How Long Does a Garbage Disposal Last? The Truth About Its Lifespan

Last Updated on March 2, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford

A lot of people are curious about how long their garbage disposal will last. Is it a short lifespan? A long one? How do you make it last as long as possible? In this blog post, we will answer all of those questions and more!

We’ll dispel some myths about garbage disposals and give you the truth about how long they actually last. Plus, we’ll provide some tips on how to keep your disposal running like new for as long as possible.

In this article

How long does a garbage disposal last?

The average lifespan of a garbage disposal is about 8 years. However, that number can vary depending on the make and model of the disposal, how often it’s used, and how well it’s maintained.

How long does a badger 5 garbage disposal last?

The average lifespan of a badger garbage disposal is around 12 years. However, this can vary depending on how often it is used and how well it is maintained. If you use your garbage disposal regularly and keep it clean, it can last up to 15 years.

On the other hand, if you neglect your disposal and don’t clean it regularly, it may only last for around eight years.

How to tell if a garbage disposal is bad?

There are a few telltale signs that your garbage disposal may be on its way out. If you notice that your sink is draining slowly, or if water starts backing up into the sink when the disposal is turned on, it could mean that your disposal is clogged and needs to be cleaned or replaced.

You might also hear strange noises coming from the disposal, or it might leak water. If you notice any of these problems, it’s time to call a plumber to take a look at your disposal.

How often should you replace a garbage disposal?

The lifespan of a garbage disposal varies depending on the make and model. However, most disposals last between five and ten years. If your disposal is noisy or leaks, it’s likely time for a replacement. Be sure to contact a professional if you are unsure whether or not it’s time for a new disposal.

If your garbage disposal is working properly, you shouldn’t need to replace it very often.

What Impacts Garbage Disposal Lifespan?

There are several factors that will impact how long your garbage disposal lasts. The most important one is the type of food you put down it.

Grease, fat and bones will all shorten the life of your disposal. Fibrous vegetables like celery and potato skins can also cause problems.

If you have a dishwasher, try to scrape off as much food as possible before you put your dishes in to be washed. This will help your disposal last longer.

Another factor that can impact your garbage disposal’s lifespan is how often you use it. If you have a large family and are constantly running the disposal, it won’t last as long as if you only use it occasionally.

The age of your disposal is also a factor. Most disposals have a lifespan of around eight to ten years. If you’ve had your disposal for more than that, it may be time to consider replacing it.

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Garbage Disposal

Although it may seem like your garbage disposal is built to last forever, there are actually a few things you can do to extend its lifespan. Here are a few tips:

-Use cold water when running the disposal: Hot water can actually cause grease and fat to solidify on the blades, which can lead to clogs. Cold water will help to break down the waste and keep the blades clean.

-Avoid putting fibrous or stringy material down the disposal: Things like celery, corn husks, and onion skins can wrap around the blades and cause them to stop working properly.

-Regularly clear out the underside of the disposer with a broom: This will help to prevent build-up and clogs.

-Run the disposal regularly: This will help to keep the blades from rusting.

Does a garbage disposal require maintenance?

Yes, a garbage disposal requires maintenance. You should clean it regularly to prevent build-up and keep it running smoothly. You can clean it with hot water and dish soap, or use a vinegar-baking soda mixture.

Additionally, you should run cold water for 20 seconds before and after using the disposal to flush out food particles. If your disposal starts to smell, you can try using lemon rinds or CLR. Lastly, make sure to never put your hand in the disposal!

If you take care of your garbage disposal, it should last between 12 and 15 years. However, this lifespan can be shortened if the disposal is used improperly.

For example, if you grind hard objects, such as chicken bones, the blades can become dull and damaged. Additionally, if you put too much food in the disposal at once, it can jam. If your disposal jams, do not try to fix it yourself! Turn off the power and call a professional.

How long are garbage disposal warranties?

Most garbage disposal warranties are for two years. However, some higher-end models may have a warranty for five years or more.

If your garbage disposal is still working after its warranty has expired, consider yourself lucky! Many people find that their disposals only last for a few years before they need to be replaced.

Is it worth it to repair a garbage disposal?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors. First, you need to consider the age of your garbage disposal. If it’s only a few years old, it may be worth repairing. However, if it’s more than a decade old, you may want to replace it.

Second, you need to think about the severity of the issue. If it’s a simple repair, such as replacing a broken blade, it may be worth fixing. However, if the entire motor needs to be replaced, you may want to buy a new one.

Finally, you need to consider the cost of the repair. If it’s a simple fix, such as replacing a broken blade, it may not be worth spending a lot of money on. However, if the entire motor needs to be replaced, you may want to invest in a new one.

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Conclusion

The answer to how long does a garbage disposal last really depends on the model, how well it was made, and how often it is used. The average lifespan of a garbage disposal is about 15 years. However, with proper care and maintenance, some models can last much longer. If you are having problems with your garbage disposal, it is best to consult a professional to determine the best solution.

If you are looking to buy a new garbage disposal, be sure to research the different models and find one that is made with high-quality materials and has a long lifespan. You can also consult with a professional to get advice on the best model for your needs.

Thanks for reading! We hope this article was helpful in answering your question about how long does a garbage disposal last.