Have you ever wondered how long your garbage disposal will last? When your disposal is working properly, it’s easy to take it for granted—but when something goes wrong, you want to know that it isn’t something you’re going to have to replace anytime soon. Well, you’re in luck: getting educated on garbage-disposal lifespan may save you money and headaches in the future.
In this article, we’ll discuss how long a garbage disposal should last, the signs that your unit might need replacing soon, and what steps you can take to prolong its life. Whether you have your eye on a new waste-disposal unit or are just trying to get the most out of the one you have, this article is for you.
Basic Anatomy of Your Garbage Disposal Unit
Before we get into garbage disposal lifespan, let’s break down the basics of a garbage disposal unit so you understand the importance of knowing how long yours should last.
Every unit includes an inlet pipe or nipple for connecting a dishwasher drain hose, and some will have an additional drain flange for extra support. This connects to your plumbing system under the sink, and contains a power source to switch it on and off.
Inside the garbage disposal is a grinding chamber with shredding blades to break down the food particles. The food won’t enter the drain until an impeller arm and plate help to push it out of the grinding chamber and into the plumbing system. This impeller arm is usually made of metal, plastic, or rubber, which can be damaged if you put items like large bones or metal items into your garbage disposal, so it’s important to know what can or cannot be put through these units.
Common Factors That Determine the Lifespan of a Garbage Disposal
When it comes to how long a garbage disposal will work, there is no one right answer. The average lifespan of a garbage disposal is 12-15 years, but it primarily depends on the quality of the product, type of items put into it, and how frequently you use it.
For instance, if you have an inferior product with minimal maintenance and upkeep, then your garbage disposal may run for less than a decade before requiring replacement. Whereas if you have a high-quality product with regular maintenance and upkeep then your garbage disposal could potentially last upwards of 15 years.
Other factors that affect lifespan include the frequency of use, the type of items put into it and the type of materials used in its construction (e.g., plastic vs metal). For example, putting too many fibrous foods and bones into your garbage disposal can speed up its wear-and-tear process and shorten its lifespan by several years.
By following some easy steps, such as using protective coverings to prevent hard objects from entering the sink drain or doing regular maintenance and upkeep on your plumbing system, you can ensure your garbage disposal works well for many years to come.
Common Signs That Your Garbage Disposal Is Nearing Its End of Life
As a homeowner, you should be aware of the signs that your garbage disposal is getting old and ready to be replaced. Identifying these warning signs can help you know when to switch out your unit so that you don’t run into bigger issues down the line.
Here are some common indicators that your garbage disposal is nearing its end of life:
Abnormal Noises
If you’ve been hearing loud grinding or buzzing noises coming from your garbage disposal unit for an extended period of time, it’s probably a sign that something is wrong. It could be due to some item stuck in the drain, but if it persists even after cleaning it out, then it could be because components are beginning to fail and break down.
Persistent Odors
Another possible sign of aging is if bad odors linger around—even after running the unit for a few minutes with water and detergent. This could mean there’s food-waste buildup in the chamber or parts that need replacing.
Poor Performance
Last but not least, if you notice that your garbage disposal’s performance has declined drastically over time—like when it takes much longer to grind up food-waste or water barely flows through the system—it could mean that parts such as blades or motors have already gotten worn down and need replacing.
Tips for Maintaining and Prolonging the Life of Your Garbage Disposal
If you want to make sure your garbage disposal lasts as long as possible, there are some key things you should do. Here are a few tips that can help keep your disposal in good running condition and maintain its lifespan:
Always Run Cold Water
When using your garbage disposal, be sure to always run cold water throughout the process and for about a minute after grinding is finished. This helps food particles and oils break down, which prevents clogging.
Clean it Regularly
It’s important to regularly clean your garbage disposal. An easy DIY solution is to use a half a lemon or a cup of vinegar; throw them into the drain and grind it up with some cold water for about 10 seconds. This will help deodorize and clean it, but make sure not to pour grease or oils down the drain into the unit.
Remove Rust With Ice Cubes
To remove any rust that may have built up in your garbage disposal, fill it with ice cubes and turn on the motor. The ice cubes will help grind off any rust particles that have accumulated. Just be sure not to put anything hard down the disposal, like bones or pits, which can get stuck in the blades.
With these tips, you can keep your garbage disposal up and running for years.
Cost Implications Associated With Replacing a Garbage Disposal
When it comes to the cost of replacing a garbage disposal, you might be wondering how much you’re looking at. Generally speaking, the average cost of replacing a garbage disposal is between $400 and $500. This includes the cost of materials (such as the new unit), plus installation and labor.
If you need to purchase and install a new garbage disposal, this can range between $150-$950. Depending on the unit, most disposals cost about $250 for fixing, including labor.
Considering this, it’s important to determine how long your garbage disposal will last before needing to be replaced or repaired.
How to Choose a New Garbage Disposal
When you go to choose a new garbage disposal, there are some things you’ll want to keep in mind.
Motor size
As most of us know, a powerful motor means that it can process large amounts of food waste. This will help make sure your sink is able to clear any blocked drains and ensure that there aren’t any spills or clogs in the future. So when it comes time to buy your disposal, make sure you check the motor size and power ratings of the product.
Grinding chamber
The size and type of grinding chamber material should also be taken into consideration when buying a garbage disposal. The bigger the grinding chamber, the more food waste it can accommodate—and the longer it’s going to last. Look for stainless steel chambers, as they tend to be more durable than plastic or ceramic materials.
Local codes
It’s important that you check your local codes prior to purchasing a new garbage disposal. You’ll want to make sure these devices are allowed in your area before making an investment. With all this information in mind, you can feel confident about making an informed choice when choosing a garbage disposal for your home.
People Also Like: How Long Do Knife Sharpeners Last to Maximizing Performance
Conclusion
Ultimately, when it comes to the lifespan of your garbage disposal, the best thing you can do is take preventive measures. Regularly cleaning your garbage disposal and avoiding putting hard objects in it can make all the difference. Investing in a quality garbage disposal system with an extended life span can help guard against the need for repairs, and if you do experience issues, be sure to call a professional as soon as possible. Taking these measures can help you get years of use out of your garbage disposal and save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
