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There are many maintenance and repair issues that lead to a malfunctioning garbage disposal. Regular clogs place wear and tear on the motors, leading to an eventual shutdown. Electrical issues at the breaker, wall outlet, or disposal itself can fry the unit. The most common cause is simply a worn-down motor. These motors can only handle so much use before powering down for good. 

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.

Garbage disposals can last between 10 and 12 years, so if your unit is pushing its lifespan, it may be a good idea to replace it. If your unit isn’t approaching the 10-year mark, try investigating other parts of the disposal to see if there's an affordable repair on the horizon. For example, rubber has a shorter lifespan than 10 years, connections and hoses loosen over time, and sink flanges can cause leaks that have nothing to do with disposals.

If you cook a lot or have a larger household, a garbage disposal can be worth it, since it streamlines your kitchen duties and helps to keep food waste out of landfills. It helps to know the cost of garbage disposal installation before you make your decision. The average price is about $400, but you can expect to pay more for higher-end models or if you hire a pro to do the job for you.