How Long Do Garbage Disposals Last?
How Long Do Garbage Disposals Last?
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How Long Do Garbage Disposals Last?
Nov 21, 2022

How Long Do Garbage Disposals Last?

Are you curious about how long your garbage disposal will last? Well, you’ve come to the right place. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we know a thing or two about garbage disposals thanks to our expertise and experience in garbage disposal installation, garbage disposal repair, and maintenance. In this article, we will talk about the average lifespan of a garbage disposal and what you can do to prolong the life of your garbage disposal.

The average lifespan of a garbage disposal is 10-15 years, depending on product quality, frequency of use, and the items you put down the garbage disposal. If you use your garbage disposal the right way and keep up with routine maintenance, it can last up to 15 years.

Factors Affecting How Long a Garbage Disposal Lasts

Quality of The Garbage Disposal

Like other types of appliances, newer, modern garbage disposals are more likely to run for a longer period of time compared to budget models. Modern garbage disposals are made with high-quality components, so they are built to last longer than cheaper models.

How Often the Garbage Disposal Is Used

If you have a large family and members of your household run the disposal every time they use the kitchen sink, the appliance will wear out faster. Even the best garbage disposals will deteriorate much faster if they are used too often. Overuse can put excessive strain on the gears, blunt the blades, and burn out the motor, so it’s advisable to refrain from running your garbage disposal every time you use the sink. While it’s a good idea to avoid overusing your garbage disposal, letting the appliance sit for too long without being used can cause a number of problems.

The Items You Put Down the Garbage Disposal

Some homeowners treat their garbage disposals as garbage cans, putting down all sorts of food waste. Your garbage disposal is not designed to grind every kind of food waste. There are things that can wreak havoc on your garbage disposal. The food items you can put down your garbage disposal and that won’t cause any problems include leftovers, fruit pits, small bones, cooked meat, ice, corn cobs, and fruit scraps that are not stringy or fibrous. Some of the things you should not put down your garbage disposal include:

  • Coffee grounds
  • Large animal bones
  • Onion layer
  • Eggshells
  • Pasta, rice, and bread
  • Fibrous fruits and vegetables
  • Grease
  • Oatmeal
  • Potato peels

 Tips for Prolonging the Life of Your Garbage Disposal

  • Use cold water while running your disposal
  • Flush the appliance with boiling water at least once a month
  • Avoid grinding hard or fibrous foods
  • Clean your disposal regularly
  • Grind ice from time to time to keep the blades debris-free
  • Run the garbage disposal every few days
  • Have an experienced plumber inspect your garbage disposal as soon as you notice signs of trouble

Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing for All of Your Garbage Disposal Needs

When you need garbage disposal installation, garbage disposal repair, or maintenance, call the trusted plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing to help you.