How Long Do Garbage Disposals Last?

How Long Do Garbage Disposals Last?

Garbage disposals are wonderful devices for lowering the risk of a clog by breaking down food into flushable bits. Like all machines, however, garbage disposals do have an expiration date. Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Atlanta has seen garbage disposals last as little as a few years as well as some that last up to fifteen years. Really, it comes down to how carefully you use the garbage disposal and how well you take care of it. Proper maintenance and care can extend your garbage disposals lifespan to well over a decade.

Factors That Impact Garbage Disposal Lifespan

As we mentioned earlier, the lifespan of a garbage disposals varies. The difference between a garbage disposal that lasts a few years and one that works for well over a decade depends on a few factors. Paying attention to these factors will help you minimize garbage disposal repair and replacement needs.

  • Garbage Disposal Quality: You get what you pay for. Obviously, newer, modern garbage disposals that use heavy-duty materials are going to last longer than older, cheaper options. Steel, for example, is obviously going to be more durable and long-lasting than plastic.
  • What You Put Down the Disposal: A garbage disposal is not a black hole that can eat anything and everything you toss into it. Even if the item does eventually go down the drain, there may be damage to the disposal. Grease, fibrous foods, fruit pits, and rice or pasta are just some of the foods that can give you problems in the short- or long-run.
  • Garbage Disposal Usage: More usage means more wear and tear. If you are running a food service business from your home, then you will be using the garbage disposal more often than someone who is at work for half the day and only cooks a few times a week.
  • Proper Maintenance: Take care of your garbage disposal and it will take care of you. Regularly clean your garbage disposal by pouring a little soap in it and run some cold water as the garbage disposal runs for a couple of minutes.

Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal

Whether you have a high-quality garbage disposal or a cheaper model, the key to reaching its potential lifespan is proper care and maintenance. We went over this a bit in the last subsection, but it is worth stressing: do not toss everything that you can find into the garbage disposal. If you can toss it into the trash or compost bin, then do that. Don't throw fibrous foods, bones, fruit pits, grease, rice and pasta, or fats into the garbage disposal. This should be obvious but do not throw combustible items and cigarette butts in the garbage disposal either.

Contact the Professionals

The experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Atlanta have years of experience dealing with garbage disposals. Our certified plumbers in Atlanta are hired, experienced, and trained to handle installations, repairs, and replacements of garbage disposals. If you need service or have any questions or concerns, then call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Atlanta to speak with a friendly representative. We look forward to taking your call.

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