Garbage Disposal Repair & Installation

With proper use and maintenance, most quality garbage disposals should last 8-15 years in Lancaster homes. Factors affecting lifespan include frequency of use, what foods are processed, and whether proper operating procedures are followed. Regular maintenance can help extend the life of your unit.

Premium models offer more horsepower (typically 3/4 to 1 HP vs. 1/3 HP for economy models), which means they can handle tougher food waste and are less likely to jam. They also tend to be quieter, have longer warranties, and include features like auto-reverse and anti-jamming technology. For most Lancaster families, we recommend at least a 1/2 HP unit for adequate performance.

No. Even with high-end disposals, you should avoid putting fibrous foods (celery, corn husks), starchy foods (potato peels), expandable foods (rice, pasta), hard items (bones, fruit pits), and fats/oils down your disposal. These items can cause jams, clogs, and damage to your Lancaster home's plumbing system over time.

Odors typically come from food particles that remain trapped in the disposal. Regular cleaning with ice cubes and citrus peels can help. However, persistent odors might indicate improper drainage or trapped debris requiring professional attention.