Does Your Garbage Disposal Need to Be Replaced?

Garbage Disposal Needs to Be Replaced?

You’ve just finished the after-dinner cleanup, and your garbage disposal is making a strange sound. Is it time to call for service or does your garbage disposal need to be replaced?


Repair or Replacement?

It’s difficult to know whether to fix a garbage disposal or get the whole thing replaced. You might have a few questions.

How long should my garbage disposal last?

Depending on the brand, your garbage disposal should last between 8 and 12 years. Pricier models generally carry a longer warranty.

Is it worth it to fix a garbage disposal?

The price point of garbage disposals can run from $100 to $500, before costs for installation. Repair may well be worth the cost for a newer high-end unit.

How to Know if Your Garbage Disposal Needs to Be Replaced

The following clues may mean it’s time for a new disposal:

Strange Noises

Grinding noises from your disposal are normally when in use. But if you hear a metallic grinding noise. This can be jammed tableware or the blades have become mis-aligned.

Resetting Doesn’t Work

The reset button allows your disposal to overcome an overload. However, if it doesn’t reset the appliance, or you have to reset it constantly, it may be time for a new unit.

Too Much, Too Soon

If your disposal doesn’t keep up with its regular capacity anymore, it may be time to replace it. Garbage disposals can clog up, usually when they aren’t sufficient to meet the household’s needs.

The blades on your disposal can become dull over time. If the unit is underpowered or the blades are no longer sharp, it’s time for a replacement.

Doesn’t Power Up

Appliances may shut down due to electrical problems. Check the circuit breaker to your disposal. If it hasn’t triggered, and there are no other electrical issues on that circuit, the motor may have failed. If the motor in your garbage disposal has gone out, it may be time to replace your garbage disposal.

Bad Odors

You’ve tried everything to keep your sink clean and fresh-smelling, but your disposal emits bad odors. In this case, particles of food may be stuck and clogging it. In this case, it may be time to replace it.

Leaky Unit

Homeowners can often fix leaking drains themselves. However, if the garbage disposal itself is leaking, it’s time to get a new one. Degraded seals in the housing or the sink flange are usually more costly to repair than installing a new disposal.

Renovations

It isn’t necessary to replace your garbage disposal when you replace your sink, but it’s the most cost-efficient way to upgrade an old unit. Having both installed at the same time reduces downtime in your kitchen and lowers installation costs.

Installation

A good garbage disposal makes kitchen chores easier. But installation is a complicated and exhausting chore. Make an appointment with the plumbing pros at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Port St. Lucie today about upgrading your garbage disposal.