How Long Do Garbage Disposals Last? Here’s the Average Lifespan

Garbage disposals last 10 to 15 years and are up there with dishwashers and refrigerators on any list of must-have kitchen appliances. They eliminate many of the frustrations involved with cooking, as food debris gets mashed up by the disposal instead of clogging up your pipes. Installing one of these appliances is a serious investment, leading many to wonder how long they last and whether they should repair or replace a garbage disposal when encountering maintenance issues.  

How Long Do Garbage Disposals Last? 

Garbage disposals last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, depending on the type of disposal, the quality of the manufacturing materials, and how well you take care of it through the years. There is a small variance between the two main garbage disposal types, but some factoids are worth unpacking here. 

Batch-Feed Disposals

As the name suggests, this type of garbage disposal works in small batches. You manually insert the food as it’s running (up to 5 cups at a time), place the cover on the opening, and power on the disposal to turn the grinder. In some ways, this design allows batch-feed disposals to last slightly longer than continuous-feed disposals, as you need to take great care when placing ingredients in the grinding compartment. 

When properly used, batch-feed disposals last 10 to 15 years, due to the reduced chance of grinding inappropriate objects. In other words, there is less of a chance of accidentally putting things down the garbage disposal that you shouldn’t, like a small metal object. Remember, overloading this type of disposal cuts down on its longevity, so exercise caution during use.

Continuous-Feed Disposals 

The humble continuous-feed disposal is extremely popular and likely what you picture when imagining a garbage disposal. This type of appliance works continuously when you power it on. This minimizes the chances of an internal clog and allows many of these appliances to reach a lifespan of around 12 to 13 years. 

Continuous-feed designs are budget-friendly, easy to use, and don’t encounter too many serious maintenance issues, though this depends largely on the make and manufacturer. However, there are potential electrical issues that shorten the lifespan, as continuous-feed garbage disposals require a dedicated wall outlet. If the outlet goes out, contact an electrician for help.

How to Maximize Your Garbage Disposal’s Lifespan

There are some garbage disposal maintenance tips to keep your unit running for years to come and squeeze the most life out of one of your most precious kitchen appliances. 

Only Put Down Food

Don’t let the name fool you. These machines are not for garbage in the traditional sense. They are only for food-related debris that the motor and blades can handle. Use the trash can for everything else, like chicken bones, aluminum foil, and citrus rinds. 

Avoid Some Foods

In addition to the above restriction, garbage disposals struggle with certain types of food. Avoid extremely fibrous ingredients like celery and broccoli. The same goes for coffee grounds, nuts, seafood shells, fruit pits, oils, and even some greens. 

Always Have Cold Water Running

Always have a steady stream of cold water running whenever you use the garbage disposal. The water helps the food items slide down the disposal before and after grinding. You want cold water here because the lower temperature helps solidify any grease and oils that accidentally entered the disposal.

Go Slowly

To maximize the lifespan of your expensive new appliance, exercise patience and work slowly. Don’t throw an entire meal’s worth of uneaten vegetables down the drain, for instance. Chop up large pieces to suit the grinder and work in batches, even with a continuous-feed design. When in doubt, check the instructions for guidance on the maximum amount you should feed the disposal at once. 

Clean Often

Garbage disposals won’t take up too much of your time, maintenance-wise, but regular cleanings are non-negotiable. Cleaning the garbage disposal prevents debris buildup and eliminates clog-causing residues. Look for commercial cleaners purpose-made for garbage disposals and avoid overly harsh drain-cleaning chemicals.

5 Signs Your Garbage Disposal Is Struggling

If you’re about to celebrate a decade of life with your beloved garbage disposal, it’s time to start paying attention to warning signs that the appliance requires replacement. Here are five of the most common signs that your disposal is not feeling too well. 

Strange Noises

Many garbage disposals already make quite the racket during use, but if your appliance starts making new and strange noises, something is going on. Pay attention to these new noises, especially anything that sounds like metal scraping. Give the interior a quick visual check for errant spoons and the like. If it looks clear, it’s likely a misalignment issue, so call a pro for repairs or replace the unit. 

Random Clogs

If you’re following basic garbage disposal maintenance steps, such as working in small batches, and you’re still running into clogs, it’s a sign that the appliance is struggling. There may be food scraps in the disposal causing a kitchen sink clog, or you might need to reset the circuit breaker. 

In some cases, random clogs simply indicate you require a larger model with a higher capacity, but in many cases, it indicates a malfunction in the device. 

Persistent Odors

Most garbage disposal odors respond to rinsing and cleaning, so persistent odors typically indicate a repair or maintenance issue. It could be something small, like trapped food particles, but it could also mean the appliance is having difficulty grinding.

Frequent Shutdowns

If your disposal is powering down during use or refusing to turn on in the first place, troubleshoot by ensuring the connected circuit is functioning properly. If everything is fine at the electrical panel, this issue likely points to a failing motor. 

Mysterious Leaks

A garbage disposal is part of your plumbing system and is susceptible to leaks. It’s easy to assume that any mysterious leaks stem from the dishwasher or sink, but malfunctioning garbage disposals are also a culprit here. If any garbage disposal issue is severe enough for major leaks, it’s time for a replacement. 

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Garbage Disposal? 

Replacing a garbage disposal costs $150 to $900, depending on the type, model, and whether or not you hire a pro for the installation. Bringing in a pro is almost always the right choice here, as garbage disposals are deceptively complex, with plenty of moving parts and electrical concerns. On the flip side, the average cost to repair a garbage disposal is around $250, including labor and parts. A replacement is more expensive, but it’s generally better if your disposal is creeping past that 10-year mark.