How long does a typical under-the-sink garbage disposal last?

Question

I have had mine for since 2003 and it sounds like the motor has blown. is this typical?

Answer 1

3 yrs is a poor life for a unit. If your going to replace it, get a 1/2 or 3/4 horsepower motor. Avoid putting fibrous things like celery, avoid egg shells in a septic system,. It should last 10 yrs.

Answer 2

You might have two problems. A plugged line and a broken garbage disposal. Unplug the garbage disposal under the sink. Now make sure you can freely move the teeth on the garbage disposal. It will not move if something is jammed in there, removing the rubber thingy in the drain helps to see better. I think on the disposal itself there is a re-set button, you can press this and plug it back in and see what happens. It may have burned up after being jammed, in which case you need a new one. Installing one isn't real difficult, but still a challenge. If the dishwasher won't drain and the garbage disposa side won't either you have a clog somewhere. Do you have a clean-out drain? it should be outside near the kitchen outside walls . It would be a 3 or 4 ": pipe with a cap on it and a square thing to put a wrench on it. Turn it counter clockwise and remove it. be aware that it may gush whatever is in there out. If the water is standing in there you need to put a snake down there and loosen up the clog. If this clean-out has nothing in it then your clog is somewhere between the disposal, the dishwasher and the cleanout. You can also try and put the snake in the already draining side I hope this helps.

Answer 3

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RE:
How long does a typical under-the-sink garbage disposal last?
I have had mine for since 2003 and it sounds like the motor has blown. is this typical?

Answer 4

It depends on the brand of disposer. Some have steel blades while others have stainless steel. Bearings are another concern. Some will last longer than others. One other thing that needs to be considered is how much usage the unit had and what chemicals (drain cleaners) have been poured through it.

Answer 5

Most disposers installed in track homes are cheaper models and if your lucky about 8 -10 years, Consider replacing with
stainless steel unit

Answer 6

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Try putting some ice, a little cold water and lemon or orange peels in the disposal. The peels will freshen the smell and the ice will clean and sharpen the blades. (I have also put a small handful of whole cloves in with the ice and that works alright as well)

Answer 7

Need more info. Have you tried the reset button on the bottom? Disposals in general last 5-10 years. By then they have generally corroded away.