchen disposal. If you think its time for a replacement, call Joe the Plumber today. 281-306-5137.

Foods to not let pass through the garbage disposal

Oil and grease will cause clogs once it solidifies
Pasta or rice can cause clogs because they expand with moisture
String-like veggies such as celery can cause clogs when they get caught in the blades
Hard food or fruit pits can damage the disposal blades

When its time for a repair, replacement, or removal

There are signs you need to look out for that will let you know if it is time for a repair, replacement, or removal. If you notice any of the signs below, make sure to call a licensed plumber immediately.

Disposal will not run
Running slowly
Makes loud and strange noises
Water leaks
Disposal is humming
Poor performance
Frequently resetting

Resetting the disposal may resolve the issue but if the problems listed above continue, then it’s time to call Joe the Plumber. We will handle the repairs or replacement of the disposal. Call us right now to schedule an appointment or to request a free estimate. For more on how long should a garbage disposal last and other related content, visit the blog.

Photo credit: Terry Love