How can I maximize the life span of my garbage disposal?

• <div><p>As with many appliances, proper maintenance is key to maximizing your garbage disposal’s life span. If everyone in your household is on board with <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-keep-your-garbage-disposal-running.htm">proper care and maintenance</a>, like running water while operating the disposal, you should get plenty of years out of your unit. Avoid putting the wrong food items down the disposal, including pasta, rice, bread, and more.</p></div>

Do garbage disposals unscrew?

• <div><p>These appliances do unscrew, but you need to disconnect everything properly <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/garbage-disposal-repair-and-replacement.htm">when you replace your garbage disposal</a>. Make sure you shut the power off to the area first and check that it’s off with a voltage detector. Disconnect the main drain line and P-trap, and then disconnect the dishwasher drain line if you have one connected. You can then unscrew your garbage disposal using a disposal wrench. Just make sure you disconnect the electrical lines before removing your appliance.</p></div>

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Q: How do you remove a garbage disposal mounting bracket?

• <div><p>Once you have your garbage disposal disconnected, you can remove the mounting bracket by unscrewing the bolts that are holding the bracket. You can back them out just enough to pop off the snap ring, which prevents the bottom portion of the bracket from disconnecting from the top when you unscrew the bolts. Use a regular screwdriver to pop off the snap ring, and the rest of the components should fall off by themselves.</p></div>

Q: Will unplugging my garbage disposal reset it?

• <div><p>While unplugging your garbage disposal and plugging it back in may help, most units have an actual reset button, a bright red switch found on the underside of your unit. If your garbage disposal needs resetting, you may notice this button sticking out about a quarter of an inch from the surface of the unit, with which it&rsquo;s usually flush. Simply depress this reset button to reset the unit, and then test to ensure it&rsquo;s working about 10 minutes later.</p></div>

Q: Is it better to repair or replace a garbage disposal?

• <div><p>In some cases, it&rsquo;s more cost-effective in the long run to replace a garbage disposal, but it depends on the specific issue you&rsquo;re having and the age of your disposal. You should ask a garbage disposal repair tech for a quote to repair your appliance and then see if it would be more worthwhile to replace it. Additionally, garbage disposals last for around 15 years, so if you know your appliance is reaching that age, it&rsquo;s likely better to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-s-it-cost-replace-garbage-disposal.htm">pay for a new garbage disposal</a> rather than sink money into repairs.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Garbage Removal pros in Ellis, KS

*The Angi rating for Garbage Removal companies in Ellis, KS is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Garbage Removal needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Garbage Removal companies in Ellis, KS is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Garbage Removal needs.

Last update on August 13, 2026

Reviewed in August 2026
Wow! He was great I had a lot of stuff in my old house to get rid of, he did it under 2 hours!!! Very quick and efficient. Definitely would hire again!
Clear Path LLC
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Reviewed in March 2026
The water heater replacement was seamless. The team explained all options, installed the new unit efficiently, and cleaned up afterward. Their professionalism and quality work exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend their services.
Plumbing Around the Clock, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2024
Alex was very professional. He was a respectful young man with quality work. It is nice to know our remodel project was in the hands of a true professional!
Eskew Construction
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Reviewed in December 2023
Trace was awesome to work with, got the job done in a timely manner and very professional through the whole experience. Completed job was beyond my expectations. Would highly recommend!
Luxe Finishes, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2023
I hired him for a crawlspace inspection yet I had a few other questions about areas of my home and he took time to listen and answer each one with patience and understanding. Really cares about the well-being of a home and the people that live there.
Construction Consulting & Inspection
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Reviewed in July 2023
She was very professional in everything that wanted done. She did the cleaning In a timely manner! I would definitely recommend!
Scented sweep
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Reviewed in February 2023
Amazing workers, made it so easy and smooth.
Professional Movers of KS
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Reviewed in January 2021
Robert is excellent! He will bend over backwards for his customers and backs up his work. He will fix anything that goes wrong, which is rare.
Rm HomeImprovements LLC
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Reviewed in March 2020
Joe is a hard working, respectful young man. He did a great job and was careful not to disturb our sprinklers while removing a large tree root. He also was careful not to drag mud onto my porch. I would hire him again.
Jones Truck & Trash
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Reviewed in September 2011
Jeff, the owner came over within 3 hours from when I called their office. I showed him the trees I wanted him to remove and trim. He want back to his.office and calculated the estimate. When he.returned with the written estimate he said that he hat a had a three man team he could send over the...
Elite Tree Service Inc
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WorkWithMeNotAgainstMe

4.8(

)

Garbage Pickup and Waste Management

Serving Ellis, KS and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

"Great. Darantae Ervin and crew were very efficient, thorough with the handling of our new outdoor furniture. Pleasant and friendly. All did a very professional job."

+15

Recommended by80%of homeowners

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Moving APT - Long Distance Movers

4.5(

282

)

Garbage Pickup and Waste Management

Serving Ellis, KS and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Miller and his colleagues were able to do a lot of things quickly. Along with everything else, they also grabbed some old furniture that I needed help moving to the curb. They took several cares to make sure nothing was damaged during the move, including wrapping the furniture, turning off all the lights, and packaging the picture frames."

Recommended by88%of homeowners

Garbage Pickup and Waste Management

Serving Ellis, KS and surrounding areas

In business since 2011

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Associates were respectful and professional, everything was handled with care and caution. Everything was organized well and moved without damages, would definitely recommend and or use the services again."

Recommended by86%of homeowners

Garbage Pickup and Waste Management

Serving Ellis, KS and surrounding areas

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I?m beyond grateful for the amazing service provided! He helped me clean up my entire piece of land, which had been a mess for a while, and even took care of the fence area that belonged to the neighbors. Super professional, efficient, and went above and beyond what I expected. If you?re looking for someone dependable and hardworking, I highly recommend him and the service he provides!"

Response time2 hrs

Response rate100%

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Garbage Removal questions, answered by experts

Once you have your garbage disposal disconnected, you can remove the mounting bracket by unscrewing the bolts that are holding the bracket. You can back them out just enough to pop off the snap ring, which prevents the bottom portion of the bracket from disconnecting from the top when you unscrew the bolts. Use a regular screwdriver to pop off the snap ring, and the rest of the components should fall off by themselves.

As with many appliances, proper maintenance is key to maximizing your garbage disposal’s life span. If everyone in your household is on board with proper care and maintenance, like running water while operating the disposal, you should get plenty of years out of your unit. Avoid putting the wrong food items down the disposal, including pasta, rice, bread, and more.

These appliances do unscrew, but you need to disconnect everything properly when you replace your garbage disposal. Make sure you shut the power off to the area first and check that it’s off with a voltage detector. Disconnect the main drain line and P-trap, and then disconnect the dishwasher drain line if you have one connected. You can then unscrew your garbage disposal using a disposal wrench. Just make sure you disconnect the electrical lines before removing your appliance.

While unplugging your garbage disposal and plugging it back in may help, most units have an actual reset button, a bright red switch found on the underside of your unit. If your garbage disposal needs resetting, you may notice this button sticking out about a quarter of an inch from the surface of the unit, with which it’s usually flush. Simply depress this reset button to reset the unit, and then test to ensure it’s working about 10 minutes later.

In some cases, it’s more cost-effective in the long run to replace a garbage disposal, but it depends on the specific issue you’re having and the age of your disposal. You should ask a garbage disposal repair tech for a quote to repair your appliance and then see if it would be more worthwhile to replace it. Additionally, garbage disposals last for around 15 years, so if you know your appliance is reaching that age, it’s likely better to pay for a new garbage disposal rather than sink money into repairs.

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