Ways to Lower your Garbage Disposal Repair Cost

Just like other household appliances, your garbage disposal is going to break down at some point and require occasional repairs. While it’s important to recognize the signs it’s time to replace your garbage disposal, it also helps to be aware of the ways to lower your garbage disposal repair cost.

Here’s how to avoid major (and costly) garbage disposal problems down the road:

1. Be mindful of the food items you’re throwing down the garbage disposal.

You can put most food items in a garbage disposal, but some are a big no-no, such as:

Coffee grounds and tea leaves

Cooking oil

Chia seeds, grains, popcorn kernels

Flour

Pasta and rice 

These food items don’t easily break down. They often expand and eventually clog the drain.

Cut up large items into smaller pieces, then feed them into the garbage disposal gradually to avoid jamming the blades or clogging your drain.

2. Regularly run the garbage disposal with cold water.

Even if you’re not using your garbage disposal often, and there’s nothing to grind up, it’s still recommended to run the garbage disposal to keep the blades from becoming rusted.

And when you’re using the appliance, use cold water. Hot water can melt fat, causing it to stick to your garbage disposals blades. Cold water, on the other hand, will help move the food waste down through the pipes seamlessly.

3. Diligently maintain your garbage disposal.

Proper garbage disposal maintenance helps keep the appliance working correctly and prevent annoying clogs.

Proper maintenance entails cleaning the unit at least every two weeks, depending on how often you’re using it. Grind ice cubes to help scrub off the teeth of the garbage disposal.

Also, avoid using harsh cleaning products, as they can damage your garbage disposal and, eventually, the drains.

Get the garbage disposal drain snaked every couple years or so. This will help clear partial clogs before they cause bigger problems.

Is it even worth repairing a garbage disposal?

Depending on the severity of the problem, you’ll likely pay anywhere from $75 to $100 to get your garbage disposal fixed. It should work perfectly once your plumber is done with the work, so it’s often worth it to repair your garbage disposal.

However, if there’s a structural issue, or if the motor has failed, it’s often recommended to buy a new unit.

Garbage disposal problems? Contact a Good Guy today!

 Are your garbage disposal problems getting out of hand?  Our best plumbers can properly diagnose the issue and perform the necessary repairs with minimum downtime. If we need to replace your garbage disposal, we’ll help you select the right one depending on your situation and specific needs.

You may also reach out to us for other plumbing installation, repair, and maintenance services. Booking a Good Guy takes only a minute or two! You can quickly and easily schedule an appointment online and through our app.