Why Is Your Garbage Disposal Humming But Not Working? A Comprehensive Guide
Is your garbage disposal making a frustrated humming sound but refusing to grind anything? This common issue indicates a mechanical problem, and ignoring it can lead to more significant damage like motor burnout. This guide from 907 Heating & Plumbing will help you understand the common causes, provide DIY troubleshooting steps, and explain when it’s time to call a professional plumber.
Common Reasons Your Garbage Disposal Hums But Doesn’t Run
A humming garbage disposal means the motor is receiving power, but something is preventing the blades from turning. Here are the most likely culprits:
- • Jammed Blades: The most frequent cause. Food debris (like large bones, fruit pits, or fibrous vegetables) or foreign objects (such as silverware, bottle caps, or small toys) can get lodged in the grinding chamber, stopping the impellers from spinning.
- • Overloaded Motor: If you feed too much waste into the disposal at once, or attempt to grind items that are too tough, the motor can overheat and stall. This safety mechanism prevents damage but results in a humming noise as it tries to operate.
- • Faulty Flywheel or Impellers: Over time, rust, corrosion, or wear and tear can damage the flywheel or the swiveling impellers (also known as shredder rings). If these components are stiff, broken, or misaligned, they won’t rotate properly.
- • Electrical Issues: Sometimes, the problem isn’t the disposal itself but its power supply. This could be due to a tripped reset button on the disposal unit, a blown fuse in your electrical panel, or even an underlying wiring problem within your home’s electrical system connected to the disposal.
- • Burnt-Out Motor: If the disposal has been humming for an extended period without the jam being cleared, or if it was repeatedly overloaded, the motor can overheat and burn out. In this scenario, it will hum but never respond, indicating permanent damage.
How to Fix a Humming Garbage Disposal: DIY Troubleshooting Steps
Before you call a professional, try these safe and effective DIY fixes:
Turn Off the Power
This is the most crucial step for your safety. Always unplug the disposal from the outlet or switch off the circuit breaker dedicated to the disposal in your home’s electrical panel before performing any work.
Check for a Jam
Use an Allen Wrench: Look for a hexagonal hole in the very center of the bottom of your garbage disposal unit. Insert the Allen wrench (usually a 1/4-inch or 1/8-inch wrench that often comes with the disposal, but can be purchased at a hardware store) into this socket. Rotate it back and forth vigorously to try and free any stuck debris. You’ll often feel resistance as the jam clears.
Remove Visible Obstructions: Shine a flashlight down into the drain opening. If you see any visible objects, use tongs or pliers (NEVER your bare hands) to carefully remove them.
Press the Reset Button
Locate the small, red reset button on the bottom of your garbage disposal unit. This button is a safety feature that trips when the motor overheats or overloads. Press it firmly. If it pops back out immediately, wait a few minutes for the motor to cool down, then try pressing it again.
Manually Rotate the Blades (Impellers)
If the Allen wrench didn’t work and the reset button didn’t resolve it, with the power still off, use a wooden spoon handle (or a sturdy broom handle) to gently push and turn the grinding plates or impellers from inside the drain opening. This can help dislodge stubborn clogs.
Test the Disposal
Once you’ve completed these steps, restore power to the disposal. Turn on a steady stream of cold water (cold water helps solidify grease and flush waste) before turning on the disposal switch. Listen for the motor to spin freely and the grinding to begin.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
If your garbage disposal still hums but refuses to work after trying all the troubleshooting steps, it’s time to call in the experts. Professional plumbers can accurately diagnose and repair more complex issues, such as:
Motor Replacement
If the motor is truly burnt out, it will need to be replaced, which is a specialized job.
Electrical Repairs
If the issue stems from faulty wiring beyond the disposal unit itself, a qualified plumber or electrician will be needed.
Flywheel or Blade Servicing
Severely damaged or corroded internal components often require professional servicing or replacement.
Complex Jams
Sometimes, jams are so severe or involve objects that are difficult to remove safely.
At 907 Heating & Plumbing, our licensed and experienced technicians specialize in diagnosing and fixing all types of garbage disposal issues quickly and efficiently. Schedule a repair today to prevent further damage and restore your kitchen’s functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Humming Garbage Disposal
Why does my garbage disposal hum but not spin?
The most common reason is a jam caused by food debris or a foreign object blocking the internal grinding components (impellers/flywheel). It could also be an electrical issue or an overloaded/burnt-out motor.
Can a humming garbage disposal fix itself?
No, a humming garbage disposal requires manual intervention to clear a jam, reset the motor, or professional repair if the motor is damaged.
How do I know if my garbage disposal motor is burnt out?
If the disposal hums, you’ve tried pressing the reset button, using an Allen wrench to free the blades, and manually rotating the impellers, but it still doesn’t spin, it’s highly likely the motor is burnt out. You might also notice a burning smell.
Is it safe to use a disposal that’s humming?
No, it is not safe to continue running a disposal that is humming but not working. The humming indicates the motor is straining against an obstruction. Continuing to run it can cause the motor to overheat and permanently burn out, leading to more costly repairs or a full replacement.
What kind of items should I avoid putting in my garbage disposal?
Avoid fibrous foods (celery, corn husks, onion skins), expansive foods (rice, pasta), bones, fruit pits, coffee grounds, grease/oils, harsh chemicals, and non-food items (plastic, metal, glass).
Need Expert Garbage Disposal Repair? Contact 907 Heating & Plumbing!
If DIY methods haven’t resolved your garbage disposal problem, our team at 907 Heating & Plumbing provides fast, reliable garbage disposal repairs and replacements. We’re committed to getting your unit running smoothly again. Call us today for professional plumbing services.
By following this comprehensive guide, you can troubleshoot common garbage disposal issues. However, for persistent problems or complex repairs, trust 907 Heating & Plumbing to provide the expert service you need.