How to Garbage

Most of us have had to deal at one time or another with a clogged sink or drain. Are you a homeowner wondering how long does a garbage disposal last? If so, you’re not alone. Garbage disposals are often used after cooking meals and allow the family to clean up the kitchen faster. Many homeowners don’t know how long their garbage disposal will last and when it’s time to replace it.

Garbage disposals are kitchen appliances that are often overlooked and taken for granted. But they play an important role in keeping your kitchen clean and free of food waste. So it’s important to understand how long your garbage disposal will last and how to properly maintain it to extend its service life. In this blog, we’ll be discussing what affects how long garbage disposals last, tips for proper garbage disposal maintenance, warnings, and when it’s time for a repair, replacement, or removal. 

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the lifespan of garbage disposal, what affects it, and what tips you can use to get the most out of your recycler.

How long does a garbage disposal last? When It is Time to Replace It?

Garbage disposals grind up food scraps and other debris, so they can be easily flushed down the drain.

Are you wondering how long garbage disposals last? The answer depends on how well you maintain the unit and what type of model you have. Garbage disposals are an important part of the kitchen and can help keep your kitchen sink clean and odor-free.

The life expectancy of garbage disposal depends on several factors, including the type of unit and usage. Generally, garbage disposals typically last anywhere from 5 to 12 years. Some higher-end models may last longer, up to 15 years or more.

InSinkErator is one of the leading garbage disposal brands, and their units can last up to 12 years.

However, with the right maintenance and care, you can extend the life of your garbage disposal and ensure it works properly for many years.

How do I know if my garbage disposal needs to be replaced? 

There are a few signs to look out for that could be a sign your garbage disposal needs to be replaced.

1. If there’s a leak from the unit, it’s probably time to replace the entire unit.
2. If your sink is full of food particles or odors, it’s also a sign that you may need a new garbage disposal.
3. If your garbage disposal suddenly stops working, it could be a sign of a burnt-out motor and it’s time to buy a new one. 

What Affects How Long Garbage Disposals Last? 

1. Proper maintenance and care of your garbage disposal can extend it’s life. Make sure to dispose of food scraps properly and never put things like peelings or asparagus in the disposal.
2. Peel fruits and vegetables’ skin, remove any large bones and avoid grinding hard things like eggshells, bones, or coffee grounds.
3. Grease, eggshells, and coffee grounds should also be avoided.
4. To keep your disposal smelling fresh, pour a half cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar down the drain and run cold water for a few minutes. 
5. Ice cubes can help keep the blades sharp, read should blades be loose, and should be added to the disposal regularly.
6. It’s also important to make sure the drain line connections are clear of debris. A clogged drain line can cause issues with the garbage disposal, so be sure to run cold water down the drain occasionally to flush it out.

Tips for Proper Garbage Disposal Maintenance 

To properly maintain your garbage disposal, it’s important to make sure it’s free of food particles. Make sure to run cold water after each use, as hot water can cause grease to build up. It’s also important to use it regularly to keep the blades sharp. If your disposal starts to make a strange noise, try tightening the screws on the underside of the unit. 

• Make sure to clean your garbage disposal unit regularly. Cleaning the unit will help keep it free of odors, and reduce the chances of clogs.
• Use a combination of baking soda, dish soap, and hot water to clean the unit. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then run the garbage disposal with cold water.
• If your garbage disposal unit has a reset button, make sure to press it after each use.
• Regularly inspect the unit for any signs of damage.
• Always use cold water when running your disposal.
• Run your disposal for at least 15 seconds after each use.
• Don’t put hard items, like eggshells or bones, at your disposal.
• Don’t put stringy or fibrous items, like banana peels or celery, at your disposal.
• Don’t grind food waste that is too large.
• Use a brush to clean off the blades and impeller.
• Add a few drops of dish soap to the disposal and flip the switch on and off a few times to help remove food particles.
• Additionally, you can use plumb or soapy water to help keep your disposal smelling fresh and running smoothly.

Warnings

• Never put your hand into the disposal, as the blades can be sharp.
• Never put bones, potato peels, or scrap metal in the disposal, as these can damage the blades.
• Never pour grease down the drain, as this can cause clogs and buildup.
• If you put items like coffee grounds, eggshells, potato peels, asparagus, or peelings down the drain, these can clog up the unit and cause issues.

When its time for a repair or replacement?

There are a few reasons why your garbage disposal may suddenly stop working. It may be due to a faulty electrical switch, a jammed blade, or a worn-out motor.

1. If your garbage disposal motor is burnt out, it’s time to replace the unit.
2. If you’re having any other types of problems, it’s a good idea to call a plumber to diagnose the issue.
3. If your garbage disposal is experiencing any of the issues mentioned above, it’s time to call a professional to diagnose the problem and determine the best course of action.
4. If it’s time to buy a new garbage disposal, it’s best to get it from a home improvement store and have a plumber come and install it. 

Schedule Garbage Disposal Services.

If you’re not sure how long your garbage disposal will last or you need help with repair or replacement, don’t hesitate to call a plumber today to schedule service.

If you’re looking to replace or repair your garbage disposal, it’s important to contact a professional to ensure the job is done right. A professional can help you find out how long your disposal may last and help diagnose and fix any garbage disposal problems. We hope this blog has helped you understand how long garbage disposals last and how to properly maintain them. If you’re experiencing any garbage disposal problems, it’s time to call a professional and get them resolved as soon as possible.

How long does an InSinkErator garbage disposal last?

InSinkErator garbage disposals are designed to last up to 12 years with proper maintenance.

Why did my garbage disposal suddenly stop working?

If your garbage disposal suddenly stops working, it may be a sign of a clog or a faulty switch. You may need to reset the unit or pull the drain plug to remove the clog. If the unit still doesn’t work, you may need to boil a pot of water and pour it down the drain to remove the clog. If the unit still doesn’t work, you may need to call a professional plumber to diagnose the issue.

Why Is My Garbage Disposal Leaking? Kitchen Appliance Repair

Most homeowners will understandably be concerned if they find water accumulating under the kitchen sink. While discovering large or small puddles under the sink is never a good sign, it also doesn’t always mean you need to immediately look online for a new model. The best way to find the root of the problem is to understand why it might be happening. Let’s take a look at the four main causes of a leaking recycler.

• Worn seal

If your disposer is releasing water from the bottom of the unit, the system’s internal seals have likely worn out. 

• Sink flange

Water dripping from the top is much more innocuous than dripping from the bottom, as it doesn’t require you to immediately go to the store for a new kitchen appliance. However, it does mean that your disposal sink flange is no longer able to provide a tight enough seal to prevent the liquid from seeping in.

To fix this problem, head to your nearest home improvement store for a tube of plumbing putty. Then remove the garbage disposal and re-seal the sink flange with plumbing putty.

• Loose drain line connections or worn gaskets

Lateral garbage line leaks mean that something is wrong with the drain line. Most garbage disposals are connected to two drain lines. The smaller drain line connects the dishwasher drain pipe to the dishwasher inlet; the larger drain connects the unit to the sewer.

You can fix this problem by tightening the drain line connections and replacing worn gaskets. You may need a professional plumber to come out and take a look at your unit.

• Leaking screws

The dishwasher hose is responsible for diverting dirty water up and out of the dishwasher. If you notice a leak from the dishwasher hose, try tightening the screws wrapped around the metal clamp that connects the dishwasher hose to the garbage disposal inlet.

How do you know if your garbage disposal motor is burnt out?

If your garbage disposal is making strange noises or smells, or if it’s not grinding food waste properly, it’s a good idea to get it checked out. A qualified plumber can assess the issue and advise you on the best course of action.

Monthly recycling service

This process consists of three steps. Follow the monthly maintenance instructions below.

– Throw ice cubes in the sink

Drop the ice cubes into the kitchen sink and let the disposer crush them until they become mush. Then fill the sink with cold water and let the ice fill up to the drain line.

– Remove the drain baffle

If you have a drain baffle, remove it. Then clean the baffle before reinstalling it.

-Vinegar and baking soda

For the last step, you will need 1 cup of vinegar and ½ cup of baking soda. Place the mixture in the chamber of a coffee grinder. Wait for the mixture to turn into foam. Be sure to boil a pot full of water. Once the water is boiling, gently pour it down the kitchen drain.

With the steps described above and daily, weekly and monthly maintenance, your disposal can give you years of trouble-free operation. Just don’t put some products through the kitchen disposal. Running the device every few days can help extend the life of the garbage disposal.

Conclusion

Garbage disposals are an important part of the kitchen and can help keep your kitchen sink clean and odor-free. Proper maintenance is key to making sure your garbage disposal lasts as long as possible. If you suspect that your garbage disposal needs to be repaired or replaced, don’t hesitate to contact a professional plumber. They’ll know how to properly remove the unit and can advise you on the best model for your kitchen.

While replacing garbage disposal may not be as large a project as installing a new washing machine or refrigerator, it still costs time and money to complete. Homeowners who lack experience with this kind of home improvement project may run into issues that could lead to leaks, water pressure issues, or water temperature problems. For some people, it may be worth the cost to have a professional deal with installation, and with a home warranty covering their garbage disposal, they may not need to worry about footing the bill at all. Many garbage disposals come with a manufacturer’s warranty that’s meant to protect customers in case they purchase a faulty product that fails to meet the manufacturer’s typical operating standards.

If you want to run your garbage disposal for many years to come, it’s important to schedule regular services. When you call a plumber, they’ll be able to check your disposal for any signs of wear and tear and provide the necessary services to keep it running efficiently.

Garbage disposals are essential for any kitchen sink, making it easier to dispose of food waste without having to worry about clogging up the drain or overflowing the sink. Knowing how long a garbage disposal unit could last and performing regular maintenance is key to making sure your unit runs optimally and lasts as long as possible. If your garbage disposal needs to be replaced, repaired, or removed, it’s best to call in a professional.