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Garbage disposals are durable appliances that usually last at least eight years as long as you clean and maintain them. It’s relatively rare for a garbage disposal to break on its own, as most malfunctions happen due to user errors, like overstuffing the grinding compartment or damaging the blades by trying to dispose of metal or bone. Eventually, cracks or leaks could develop in the unit, which requires a full replacement. 

To prevent drain clogs, perform regular maintenance and cleaning. Avoid disposing of substances like grease or coffee grounds down the sink. Additionally, installing and routinely using drain strainers can help catch debris and prevent blockages from forming.

No, you do not need a garbage disposal to have a dishwasher. A dishwasher will work without one, and while it's rare to see a home with a dishwasher that doesn't have a disposal, it is possible. The two appliances pair well and are often installed together because a disposal simplifies meal cleanup.

However, your dishwasher should not be used as a replacement for a garbage disposal. Subjecting it to continuous food leftovers can lead to major clogs. If you choose not to install a garbage disposal, you should thoroughly rinse your plates or scrape excess food into the trash or a compost pile before loading them into the dishwasher to prevent plumbing issues.

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.