But how does a garbage disposal work?

Garbage disposals typically last between eight to 15 years.

To get the longest lifespan of this appliance, use it as directed by the manufacturer.

silver kitchen faucet washing lettuce leaves

Tay Jnr / Getty Images

Keep your garbage disposal running great by taking good care of it.

Cut the fruit up into wedges, place them in the disposal, and run it.

When a garbage disposal is humming, it means the blades are not turning.

pouring citrus peels down a garbage disposal

The Spruce / Bailey Mariner

The next step is to diagnose the reason so it can be fixed.

Notes on the Troubleshooting and Repair of Small Household Appliances and Power Tools.

Trap fitting in sink garbage disposal cleaned with small scrub brush and running water

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Garbage disposal set down to install new gasket

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Water running from sink faucet to test garbage disposal

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

New garbage disposal with gasket replaced under sink

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Garbage disposal installed under one side of sink basin

The Spruce / Kevin Norris