A garbage disposal installed under a sink

Daniel Edelman

When to Replace Your Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals offer multiple benefits: lowering food waste, preventing drain clogs, and reducing bad odors, to name a few. This mighty appliance improves kitchen efficiency, but constant wear and tear can shorten its lifespan. Like other home appliances, all garbage disposal units have a certain point at which they should be replaced.

Unfortunately, there’s no clear rule about when to replace garbage disposal units, and each unit is different depending on use, maintenance, and product quality. Many homeowners can take a proactive approach to prolong the lifespan of their garbage disposals by performing regular maintenance, but when it’s time to replace, it’s best not to delay.

We’ve rounded up everything you need to know about your garbage disposal, including tips for extending its lifespan and the signs that it's time for a new one. Keep reading to learn more about this underrated kitchen appliance.

How Long Do Garbage Disposals Last?

Even with advancing technology, no garbage disposal unit can last forever. The average life of modern garbage disposals varies, but with proper care and maintenance, a quality unit can last up to 15 years.

For this reason, choosing a high-end unit made from durable materials, and being mindful of what you’re putting down the drain are important. Even the best model will wear out quickly without proper care.

How Often You Should Replace Your Garbage Disposal

It’s important to pay attention to your own garbage disposal unit when considering when to replace it. That being said, the average model lasts about 10 years, so if your unit is around that old, it might be time to start looking for a new garbage disposal.

If your unit needs replacing more often, it might be a sign you’re using the appliance improperly or have the wrong size to handle your needs. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our maintenance tips.

Extend Garbage Disposal Lifespan With These Tips

Make the most of your garbage disposal. Extend your unit’s lifespan and maximize its efficiency with these preventative maintenance tips.

Be Mindful of Food Waste

Watch what you dump into your garbage disposal, because not everything is welcome. Fruit scraps, vegetable peels, and soft or easily grindable food leftovers are all perfectly acceptable, but hard food scraps like chicken bones and fruit pits, or starchy foods like pasta and rice should be avoided. It’s also best not to add fibrous foods, coffee grounds, or any oil, as these can cause problems in the plumbing or septic system.

Run Cold Water

Regularly running water into your unit will help clear debris and unpleasant odors. Just be sure it’s cold water. Cold water will solidify any fats, allowing the blades to chop them up easily. Hot water will liquefy grease, leading to potential clogs in your pipes.

A person pushing potato peels down the kitchen sink drain

Image Source: Canva

Use Regularly

Run your garbage disposal regularly to prevent corrosion. Whether you have an old or new unit, turn it on once every few days to keep its motor and blades moving and remove any debris. A pro tip is to run ice cubes through your unit to sharpen garbage disposal blades, eliminate odors, and clean the disposal all in one go.

Clean and Deodorize Naturally

To properly maintain your garbage disposal unit, it should be cleaned and deodorized at least once every two weeks. Use natural cleaners whenever possible, as the corrosive chemicals found in many average household cleaning products can damage the unit.

6 Signs You Need to Replace Your Garbage Disposal

Now that we’ve looked at good practices for maintenance and regular cleaning, let’s tackle when to replace garbage disposal units. Here are six telltale signs you’ve reached the end of your garbage disposal lifespan.

1. Longer Grinding Times

If your kitchen sink is still full of food waste after a few minutes of the motor running, there may be a problem. Slow, inefficient grinding is often caused by blades dulled from wear and tear over time.

2. Unusual Noises

Modern garbage disposals emit a quiet humming or low buzzing sound when. If you’re hearing loud or unusual sounds while your disposal is working, check your drain for any obstructions. If that doesn’t clear up the sound, it might be time for a replacement.

3. Leakage

Your garbage disposal could leak for many reasons, from improper installation to damage to the pipes or plumbing. If you notice an unpleasant odor, check for leaks by looking for water. A plumber may fix the issue, but if no repair is possible, the unit should be replaced.

Image Source: Canva

4. Clogging More Often Than Usual

Throughout a garbage disposal lifespan, it’s normal to experience clogging due to minor obstructions. However, if this issue is frequently occurring, it may be cause for concern. We suggest calling a plumber first for an accurate inspection. They’ll advise you on garbage disposal repair or replacement.

5. Persistent Bad Odors

We mentioned that deodorizing your garbage disposal is part of routine maintenance. However, lingering bad odors are often a sign of mold growth or built up residue from food or other waste, which can occur when the motor wears out and becomes inefficient.

6. Frequent Appliance Resetting

Pushing the reset button is sometimes necessary when the disposal’s motor trips the circuit breaker due to an overload. A properly maintained disposal shouldn’t struggle to perform its normal duties. If you experience this frequently, you may have reached the end of your garbage disposal’s life expectancy, time for a new one!

Get Your New Garbage Disposal From NYDirect

Maximizing your garbage disposal lifespan boils down to proper maintenance and use. These are hardy appliances, and more often than not, a simple repair can solve your plumbing issues.

Still, it’s important to stay on the lookout for signs of when to replace garbage disposal units. When you reach the end of your garbage disposal lifespan, turn to NYDirect for a top-of-the-line InSinkErator replacement.

NYDirect is the first choice of professionals and many homeowners all over America. We specialize in plumbing parts and kitchen supplies. Whether you’re looking for a new garbage disposal unit, pipe fittings, or kitchen faucets, we have what you need. Join our Pro Member Program today and enjoy wholesale pricing, free same-day shipping, and exclusive discounts!

Filed in: Plumbing Basics