You use your garbage disposal every day. It will shred food waste and other waste and keep your kitchen drain pipes clear of debris. And while your garbage disposal may last up to 15 years, that may not always be the case. Here are four ways to tell when you need to replace your garbage disposal:

  1. An odor that won’t leave. Rinse and run your garbage disposal a few times to see if the odor goes away. Dropping ice chips into the disposal and turning it on for a minute or so can help clean the blades as well. If not, there may be particles stuck in the unit, causing the smell. You may need a professional to help remove the trapped particles or replace it altogether.
  2. You hear unusual noises. Look in your drain to see if something’s blocking it, such as a piece of silverware. If you find something, remove it carefully and test the disposal again. If it still makes a weird noise, give us a call.
  3. Water is leaking from the disposal. This may mean you have a crack in the unit and will likely require a replacement.
  4. Your disposal won’t turn on. If you frequently have to press the reset button, and one day it just won’t turn on, it’s time for a replacement.

Even the best garbage disposal doesn’t last forever. Give us a call if you need a repair or a replacement. We’re ready to help.