If you have a garbage disposal installed in your sink, you know how it saves you from emptying your trash unnecessarily. If you rely on it to keep your kitchen functioning smoothly and minimize odors, it can be painful when you realize it's not working as it should. Since the limited manufacturer warranty doesn't cover much, it’s important to know what to look out for before you’re stuck with expensive repairs or replacements.
This is also where an extended warranty for your garbage disposal can really come in handy. A product protection plan covers damage beyond manufacturer defects, like accidental damage, mechanical and electrical issues, even damage from a power surge. When you subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited, you can get great protection to cover your garbage disposal and the other appliances you rely on to keep household duties manageable under the same plan, for the ultimate peace of mind.
How long do garbage disposals last?
The average garbage disposal should last for up to 12-15 years—as long as it was installed properly and isn’t subject to more than average wear and tear. If you're above average, you'll probably want to add an appliance extended warranty. But if you aren't afraid of a little DIY maintenance, you can help to extend its life by knowing what signs to look out for and how to clean your garbage disposal to prevent an early demise.
What are signs it might be time to replace your garbage disposal?
If you find your garbage disposal not working, here are a few signs that it might be time to replace it.
Your garbage disposal is making strange sounds
Some noise is normal depending on what you're grinding up, but you know what it’s supposed to sound like. If you're dealing with garbage disposal humming or your unit is making other unusual noises, shine a flashlight down the disposal and try to check for any blockages (or foreign objects). You might be surprised to discover that a piece of silverware or small object fell into it by accident. A clogged garbage disposal isn't fun for anyone.
Always be careful when removing anything and be sure the garbage disposal is off before any retrieval efforts are made! If you don’t see anything creating a blockage, there is likely a larger issue with your disposal.
There’s a lingering smell that won’t go away
The worst. One of the biggest benefits of a having a disposal is that you don’t have to leave food sitting in a trash bag for a day or longer in your kitchen. However, if the unit isn’t working properly, it could lead to a buildup of odor and cause a lingering smell.
If this happens, try thoroughly rinsing the disposal to remove any trapped particles. You can also purchase garbage disposal cleaner to help rid the odor. If you’ve exhausted your options and can’t get rid of the odor, you'll probably want to get it checked to make sure there isn’t a larger issue. If the unit itself is old, evaluate the cost of purchasing a new disposal before you call for a repair. If you have an extended warranty, make the call because the damage will be covered by your protection plan.
Your garbage disposal is leaking water
Wear and tear is normal, and no appliance lasts forever—especially appliances that we use every day. It’s normal that after a significant amount of time these units will form cracks, or issues like your garbage disposal leaking from bottom. You won’t want to bother with a costly repair for this though; you’re better off putting that repair money toward a garbage disposal replacement.
Your garbage disposal won’t turn on
There are a few different things that could be preventing your garbage disposal from turning on. First, check your circuit breaker and make sure everything is good to go on your home electrical panel. If the problem persists, try hitting the reset button on your unit and see if that gets it to turn on.
If neither of these options work, you will more than likely need to contact a professional for their opinion. If you don't have an extended warranty, make sure you know what you'll be paying for a technician to come evaluate the damage. It may be more cost-effective to purchase a new garbage disposal.
You have to reset the unit often
As mentioned above, your garbage disposal reset button is only meant to be used as a last resort when the unit is malfunctioning (or not functioning at all). Sometimes it really does just require a reset, and with that quick fix your problem doesn’t return.
However, make sure you pay attention to how often you need to do a garbage disposal reset, especially if it’s for the same issue repeatedly. That's a definite warning sign that your garbage disposal is nearing its end of life.
Why you need an extended warranty for your garbage disposal
If you're already asking yourself how much does it cost to replace a garbage disposal, it's the right time to consider an extended warranty option. For a nominal upfront investment, you can protect your new garbage disposal for years to come.
When you subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited, you'll get coverage for your garbage disposal, appliances, and almost all your online purchases under the same product protection plan, so you can be covered no matter what.
