My Garbage Disposal Hums But Doesn’t Work

A garbage disposal is a convenient appliance that many households rely on daily. It grinds up food waste, making it easy to wash away debris and keep your kitchen clean. However, like any appliance, a garbage disposal can sometimes run into issues. One common problem homeowners face is when the garbage disposal hums but doesn’t work. If you’ve noticed your garbage disposal humming but not spinning, you’re not alone. This issue can be frustrating, but fortunately, there are several potential solutions.

Why Is My Garbage Disposal Humming But Not Working?

When your garbage disposal hums but doesn’t work, it’s typically a sign that the motor is still receiving power, but the blades are unable to spin. This could be due to a variety of reasons, including a jammed disposal, a burnt-out motor, or even an issue with the reset button. Understanding the cause is the first step in fixing the problem.

Common Causes of a Humming Garbage Disposal

Jammed Disposal

The most common reason for a garbage disposal to hum but not work is a jam. This occurs when something gets lodged between the blades, preventing them from spinning. Bones, fibrous vegetable peelings, or other hard objects can easily cause a jam. When this happens, the motor will hum as it tries to work, but the blades will remain stuck.

Overloaded Disposal

Overloading the garbage disposal with too much waste at once can also cause it to hum without working. If the disposal is overwhelmed, it may shut down to prevent damage. In this case, the humming sound you hear is the motor attempting to operate despite the overload.

Worn Out Motor

If your garbage disposal just hums and doesn’t work, the motor could be worn out. Over time, the motor can become weak or burn out entirely, especially if the disposal is frequently used. A motor that’s on its last legs may hum, but it won’t have the strength to turn the blades.

Tripped Reset Button

Many garbage disposals come with a reset button that trips if the motor becomes overloaded. If your garbage disposal is not working but still hums, it might simply need to be reset. The reset button is usually located at the bottom of the disposal unit and can be pressed to restore operation.

Electrical Issues

Although less common, electrical issues can also cause a garbage disposal to hum without working. If the wiring is faulty or if there’s an issue with the power supply, the motor may hum but not engage properly.

How to Fix a Humming Garbage Disposal

If your garbage disposal is humming but not working, there are several steps you can take to try and fix the problem. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Turn Off the Power: Before attempting any repairs, make sure the power to the garbage disposal is turned off. This is crucial for your safety. You can do this by unplugging the unit or switching off the circuit breaker that controls the disposal.
• Check for Jams: Use a flashlight to look inside the disposal for any visible obstructions. If you see something lodged between the blades, you can try to remove it using tongs or pliers. Never use your hands to reach into the disposal, as this can be very dangerous.
• Manually Turn the Blades: If the blades are stuck, you may be able to free them by manually turning the disposal. Most disposals have a hole at the bottom where you can insert an Allen wrench to turn the blades manually. Turn the wrench back and forth until the blades move freely.
• Press the Reset Button: If your garbage disposal is humming but not spinning, try pressing the reset button located at the bottom of the unit. Hold the button for a few seconds and then try running the disposal again.
• Test the Motor: If the disposal still doesn’t work after removing any jams and resetting it, the motor may be the issue. At this point, you may need to consider replacing the motor or the entire disposal unit.
• Check the Power Supply: Ensure that the garbage disposal is properly connected to the power supply. If the disposal is plugged in and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped, the issue may lie within the unit itself.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve tried the above steps and your garbage disposal just hums without working, it might be time to call a professional plumber. Attempting to fix a garbage disposal beyond basic troubleshooting can lead to further damage if not done correctly. A professional plumber can quickly diagnose and fix the problem, ensuring that your disposal is back in working order as soon as possible.

Preventing Future Problems

To prevent your garbage disposal from humming but not working in the future, consider the following tips:

• Avoid Hard Objects: Never put hard objects like bones, fruit pits, or shells into the disposal. These can easily cause a jam.
• Cut Waste Into Small Pieces: Cutting food waste into smaller pieces before feeding it into the disposal can prevent overloads and jams.
• Run Water While Using: Always run cold water while the disposal is in use to help flush waste through the system.
• Clean Regularly: Regularly clean the disposal with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to remove buildup and prevent clogs.

Conclusion: Don’t Let a Humming Garbage Disposal Get You Down

A humming garbage disposal can be a frustrating problem, but with the right approach, it’s often an easy fix. By understanding the common causes and solutions, you can save yourself time and avoid potential headaches. However, if your garbage disposal is still not working despite your best efforts, it’s best to contact a professional.

At Absolute Plumbing, our experienced team is ready to help with all your plumbing needs. Whether it’s a stubborn garbage disposal or any other plumbing issue, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get your home’s plumbing back in top shape.