...having a plumber replace a unit might cost three times the value of a new one.

It's nice to have one. Saves time during food preparation and clean up. Most are well built, not difficult to install and should last at least 8-10 years. The only problem with garbage disposals are the people who use them. Over the years, I've had many calls to replace them. That will cost much more than the unit is worth. In many cases they were just a couple of years old. There are things that should never be thrown in them. Chicken bones, banana peels, coffee grinds and even artichoke husks. I have also found silverware, glass and the remnants of hot wheels.

In most cases, I have found that clogged, humming disposals are workable if two simple steps are observed. First, there should be an exposed drive shaft on the bottom, center of the unit. There may even be an allen wrench tool in the corner, inside the cabinet floor or perhaps taped to the unit, that is used to force the shaft to turn, releasing whatever it is jamming the inner drum. If not, procuring the right size allen is easily obtainable. Also check inside the drum for any large debris like metal before proceeding. Once this is accomplished, there is a red rest button on the side or bottom of the unit. With the switch off, press the reset and with the shaft already freed, run the water and flip the switch to free any debris, flushing the drain. If the unit spins, yet the drain remains clogged, the trap will have to be removed, with small bucket beneath, to catch the sludge.

If forcing the shaft doesn't free it or if the shaft won't budge, the unit is frozen and needs to be replaced. If the shaft is freed and there is proper voltage, yet the motor is silent, the unit is burnt and must be replaced.

In the future, if there are certain food items to be disposed of and there is doubt whether they would pass the garbage disposal, one can have a small garbage can under the sink for convenience or compost the questionable items.