How Long Do Garbage Disposals Last?

If you’re like most New Orleans homeowners, your garbage disposal is an essential part of your kitchen. But how long can you expect it to last? Understanding the typical lifespan, factors that affect it, and when it’s time to replace your disposal can help keep your kitchen running smoothly for years. Let’s dive in.

Factors That Affect Garbage Disposal Lifespan

A garbage disposal’s lifespan can vary depending on how well it’s maintained and how often it’s used. Several factors play a role in how long your disposal lasts. Here are the most common ones:

• Frequency of use: The more often you use your disposal, the sooner it may wear out.
• Type of waste: Disposing tough or fibrous materials like bones, coffee grounds, or grease can cause wear and tear.
• Water quality: Hard water with minerals can cause buildup and affect performance over time.
• Maintenance: Regular cleaning and proper care can extend the life of your disposal.
• Installation quality: A poorly installed disposal might not function efficiently and could have a shorter lifespan.
• Brand and model: Higher-quality disposals from reputable brands tend to last longer than cheaper models.

How to Extend Your Garbage Disposal’s Lifespan

Taking care of your garbage disposal can help it last longer and work more efficiently. Follow these simple tips to keep it in great shape:

• Use your disposal regularly to prevent rust and buildup.
• Grind small amounts of food at a time. Overloading it can strain the motor.
• Clean your disposal weekly by grinding a handful of ice cubes and coarse salt to remove buildup.
• Freshen it up by pouring baking soda and vinegar down the drain, letting it sit, then rinsing it with hot water.

Certain foods can dull the blades, clog the system, or shorten your disposal’s lifespan, such as:

• Bones
• Grease, oil, and fats
• Fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, and potato peels
• Coffee grounds
• Eggshells
• Pasta and rice

By following these maintenance and cleaning tips, you can extend the life of your garbage disposal and keep your kitchen running smoothly.

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Signs You Need Garbage Disposal Replacement or Repair Services

Garbage disposals don’t last forever. If yours isn’t working right, it might need a quick fix, or it could be time for a new one. Here are some signs to watch for:

• Frequent clogs or slow draining: If food isn’t going down easily, the blades might be dull, or there could be buildup. A simple fix may help, but you might need a new disposal if it keeps happening.
• Weird noises: Grinding, rattling, or the sound of scraping metal means something is loose or broken inside. If the noise doesn’t stop after checking for stuck objects, it might be time for a replacement.
• Bad smells: If cleaning with ice or citrus peels doesn’t fix the odor, food may be stuck where you can’t reach. A new unit might be the best solution.
• Leaks: A small leak may be fixable, but replacing it is the better option if the disposal is cracked or has major damage.
• Won’t turn on or keeps restarting: If your disposal won’t start, shuts off randomly, or needs frequent resets, it could have motor or wiring issues. If resetting doesn’t help, a replacement might be required.
• Not grinding properly: If food isn’t breaking down properly, the blades might be dull. If the motor is also struggling, a new unit may be the best fix.

So, should you repair or replace your garbage disposal? A repair is usually enough if your disposal is less than 8 years old and the issue is small, like a clog, jam, or minor leak. But if it’s over 10 years old, makes loud noises, clogs often, or has motor problems, replacing it is usually the better choice.

Schedule Garbage Disposal Services With Stuart Services in New Orleans

Do you need a garbage disposal repair or replacement? Stuart Services has served New Orleans for 65+ years with trusted, local service. Our licensed, insured, and background-checked technicians provide quality work with upfront pricing, so there are no surprises.

Do you need garbage disposal repair or replacement in New Orleans? Contact Stuart Services today to schedule fast, reliable service.