The Average Life of a Garbage Disposal

Lifespan

• Garbage disposals can last for years in your home if used and maintained properly. According to the Demesne website, the average garbage disposal lasts 10 to 12 years. How long it lasts depends on the homeowner and how well he follows the guidelines in the owner's manual.

Choosing Horsepower

• Many new homes come with an inexpensive builder-grade garbage disposal. Typically, this has a 1/3-horsepower motor, according to the Ask the Builder website. When buying a new garbage disposal, consider how often you will use the appliance. If you have a large family and cook most meals at home, a disposal with a 1-horsepower motor may be the most cost-efficient choice. If you rarely cook at home, a less expensive model may serve all your needs.

Maintaining Garbage Disposal Efficiency

• It is important to run water while operating the garbage disposal. Typically, the motor gets a higher pitch when the debris and garbage are ground up sufficiently. Many homeowners turn off the power switch and the water at the same time. It is important to allow the water to flush the ground-up debris through the pipes. Leaving the water running for 15 seconds after turning the disposal off will accomplish this and keep your disposal running efficiently. Another idea is to use a strainer over the garbage disposal drain if you are cleaning anything you might drop into the disposal accidentally. Small objects can obstruct or jam the unit. Wipe pots and pans with paper towels before washing them in the sink. This prevents extra grease from clogging the unit.

Garbage Disposal Optional Features

• Many garbage disposals offer a feature that runs the motor in auto-reverse. This spins it opposite of the way it operates normally. If an object falls down the drain, it can cause the unit to jam. Running it in reverse typically dislodges the object so that you can remove it with tongs or flush it down the drain. The auto-reverse feature prevents further maintenance or calling a plumber. It also prevents overheating, extending the life of the unit. If you live in the country and your home has a septic tank, consider a disposal that squirts an enzyme solution into the waste to help break it down in the tank. Other garbage disposals have stainless-steel parts that never rust. If you purchase a disposal with a 1-horsepower motor or a top-of-the-line model, stainless-steel parts are a wise choice. Always use a drain cover if you are cleaning small objects that may jam the unit. The drain cover catches the item if you drop it accidentally.