How to Fix a Garbage Disposal That’s Humming But Not Grinding

Is your garbage disposal making a humming noise but failing to grind food waste? This common issue usually indicates that something is stuck in the grinding chamber, preventing the motor from turning freely. Don’t worry; it’s often a simple fix you can do yourself! This guide will walk you through the steps to diagnose and resolve a humming, non-grinding garbage disposal.

1. Safety First: Turn Off the Power

Before you attempt any repairs, always disconnect the power to the garbage disposal. This prevents accidental activation and potential injury.

  • Locate the circuit breaker: Find the breaker that controls the garbage disposal in your electrical panel. It’s usually labeled. If not, you might need to experiment by switching breakers off one by one until the disposal stops humming (if it is currently humming).
  • Turn off the breaker: Flip the breaker to the “off” position.
  • Double-check: For added safety, you can also unplug the disposal if it has a power cord accessible under the sink. However, most disposals are hardwired, making the breaker switch the primary safety measure.

2. Inspect the Disposal Chamber

Now that the power is off, take a look inside the garbage disposal chamber to see if you can spot the culprit.

  • Use a flashlight: Shine a flashlight into the disposal chamber for better visibility.
  • Look for obstructions: Common offenders include silverware, bones, fruit pits, glass shards, or anything else that shouldn’t be there.
  • Avoid sticking your hand in: Never put your hand inside the disposal chamber! Use tongs or pliers to remove any visible obstructions.

3. Use Tongs or Pliers to Remove Obstructions

Carefully remove any visible obstructions using long-handled tongs or pliers.

  • Grip firmly: Get a secure grip on the object before attempting to pull it out.
  • Avoid forcing it: If an object is stuck tightly, don’t force it. Try wiggling it gently to loosen it. You may need to try different angles.
  • Check thoroughly: Once you’ve removed the obvious obstruction, double-check the chamber for any smaller pieces that may still be lodged inside.

4. Reset the Overload Protector

Garbage disposals have an overload protector that trips when the motor overheats due to being jammed. Resetting it can often resolve the issue.

  • Locate the reset button: The reset button is typically a small, red button located on the bottom of the disposal unit.
  • Press the reset button: Press the reset button firmly. You should feel or hear a click.
  • Wait a few minutes: Allow the disposal to cool down for a few minutes before turning the power back on.

5. Use a Garbage Disposal Wrench (Allen Wrench)

If the reset button doesn’t work, you can try manually turning the motor using a garbage disposal wrench (also known as an Allen wrench).

  • Find the wrench socket: On the bottom of the disposal, you’ll find a small hexagonal socket. This is where the wrench goes.
  • Insert the wrench: Insert the garbage disposal wrench into the socket.
  • Turn the wrench back and forth: Rotate the wrench back and forth to try to free the motor. This can help dislodge any stubborn obstructions.
  • Apply some force: You may need to apply some force, but be careful not to overdo it and damage the motor.

6. Run Water and Test the Disposal

After resetting the overload protector or using the wrench, it’s time to test the disposal.

  • Turn on the cold water: Run a steady stream of cold water into the sink.
  • Turn on the power: Flip the circuit breaker back to the “on” position.
  • Turn on the disposal: Turn on the garbage disposal switch.
  • Listen for normal operation: If the disposal starts grinding normally, you’ve successfully fixed the problem.

7. What to Do If It Still Doesn’t Work

If the garbage disposal is still humming but not grinding after trying these steps, there may be a more serious issue.

  • Check the motor: The motor could be burned out, requiring replacement of the entire unit.
  • Inspect the wiring: There could be a wiring problem, which requires a qualified electrician.
  • Call a professional: In these cases, it’s best to call a qualified plumber or appliance repair technician to diagnose and repair the problem.

8. Prevention is Key

To avoid future problems with your garbage disposal, follow these tips:

  • Don’t overload the disposal: Feed food waste into the disposal gradually.
  • Run cold water: Always run cold water while the disposal is operating.
  • Avoid grinding hard materials: Don’t put bones, fruit pits, coffee grounds, or other hard materials into the disposal.
  • Clean the disposal regularly: Flush the disposal with hot water and dish soap to remove grease and debris.
  • Use ice cubes: Periodically grind ice cubes to sharpen the blades and clean the chamber.

By following these steps, you can usually fix a garbage disposal that’s humming but not grinding. Remember to always prioritize safety and consult a professional if you’re unsure about any of the steps involved.