Garbage Disposal Humming But Not Working
You flip the switch and hear the hum, but nothing happens. The motor is running, the blades aren't moving, and the water in your sink isn't going anywhere. This is one of the most common garbage disposal problems, and in many cases you can fix it yourself before calling anyone.
Here's what's going on and what to do about it.
What's Causing the Humming
When your garbage disposal hums but won't spin, it almost always means the flywheel is stuck. The flywheel is the rotating plate inside the disposal that spins the grinding components. Something has gotten wedged between the flywheel and the grinding ring, preventing it from moving. The motor is trying to spin it (that's the hum you hear), but it can't.
Common culprits include small bones, fruit pits, broken glass, a piece of silverware that slipped in, or a buildup of fibrous food like celery or banana peels.
Step 1: Turn Off the Disposal
Before you do anything, make sure the disposal is off. Flip the switch to the off position and unplug the unit from the outlet under the sink if you can reach it. If it's hardwired, turn off the breaker that controls the disposal. Never put your hand inside a disposal that has power running to it.
Step 2: Look Inside
With a flashlight, look down into the disposal from above. You may be able to see what's jamming the flywheel. If you can see the obstruction, use tongs or pliers to pull it out. Never use your fingers.
Step 3: Use the Allen Wrench
Most garbage disposals have a hex socket on the bottom of the unit, usually a 1/4 inch Allen wrench fitting. This is designed specifically for unjamming the flywheel. Insert an Allen wrench into the socket and work it back and forth. You're manually rotating the flywheel to free whatever is stuck. You should feel it break loose after a few turns.
If your disposal didn't come with an Allen wrench, any standard 1/4 inch Allen wrench from a hardware store will work.
Step 4: Press the Reset Button
On the bottom of the disposal unit, there's a small red or black button. This is the reset button, also called the overload protector. When the motor overheats or strains too hard (like when it's trying to spin a jammed flywheel), this button pops out to cut power and protect the motor. Press it back in until it clicks.
Step 5: Test It
Plug the disposal back in or turn the breaker back on. Run cold water into the sink and flip the switch. If the flywheel is free and the reset button has been pressed, the disposal should run normally.
When to Call a Professional
If you've tried the steps above and the disposal is still humming without spinning, the jam may be too severe to clear manually, or there could be a deeper mechanical issue. If the motor hums for more than a few seconds without the flywheel moving, turn it off. Running a jammed disposal for too long can burn out the motor, which turns a fixable problem into a replacement.
If the disposal won't hum at all, that's a different issue, likely electrical. Check the reset button and the breaker first. If neither solves it, you probably need professional help.
Denver Disposal specializes exclusively in garbage disposal repair and replacement throughout the Denver metro area. If your disposal is humming and the DIY steps didn't fix it, book an appointment online. No diagnostic fees, upfront pricing, and same-day service available.