GARBAGE DISPOSAL HUMMING OR WON'T TURN ON? WHAT TO CHECK, AND WHAT NEVER GOES DOWN IT
If your garbage disposal unit is humming or won't turn on, switch it off before checking anything. Never put your hand inside the unit! You can try the reset button and, if the motor is jammed, use the correct hex wrench with the power off.
If the disposal is leaking or keeps tripping, or if it won't turn freely, stop troubleshooting the issue and call a plumber instead. This article is for you if your garbage disposal is humming or won't turn on and you need help understanding the possible causes of the issue.
WHAT TO DO RIGHT NOW
If your garbage disposal makes a humming sound but the blades aren't spinning, it's possible that the motor has power, but it's unable to turn. This could be caused by a jam, or if nothing happens at all, the problem could be a tripped breaker. You might even have an outlet issue or an overload protector that has shut the unit down.
Here's what to do first:
Turn the disposal switch off before you inspect the unit or attempt to free a jam. If it's hardwired, switch off its circuit breaker before you move on.
Keep your hands out of the disposal, even when it looks like it's switched off. Use a flashlight to inspect the opening, and, when the power is disconnected, use suitable long-handled tongs if you need to reach inside.
Don't keep pressing the switch if the motor only hums, as trying to run it repeatedly will only make the problem worse.
Check the unit for leaks, and if you spot any water coming from the bottom of the unit or its body, leave it switched off and arrange a repair.
The InSinkErator troubleshooting guidance offers instructions on how to fix a jam safely.
WHY IS MY GARBAGE DISPOSAL HUMMING?
If your garbage disposal is humming without grinding, that usually means the motor can't turn the grinding mechanism. There's a good chance that there are food scraps or a foreign object, like a fruit pit or a bone fragment, jammed between the impeller and the grinding ring.
Alternatively, the motor itself might be overloaded, causing its thermal overload protector to activate. Or, if the garbage disposal unit is old, it might simply be that the motor or another internal component is failing.
Regardless of the cause, you should always stop and investigate the issue if you notice a humming sound. If you discover and clear a jam, reset the unit and try again. In this case, if the disposal hums again, we recommend getting the motor inspected by a professional.
HOW DO I RESET A GARBAGE DISPOSAL?
The process of resetting your garbage disposal depends on the exact model you have, but most disposals have a small red button on the bottom of the unit. This is the reset button for the overload protector, and it might trip if the motor overheats or the disposal becomes jammed.
Here's how to check it:
Turn the wall switch off.
Unplug the appliance if it has a plug, or turn off the circuit breaker if it's hardwired.
Wait for the motor to cool.
Find the red reset button on the bottom of the disposal.
If the button has popped out, press the reset button gently.
Important: You should only restore power after the unit is cool and you've finished all your checks.
The InSinkErator reset instructions are a helpful read if you want to follow the overload protector and reset procedure. Keep in mind that the exact design and cooling period do vary by model, so it's important to follow your own manufacturer's instructions.
If the small red button won't stay in, or if the disposal trips again as soon as you switch it on, there might still be a jam or an electrical or motor fault.
HOW DO I FREE A JAMMED GARBAGE DISPOSAL WITH AN ALLEN WRENCH?
If your garbage disposal's motor hums but it won't turn, you might be dealing with a jammed flywheel. Some disposals have a hex-shaped hole at the bottom that accepts an Allen wrench, so you can use this tool to free the jam. Important: Only try this if your manufacturer's instructions allow it.
Here's what to do:
Switch off the disposal and disconnect its power.
Look underneath the unit for the wrench hole.
Insert the right-size Allen wrench into the hole.
Work the wrench back and forth to free the mechanism.
Remove the wrench before you restore power.
Don't force the wrench, and stop if the flywheel won't move. The last thing you want is to damage the unit and end up with an expensive repair bill, or worse, injure yourself.
Some models don't have a bottom wrench hole, so you'll need to check your manual before you follow this method. InSinkErator's guide to fixing a jammed disposal shows the procedure for compatible models, but your instructions will depend on the unit you own.
WHAT SHOULD NEVER GO DOWN A GARBAGE DISPOSAL?
We all hopefully know that a garbage disposal is designed only for suitable food scraps, not every item left on a plate. What you put into it affects how well it grinds and how freely your drain carries waste away.
In case you need a reminder, you should always keep these items out:
Grease, fats, and oils, which can cool and solidify further along the drain, leading to blockages.
Chemical drain cleaners, which can damage your garbage disposal's components and create hazards during repair work.
Metal, glass, plastic, and silverware, since these can jam or damage the grinding mechanism.
Large amounts of fibrous or starchy scraps, like stringy vegetables, pasta, rice, or similar food, which can contribute to jams or drain problems.
The North Texas Municipal Water District's guidance on fats, oils, and grease is a helpful reference if you want to understand why you should never send grease down the sink, even if you flush it with hot water.
For normal operation of your garbage disposer, run cold water before you switch it on. Feed food scraps in gradually, then let the water run briefly after grinding to help clear the drain.
WHEN SHOULD I CALL A PLUMBER TO REPLACE A BROKEN DISPOSAL?
Wondering when you might need to stop DIY troubleshooting and arrange a professional repair for your garbage disposal? Here are the scenarios that typically require you to call a plumber:
The disposal is leaking from the bottom or body.
The reset button keeps tripping.
The motor is still humming after you've followed the manufacturer's safe troubleshooting steps.
The flywheel won't turn with the correct wrench.
The unit is making persistent grinding, rattling, or buzzing noises.
The sink drain is still clogged after the disposal is switched off.
If the unit body is leaking, this can point to an internal failure. Or, if it keeps tripping or the motor won't turn, the disposal might need more than just a simple reset. A plumber can inspect the unit and help you decide whether it makes more sense to repair the unit or install a new one. If you need help with a blocked drain, here's what to look for in a plumber specializing in drain cleaning.
At Military Plumbing, we install Badger garbage disposals. When we supply the parts, they come with a 2-year parts and labor warranty, and our service includes haul-away of the old unit.
NEED HELP WITH A HUMMING OR BROKEN DISPOSAL?
If your garbage disposal is jammed, leaking, or refusing to start, we can help you work out what to do next. We provide garbage disposal repair and replacement, and we're also here to help you with clogged drains.
Call 972-635-7676 or fill out our contact form to discuss the problem with our team. We'll help you determine the right service for your situation.
FAQs
Q: Can I keep using a garbage disposal that hums?
No, don't keep using a garbage disposal that hums. Switch it off if the motor is humming without actually grinding. If you keep trying to run a jammed disposal, this can overheat the motor and end up causing further damage.
Q: Should I put my hand inside the garbage disposal to remove food?
No! Never reach into a garbage disposal to remove food. Disconnect the power before you inspect the unit and use suitable tools, like long-handled tongs, only when it's safe to do so. If you can't remove an obstruction safely, call a plumber.
Q: Why does my garbage disposal keep tripping the reset button?
If your garbage disposal keeps tripping the reset button, the overload protector might be responding to a jam or overheating, or there could be another fault at play. If the reset keeps repeatedly tripping, stop using the disposal and arrange an inspection instead of continually pressing the button.
Q: When should I replace my garbage disposal?
Replacing your garbage disposal is likely going to be the better option if the unit is leaking from its body or has a failed motor. We usually also recommend a replacement if the disposal repeatedly trips after the cause has been checked. We can inspect the unit and explain your repair or replacement options.
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