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If the cost of repairing a leaking garbage disposal is close to the cost of replacing the disposal, then fixing the unit might not make sense. When deciding if you should repair or replace your garbage disposal, consider the age of your garbage disposal, the cost of the repair, and whether your garbage disposal has had other problems recently to help you decide if the cost of repairing the leak is better than the cost of replacing the disposal.

Never put glass in the garbage disposal. It can damage your disposal or eject shards of glass out of the disposal and cause injury. If you get broken glass in your garbage disposal, turn it off and cut the power from the breaker, use a tool like pliers or tongs to remove the glass, and use a wet-dry vacuum to remove the remaining glass pieces. If you can’t access the disposal safely, call a garbage disposal repair pro.

On average, a garbage disposal can last anywhere from 7 to 12 years, with many models functioning well for about 10 years. With heavy usage, a motor may last a minimum of five years, while grinding plates will wear down over time. It's generally a good idea to consider a replacement if your unit is approaching the 10-year mark. Other signs that it's time for a new disposal include frequent leaks, persistent clogs, lingering odors, lack of power, or unusual noises. If your unit is not that old, it's worth investigating if a less expensive part, like a rubber seal or a loose hose, is causing the issue.

Garbage disposals can be considered bad for the environment due to their electricity usage, but good for the environment because they reduce the food waste sent to landfills. If everyone used a garbage disposal, it would tax the wastewater treatment facilities in that region, but if we had to choose one of the options, we’d say they are a net positive on the environment when used correctly.