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>

Is it worth it to fix a garbage disposal?

• <div><p>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 <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/plumbers/">local plumber</a> for a quick repair. If it seems like the motor is wearing down, spring for a replacement unit. </p></div>

Is fixing a leaking garbage disposal worth it?

• <div><p>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 <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/garbage-disposal-repair-and-replacement.htm">repair or replace your garbage disposal</a>, 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.</p></div>

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Q: Why is my garbage disposal not draining?

• <div><p>Your garbage disposal is not draining because it might have a clog due to food waste, a foreign object, grease, oil, fat, or it may have a broken motor. When water doesn't flush out of the disposal, that's a key sign that your disposal has a clog or needs repair. </p></div>

Q: What preventive measures can avoid future drain clogs?

• <div><p>Regular maintenance, such as not disposing of grease or coffee grounds down the sink and routine use of strainers, can prevent clogs.</p></div>

Q: Is it worth it to fix a garbage disposal?

• <div><p>Generally speaking, it&rsquo;s absolutely worth it to repair a garbage disposal, so long as it&rsquo;s eight years old or younger. Once you pass that eight-year threshold, it depends on the issue. If it&rsquo;s a simple jam and the core components remain unaffected, call a <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/plumbers/">local plumber</a> for a quick repair. If it seems like the motor is wearing down, spring for a replacement unit. </p></div>

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Five Star Sanitation

Five Star Sanitation

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 99% of Angi customers

7306 local quotes requested

We specialize in removal of all unwanted items, junk hauling, yard debris removal, trash removal, and more! We have trailers and dumpsters for any size job! We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out all the services we offer below and call -or- click to schedule a free estimate today!

"Excellent service!! They got the dumpster set up very fast and had it delivered just as fast. They are very attentive to your project needs and are definitely worth booking with!"

Lilly A on October 2025

"Excellent service!! They got the dumpster set up very fast and had it delivered just as fast. They are very attentive to your project needs and are definitely worth booking with!"

Lilly A on October 2025

Every Home needs a Hero. Let Hero Built Home Services be that hero. We are a state licensed and insured plumbing company specializing in water heaters and water treatment as well as any others residential/commercial plumbing needs. Give us a call at 803-840-0036 to schedule an appointment today!

"They were quick and efficient."

Diondra B on November 2023

"They were quick and efficient."

Diondra B on November 2023

Garbage Collection questions, answered by experts

Your garbage disposal is not draining because it might have a clog due to food waste, a foreign object, grease, oil, fat, or it may have a broken motor. When water doesn't flush out of the disposal, that's a key sign that your disposal has a clog or needs repair.

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.

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

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.

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.

The Olanta, SC homeowners’ guide to garbage collection services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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