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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.

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.

These appliances certainly increase the number of things allowed down the drain, but they’re not foolproof. There are several items you shouldn’t put in your garbage disposal, according to manufacturers and technicians. Don’t put coffee grounds down the drain. The same goes for eggshells, potato peels, hard foods, onion skins, and any dry, expandable food. Most importantly, never put grease or oils down the drain.

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.