Your garbage disposal is an integral part of your kitchen, offering a simple and convenient way to manage your food waste and scraps. However, it may be one of the last things on your mind as you welcome the new year. In fact, Consider this: When was the last time you gave thought to the condition of your disposal? Has it been properly maintained over the years?
Like any appliance, your garbage disposal can wear out overtime or malfunction, thereby needing a replacement. That's why, we've created this guide to garbage disposal replacement to help you be more mindful about your unit in 2024. We will provide you with a comprehensive overview of garbage disposal replacement, including:
when replacement is needed;
why proper maintenance and repair is important; and
tips to extend the lifespan of your unit.
Ensure proper care of your garbage disposal this year by exploring our quick and easy guide now. With our 75+ years of experience serving the greater Atlanta area for home comfort, you will be sure to find these insights helpful.
When is Garbage Disposal Replacement Needed?
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There are several key signs that can indicate it may be time for a garbage disposal replacement, including the following:
Age of Unit — A garbage disposal typically has a 10-12 year lifespan. If your unit is approaching or has surpassed this age, it may be wise to consider replacement. Not to mention, an older model can be prone to more breakdowns and inefficiencies.
Frequent Clogs —Are you experiencing a failing motor or have blunt blades? If so, then your unit could be nearing the end of its useful life.
Persistent Bad Odors — When thorough cleaning does not eliminate bad odors, it suggests trapped food particles that are beyond the reach of simple cleaning. This is often a symptom of a deeper issue within the disposal.
Constant Need for Resetting — Frequently needing to reset your disposal is a sign of an unstable or failing unit. This indicates that the disposal is struggling to handle its basic functions.
Ineffectiveness: If your disposal leaves remnants or takes longer to grind food than it used to, it's a clear sign that its effectiveness is waning.
Leaks: Leakage from the disposal, especially if it reoccurs after repairs, is a significant concern. This may cause water damage and mold in your cabinets.
Strange Noises: Sounds like grinding, humming, or rattling that weren't present before can indicate mechanical problems. Sometimes, these issues can be repaired, but often they signal that replacement is the more cost-effective solution.
If you are experiencing one or more of these signs, or something else doesn't seem quite right about your unit, it is time to give our licensed Atlanta plumbers a call.
Why Is Garbage Disposal Repair Important?
While replacement is sometimes unavoidable, prompt repair may extend the life of your disposal and prevent more serious problems. For instance, not addressing small leaks or rare jams can cause bigger damage later. In fact, a leak left unattended can cause water damage to your cabinets and floors, leading to expensive repairs. Similarly, ignoring jams can strain the motor, reducing the disposal's lifespan.
However, it's important to weigh the cost of repeated repairs against the cost of a new unit. If your disposal requires frequent fixes, investing in a new, more efficient model may be more economical in the long run.
How Do You Maintain a Garbage Disposal?
Whether you have a brand new unit or are trying to prolong the life of your current one, proper maintenance is key. Here are a few helpful tips to keep it in excellent working condition:
Use Ice and Lemon Chips: Grind ice cubes at disposal to sharpen blades and clean buildup. Add lemon chips or peels to help eliminate unpleasant odors and provide a fresh scent.
Pour Detergent Down the Drain: Occasionally, flush your disposal with a small amount of dish detergent, and run it with cold water. This can help break down grease and oil that may have accumulated, preventing clogs and maintaining a clean disposal.
Avoid Hard Objects: Be mindful of what you put at your disposal. Hard objects like bones, fruit pits, and non-food materials can dull the blades and cause jams.
Run Cold Water During Use: Always use cold water when running your disposal. This helps solidify fats or oils, making them easier to grind and flush away.
Regular Use and Cleaning: Regular use prevents rust and keeps all parts moving. Additionally, routine cleaning, including the rubber flaps, ensures that no food particles are trapped, preventing odors and clogs.
Avoid Certain Foods: Don't put fibrous foods like celery or onion skins in the disposal, as they can tangle the blades. Also, don't pour grease or oil down it, as they harden and block it.
Yearly Inspection: Consider having a licensed and trained plumbing professional inspect your garbage disposal annually. A trained professional like at Estes Services can spot and fix problems before they get worse. In fact, we offer popular and affordable Maintenance Membership Plans to help keep your home plumbing systems in excellent condition.
Schedule Atlanta Plumbing Service Today
Well, that completes our guide to garbage disposal replacement. If you think you may need a replacement, we can help. Our Atlanta plumbers are licensed and insured and can walk you through the best solutions for your kitchen.
With our award-winning customer service team and professional installation services, you can achieve peace of mind about your kitchen garbage disposal. Schedule service today. It's a new year, and we can help you decide if now is the right time for a new garbage disposal.
Explore our exciting special offers and coupons, and see how easy we can make the new year with a new garbage disposal. It's that Easy; It's Estes! Since 1949.
