How Long Should a Garbage Disposal Last?

Most garbage disposals have a lifespan of about 8 to 15 years, depending on the quality of the unit and how well it’s maintained. 

Builder-grade disposals that came with your home: 8-10 years
Higher-quality units with stainless steel components and more powerful motors: 15+ years

It really comes down to how you’re taking care of the unit and if it’s being constantly overworked. 

Warning Signs It’s Time For A Replacement: 

1. Constant Resets

If you’re hitting the reset button frequently, something is wrong. A jam here and there is normal, potato peels, a cap that was dropped into the unit, but if you are resetting once a week, your disposal is giving you a sign it needs some help. 

2. Persistent Clogs

A garbage disposal that’s working properly shouldn’t clog frequently. If you are using the disposal properly and still dealing with clogs, it could signal that the grinding mechanism is worn down. When the blades or impellers can’t break food down properly, larger particles make their way into your pipes and cause blockages.

3. Unusual Noises

If it’s the normal garbage disposal noise, you’re fine. But, if you hear a sound like metal-on-metal grinding, rattling or a high-pitched squeal, these often indicate worn bearings, loose parts or damage to the grinding mechanism. 

4. Leaking Water

Leaks around your garbage disposal can come from several places: the sink flange at the top, the discharge pipe connection or the bottom of the unit itself. Sometimes, it’s a quick fix like tightening a gasket or even replacing it. But if the leak is coming from the disposable body, the unit has corroded and there is no repair option for this, you have to replace it. 

5. Bad Odors That Linger

A slight smell is normal, especially if something gets stuck. If you’re dealing with persistent odors that don’t improve even after cleaning with citrus peels or baking soda, you might have food particles trapped in cracks or crevices caused by deterioration. If your unit is older and the grinding chamber is worn down, this can be quite common. 

6. Slow Draining

If your sink drains slowly even when the disposal is running, your pipes are either partially clogged or the disposal isn’t grinding food finely enough, causing buildup in the drain line. The first step is to call us to clear the drains. If you are still having a problem, it’s most likely a disposal issue. 

7. Loss of Power

Does your disposal seem to be struggling to get the job done? If common foods that never had an issue prior are now making the motor strain, it’s probably wearing out. If this happens, a replacement is the best option. 

8. Rust or Corrosion

If you can see rust on the exterior of your disposal or around the sink flange, there’s a good chance there’s corrosion on the inside, too. Rust weakens the metal and eventually leads to leaks. 

When To Repair vs. When to Replace

If your disposal is under five years old and the problem is something simple like a jam or a loose connection, repair might make sense. But if your unit is older than 10 years and showing multiple signs of wear, you’re better off replacing it.

A repair might buy you another year or two, but you’ll likely face the same decision again soon. Plus, newer garbage disposals are more efficient, quieter and more powerful than models from 10 or 15 years ago. You’ll get better performance and peace of mind with a new unit.

A failing garbage disposal can lead to other problems like persistent clogs, water damage under your sink or even electrical issues. 

If you’re seeing any of these warning signs, it’s worth having a professional take a look. At Terry’s Plumbing, we can assess whether your disposal can be repaired or if replacement is the better option. We’ll walk you through your choices and make sure you get a unit that fits your needs and budget.

Contact Terry’s Plumbing today for expert installation and service you can trust. We’re just a phone call away.