Get matched with top garbage collectors in Presque Isle, ME

Garbage disposals last an average of seven years but can function well past 10 years. However, as time goes on and more food is ground, the grinding plates will slowly lose their edge and need replacing. A motor likely won’t last 10 or more years, but you should be able to get a minimum of five years at least, even under heavy usage. 

The most common garbage disposal size in the U.S. is 1/2 horsepower. This size is ideal for households with three or fewer people or those that don't produce much food waste. Although 1/2 horsepower can't handle the typical food waste load for a household of four (which is about 250 pounds of food waste annually) as effectively as 3/4 horsepower, it remains the most common size of garbage disposal on the market.

Regular maintenance, such as not disposing of grease or coffee grounds down the sink and routine use of strainers, can prevent clogs.

If your garbage disposal powers up and you can hear it hum, but the arms inside aren’t moving, the problem might be a stubborn clog, a build-up of grease, or a jam of the impeller plate. To troubleshoot these, ensure your unit is off and disconnected from its power source before checking inside the drain or attempting to manually rotate the impeller arms or plate from the underside of the unit. A hex wrench can help.