It is important to have garbage disposal in the kitchen because it helps to dispose of food waste in the best way possible. They assist in ensuring that the cooking environment is clean in both the homes and business places. But every appliance has a life expectancy, and garbage disposal is not an exception. Several factors influence the life span of these devices and will be discussed below to assist the reader in knowing when it is time to replace an appliance.
Quality of Construction
The life span of a garbage disposal is usually a reflection of the quality of the device used to manufacture it. Most of the units are made from durable materials such as stainless steel or heavy-duty plastic.
It is for this reason that these materials will last longer than those that are relatively cheap. It’s always advisable to invest in a model that is durable because, more often than not, you will not have to keep on replacing broken parts or look for emergency alternatives from other brands.
Usage Patterns
The usage rate also greatly affects the lifespan of your garbage disposal; the more frequently and heavily you utilize your unit, the shorter its life will be. For instance, a disposal that is used in a family home or a restaurant kitchen is likely to deteriorate faster than one used in a small home. Also, the types of foods that you grind will determine the grinder’s lifespan.
It can be seen that, for example, bones or fibrous materials like corn husks can put a lot of stress on the system and, therefore, wear out the system very fast. Some of these materials are very difficult for your unit, and avoiding them can help to increase its life span.
Maintenance Practices
Garbage disposal maintenance is very important in order to ensure that the garbage disposal lasts for a long time. This entails simple procedures such as cleaning of the unit and blade sharpening from time to time. If a person fails to consider these basic care requirements, problems such as clogging, unpleasant smell, and low efficiency may occur. It is also recommended that one follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines.
This could mean that one has to use specific detergents or ensure that there is frequent monitoring by a professional plumber. This is because small problems that are fixed instantly will not escalate into big problems that will require a lot of money to be repaired.
Water Quality
To ensure that your garbage disposal has a longer life span, you should be very keen on the quality of water that you use. These include the presence of hard water minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which lead to the buildup of limescale.
This buildup can harm the parts of the disposal, which results in rusting and corrosion of the unit in the long run. Some of these effects can be prevented by installing a water softener; hence, your disposal will run efficiently for a long duration.
Environmental Factors
Environmental conditions also affect the lifespan of your garbage disposal. It may not be as durable as it can be affected by things such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to chemicals. For instance, low temperatures may cause cracking and other damage to the disposal’s components.
If the unit is properly installed and protected from extreme conditions, then it will last longer. It is very important to conduct periodic checks to determine whether there are possible environmental concerns that may lead to immense damage.
When Do You Need to Replace Your Garbage Disposal?
Garbage disposal has a life expectancy of between 8 to 15 years. It also depends on how often it is used, what material is used in making the two products, and how often they are maintained. If you are using an old disposal or experiencing problems like clogging or strange noise, then you have to change it.
This means that inspection and maintenance should be done from time to time to ensure it is working effectively.
If you have any problems with your garbage disposal, you should not hesitate to call a professional plumber to fix it. We are based in Sacramento and offer garbage disposal repair and replacement services. To achieve the desired results, we use the following practices in managing your kitchen: Do not wait until your system is completely broken—call to schedule a visit and have your garbage disposal fixed.