How Long Do Garbage Disposals Last?

Garbage disposals are wonderful attachments to kitchen sinks to help prevent blockages by food particles. The garbage disposal does this by shredding food into much smaller pieces that can pass through plumbing pipes without issue. Unfortunately, garbage disposals are not indestructible. They are prone to acting up, corroding, and breaking down over time. There is good news, though. When it is time for your garbage disposal to be replaced or repaired, you can call Mr. Rooter Plumbing for fast, reliable, and affordable help! Our friendly staff are on standby to take your call no matter the time of the day.

How Do Garbage Disposals Work?

A garbage disposal uses an electric motor and a grinding chamber to break down food scraps into super small pieces that are readily disposed into the plumbing system. These electric powered devices are installed in the kitchen sink and help keep the drains clean. While they are useful in grinding up most foods, there are some things that should NOT be tossed into the garbage disposal. Non-biodegradable items should not be grinded. Fruit pits, bones, shells, banana peels, and potato peels are biodegradable but should not be tossed into the garbage disposal as they are difficult to break down.

How Long Should the Garbage Disposal Last?

Most garbage disposals are designed to last over a decade and up to 15 years, but, needless to say, this depends on how well you maintain the device. Obviously, throwing bones and hard shells into the garbage disposal is going to ruin the blades far sooner than it is expected to retire. One great way to extend the service life of a unit is by filling the kitchen sink with cold water and pulling the drain plug once the sink is full. The cold water rushing through the garbage disposal and drain will clear lingering debris from the unit. Do this once a week.

Signs That It Is Time to Replace Your Garbage Disposal

Nothing lasts forever and a garbage disposal is certainly not an exception. Over time, the garbage disposal will wear away and break down. Identifying the issue early on can save you from having to replace the whole unit. Here are some signs that there is something wrong with your garbage disposal:

• Strange Noises: Clink! Clank! Garbage disposals have many moving parts that should seamlessly operate. Unusual noises may be a sign of damaged parts or hard items stuck in the unit. Shine a light down the unit to check for silverware or small items. If you are unable to find anything and still hear noises, then it is time to call the professionals at Mr. Rooter Plumbing to take a look.
• Awful Odors: Food inside the garbage disposal can rot and give off foul odors but they should go away with a quick rinse. If you give your garbage disposal a flush with cold water and the smell persists, then you might have stubborn particles stuck in the unit. 
• Cracks & Leaks: These devices are designed to last ten to fifteen years. When water starts leaking from your garbage disposal then it is time to replace it. 

Call the Professionals
Mr. Rooter Plumbing is your trusted plumber with competitive prices, certified plumbers, and friendly staff. When you need a repair or replacement, Mr. Rooter Plumbing is ready to help! Call now to speak with a friendly representative.