Garbage Disposal Humming but Not Working? How to Fix It Safely

If your garbage disposal hums but does not grind, it is almost always jammed. The motor is getting power, but something hard, like a bone, fruit pit, bottle cap, or spoon, is stuck and stopping the spinning plate. The fix usually takes about 10 minutes and a small Allen wrench, with no need to call a plumber.

Turn the disposal off right now. Letting it keep humming can overheat and burn out the motor.

What you need

• A 1/4-inch Allen wrench (hex key). Many disposals come with one, often called a "wrenchette."
• A flashlight
• Tongs or needle-nose pliers
• Optional: a broom handle, if you do not have an Allen wrench

How to fix a humming garbage disposal step by step

Step 1: Turn off the power

Flip the wall switch to off. Then unplug the disposal under the sink, or turn off its circuit breaker. This makes sure it cannot turn on while you work.

Step 2: Look inside for the jam

Shine a flashlight down the drain. If you see something stuck, like a spoon, a bottle cap, or a big bone, pull it out with tongs or pliers.

Step 3: Turn the flywheel from underneath

1. Look at the very bottom of the disposal, under the sink. In the center, there is a small six-sided hole.
2. Put the 1/4-inch Allen wrench into the hole.
3. Turn the wrench back and forth. At first it will feel stuck. Keep working it gently until it turns all the way around freely.

This turns the spinning plate inside and breaks the jam loose.

No Allen wrench? With the power off, put the end of a wooden broom handle into the drain and push against one of the blades on the plate to rock it back and forth.

Step 4: Remove the loose objects

Shine the flashlight in again and pull out anything that came loose with tongs or pliers.

Step 5: Press the reset button

Find the red or black reset button on the bottom of the disposal. If it has popped out, press it firmly until it clicks. If it will not stay in, let the motor cool for 10 to 15 minutes and try again.

Step 6: Test it

1. Plug the disposal back in or turn the breaker on.
2. Run cold water into the sink.
3. Turn on the disposal.

It should spin freely. Let it run for 20 to 30 seconds with the water on to flush out any small pieces.

If the disposal does not make any sound at all

A silent disposal has a different problem: it is not getting power.

1. Press the reset button on the bottom. This is the most common fix.
2. Check the circuit breaker and reset it if it tripped.
3. Check for a GFCI outlet (one with Test and Reset buttons) under the sink or on the counter. Press Reset.
4. Make sure it is plugged in firmly.
5. Test the wall switch. If the switch is loose or broken, it may need to be replaced by an electrician.

If it still makes no sound, the motor may have failed.

If it hums again right after you free it

• Something is still stuck. Look again with a flashlight, and turn the flywheel with the Allen wrench again.
• The motor bearings are seized. If the plate turns freely by hand but the disposal still only hums, the motor may be worn out. The disposal will likely need to be replaced.
• It is overheating. Let it cool, press reset, and try again with cold water running.

Disposal problem finder

What not to put in a garbage disposal

Most jams and clogs come from putting the wrong things down the drain. Avoid:

• Grease, oil, and fat. They harden and clog pipes.
• Bones and fruit pits. They are too hard to grind.
• Stringy vegetables, like celery, corn husks, and onion skins. They wrap around the plate.
• Pasta, rice, and bread. They swell with water and form a paste.
• Coffee grounds. They build up in pipes over time.
• Non-food items, like bottle caps, twist ties, and paper.

How to keep your disposal working well

• Run cold water before, during, and for 20 to 30 seconds after using it. Cold water keeps grease solid so it can be chopped and flushed.
• Feed food in slowly, a little at a time.
• Use it often. Running it regularly helps stop rust and jams.
• Clean it by grinding a few ice cubes, then a few lemon or orange peels for a fresh smell.
• Never use chemical drain cleaners. They can damage the disposal and pipes.

Garbage disposal smells bad?

Food bits stuck under the rubber splash guard and on the grinding plate rot and smell. To clean it:

1. Turn off the power.
2. Lift the rubber splash guard and scrub underneath with an old toothbrush and dish soap.
3. Turn the power back on. Drop in a handful of ice cubes and a little baking soda, run cold water, and grind for 20 to 30 seconds.
4. Finish with a few lemon or orange peels.

Do this every week or two to keep smells away.

Does your disposal affect your dishwasher?

In many kitchens, the dishwasher drains through the garbage disposal. A jammed or clogged disposal can stop your dishwasher from draining. Our guide on fixing a dishwasher that will not drain explains this. A dirty disposal can also make your kitchen sink smell. If the smell is like a sewer, see what causes a sewer smell in the kitchen or bathroom.

When to call a plumber

Call a plumber or replace the disposal if:

• It still hums after you free the flywheel and press reset
• Water leaks from the body of the disposal
• The reset button keeps popping out
• It makes loud grinding or rattling noises with nothing inside
• It is more than about 10 to 12 years old and giving you frequent trouble

Repair or replace?

Garbage disposals do not last forever. Angi says most last about 10 to 15 years, depending on how much you use them and how you care for them.

A new disposal with professional installation often costs about $150 to $400, depending on the model and where you live.

Why a leak from the bottom means replacement

Water dripping from the very bottom of the disposal usually means the inside seals have worn out or the body has cracked. These parts cannot be fixed. Turn off the power at the breaker before you look, since water and electricity do not mix, and put a bowl under the drip until a new unit goes in.

Choosing a new disposal

• 1/3 horsepower: fine for one or two people with light use.
• 1/2 horsepower: a good fit for most families.
• 3/4 horsepower or more: for big families or people who cook a lot. These jam less often.

Many people can swap a disposal in a couple of hours if the new one uses the same mount. If you are not comfortable with the wiring, hire a plumber or electrician.

The 10-minute fix in short

Turn the power off, look for a stuck object, and turn the flywheel from underneath with a 1/4-inch Allen wrench until it moves freely. Remove anything loose, press the reset button, and test it with cold water running. To stop it from jamming again, keep grease, bones, and stringy foods out of it.