How Long Do Garburators Last?

If good practices are in place a garburator should last well over a decade. Learn about the factors that can impact garburator lifespan and the regular maintenance and garburator repair that can be done to make your garburator last for up to 15 years.

What Impacts Garburator Lifespan?

Ultimately, three factors can be attributed to impacting garburator lifespan:

1. Quality of the Garburator
   Newer, modern garburators last longer than their older counterparts. Purchasing a new, heavy-duty garburator instead of a cheaper option is an easy investment that will pay off in the long run.
2. What is Put Down the Garburator
   The items you place in your garburator play a huge factor in your garburator lifespan. For instance, if you regularly put grease and fibrous foods down the garburator, your motor and blades will be more impacted than someone who chooses to only put fruit and vegetable scraps down their garburator.
3. Garburator Usage
   It’s not just what you put down the garburator, it’s how often. The more you use your garburator, the more the motor and blades are being used, which impacts garburator lifespan.

What Should I Not Put Down My Garburator?

One of the most proactive things you can do to increase your garburator lifespan is making sure you know what can and can’t be put down your garburator.

These are items that should never go down your garburator:

• Fibrous foods (such as potato peels, onion skin and asparagus)
• Coffee grounds
• Eggshells
• Oil and grease
• Bones
• Uncooked pasta and rice
• Nuts
• Items that are not food (paper scraps, cigarette butts, glass)

These are items that can safely be put down your garburator:

• Non-starchy fruits and vegetable scraps
• Liquids and soft foods
• Chopped foods
• Citrus rinds
• Ice cubes

How to Extend Garburator Lifespan

At the first sign of an issue, schedule garburator repair services immediately. This will eliminate the possibility of any further damage to the unit. While you’re on the phone with your plumber, schedule home plumbing diagnosis and check-up services to ensure there are no leaks or clogs that are making it difficult for your garburator to operate.

Following a proper maintenance and cleaning schedule can easily earn you 15 years of use out of your garburator. Eventually, the motor will burn out or the blades will wear down. But by regularly checking your garburator and cleaning it, you can delay its inevitable demise.

Try this trick to clean grime off the garburator blades: pour equal parts vinegar and baking soda into the unit (while it’s turned off). After the mixture stops foaming, rinse it with hot water. Repeat monthly to ensure your garburator is clean and in proper working order.

Full-Service Garburator Services

If you are ready to schedule garburator installation or garburator repair services, Mr. Rooter^® Plumbing is here to help. With upfront pricing and convenient appointment times, you can receive affordable services on your schedule. Don’t delay – call us or schedule an appointment online with your local Mr. Rooter.

Has your dishwasher been letting you down lately? Follow these dishwasher troubleshooting tips from Mr. Appliance to get your dishwasher back on track. As a part of the Neighbourly family of home services, you can trust Mr. Appliance for quality work, upfront pricing and outstanding service.