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There are many maintenance and repair issues that lead to a malfunctioning garbage disposal. Regular clogs place wear and tear on the motors, leading to an eventual shutdown. Electrical issues at the breaker, wall outlet, or disposal itself can fry the unit. The most common cause is simply a worn-down motor. These motors can only handle so much use before powering down for good. 

Generally speaking, it’s absolutely worth it to repair a garbage disposal, so long as it’s eight years old or younger. Once you pass that eight-year threshold, it depends on the issue. If it’s a simple jam and the core components remain unaffected, call a local plumber for a quick repair. If it seems like the motor is wearing down, spring for a replacement unit. 

Replacing a garbage disposal costs anywhere from $150 to $950, but the average cost is somewhere around $550. There are two types of garbage disposal units, and continuous feed disposals tend to cost more than batch feed disposals. Going for an aluminum garbage disposal is also significantly cheaper than choosing a stainless steel garbage disposal. You'll also need to factor in the horsepower of the motor, labor, and the removal and disposal of your old unit.

Garbage disposals can last between 10 and 12 years, so if your unit is pushing its lifespan, it may be a good idea to replace it. If your unit isn’t approaching the 10-year mark, try investigating other parts of the disposal to see if there's an affordable repair on the horizon. For example, rubber has a shorter lifespan than 10 years, connections and hoses loosen over time, and sink flanges can cause leaks that have nothing to do with disposals.