A garbage disposal that hums but will not spin, or stays silent when you flip the switch, is one of the more common kitchen problems, and several causes are safe to check yourself. One rule before you start: never put your hand down a garbage disposal, and cut the power before working anywhere near the blades.
If the Disposal Hums but Will Not Spin
A humming sound usually means the unit has power but the grinding plate is jammed. Most often something hard, such as a bone, fruit pit, or piece of silverware, is stuck.
Try this:
- Turn off the disposal and the wall switch. Do not skip this step.
- Look inside with a flashlight and remove any visible obstruction with tongs or pliers, never your fingers.
- Free the jam manually. Many disposals have a hex-shaped opening on the bottom. Inserting the small Allen wrench that came with the unit and turning it back and forth can break the jam loose.
- Press the reset button. A small red or black button on the underside trips when the motor overloads. Push it in and try again.
If it still only hums, switch it off and stop. Running a jammed motor can burn it out.
If the Disposal Is Completely Silent
No sound at all points to an electrical issue rather than a jam:
- Press the reset button on the bottom of the unit first; this solves it surprisingly often.
- Check your breaker panel for a tripped breaker and reset it if needed.
- Confirm the outlet has power if the disposal is plugged in under the sink.
If you have reset everything and it is still dead, the switch, wiring, or motor may have failed and it is time for a professional.
When It Is Time to Call a Plumber
Some situations are beyond a DIY fix:
- The disposal leaks from the bottom or the connections underneath.
- It will not reset or trips the breaker repeatedly.
- It drains slowly or backs up, which can point to a clog further down the line rather than the disposal itself.
- It is grinding loudly or smells burnt, signs the motor or internals are failing.
A disposal that backs up is often really a drain problem. If clearing the unit does not help, the clog may be in the kitchen line, which is where our drain cleaning service comes in. And if the unit itself is shot, replacing a garbage disposal is a routine part of our kitchen and bathroom plumbing work.
Get It Fixed
If the resets do not work, Allegiant Plumbing can repair or replace the disposal and check the drain line while we are there. Call 614-824-5002 or book online.