If your garbage disposal turns on but only makes a humming sound, don't ignore it. A humming garbage disposal often means the motor is receiving power, but the blades aren't turning properly. Continuing to run the disposal in this condition can potentially damage the motor.
The good news is that a humming disposal doesn't always mean you need a new unit. In some cases, you may be able to safely troubleshoot the problem yourself. At Proverbs Plumbing, we know that minor plumbing problems can quickly become frustrating when you don't know what's causing them, so understanding what that humming sound means can help you determine the right next step.
In this guide, we'll explain some of the most common reasons a garbage disposal hums and what you can do about them.
Why Is My Garbage Disposal Humming?
A garbage disposal may hum when its motor is running, but the grinding mechanism is unable to rotate. The most common cause is a jammed disposal, but there are several possibilities to consider.
1. The Disposal Is Jammed
Food scraps, bones, utensils, or other objects can become lodged in the grinding mechanism and prevent it from turning.
Safety first: Never put your hand inside a garbage disposal to look for or remove an obstruction—even when the disposal is switched off.
If you can see an object near the opening, use appropriate tools such as tongs or pliers to remove it rather than reaching into the disposal.
2. The Motor Has Overheated
If the disposal has been running for an extended period or has been struggling with a blockage, the motor may overheat. Many garbage disposals have an overload protection feature that shuts the unit off to help prevent damage. Give the disposal time to cool down before attempting to reset it.
3. The Disposal Needs to Be Reset
Many garbage disposals have a small reset button on the underside of the unit. If the motor has overloaded, pressing this button may restore operation after the disposal has cooled. Before attempting a reset, make sure the disposal is switched off. If the disposal immediately begins humming again after being reset, stop using it. There may still be a blockage or another mechanical or electrical problem that needs attention.
4. There May Be an Electrical Problem
If the disposal doesn't respond normally after you've addressed a possible jam and tried the reset button, the problem could be electrical.
Check whether the disposal is receiving power and whether the associated circuit breaker has tripped. If you're not comfortable troubleshooting electrical components, it's best to leave that work to a professional.
How to Troubleshoot a Humming Garbage Disposal
If your disposal is humming, follow these basic troubleshooting steps:
- Turn the disposal off. Do not continue running it while it is humming.
- Disconnect power if possible. Unplug the unit or turn off the appropriate circuit before attempting to inspect or troubleshoot it.
- Check for a visible obstruction. Use a flashlight to look into the disposal opening, but never put your hand inside.
- Remove an accessible object safely. Use tongs or pliers if an obstruction is visible and safely reachable.
- Allow the motor to cool. If the disposal has been running or is overheated, give it time to cool down.
- Press the reset button. If your unit has one, press the manufacturer's reset button after the disposal has cooled and the obstruction has been addressed.
- Test the disposal briefly. Turn the water on and switch on the disposal. If it hums again, turn it off immediately.
If these steps don't resolve the problem, avoid repeatedly resetting or running the disposal. A persistent humming sound can indicate a problem that requires professional service.
What Not to Do When Your Garbage Disposal Is Humming
When troubleshooting a garbage disposal, safety should come first.
Don't put your hand inside the disposal. Even if the unit isn't running, the grinding components can cause serious injury.
Don't keep turning the disposal on and off. If something is preventing the motor from turning, repeatedly running the unit can make the problem worse.
Don't force the disposal to operate. If basic troubleshooting doesn't resolve the humming, it's time to have the unit inspected.
When Should You Call a Plumber?
If you've safely checked for an obstruction, allowed the disposal to cool, and tried the reset button but the garbage disposal still hums, professional help may be the best next step.
You should also consider calling a plumber if:
- The disposal repeatedly jams.
- The reset button keeps tripping.
- The disposal leaks.
- The disposal makes unusual grinding or mechanical noises.
- The motor won't start or won't turn properly.
- You can't identify what's causing the problem.
- You're uncomfortable troubleshooting the disposal yourself.
A professional can determine whether the issue can be repaired or whether replacing the garbage disposal makes more sense.
Preventing Garbage Disposal Problems
Good disposal habits can help reduce the chances of future jams and other problems. Avoid putting large, hard, or inappropriate items down the disposal. Feed food scraps into the unit gradually, and use water while the disposal is operating. It's also a good idea to avoid treating your garbage disposal like a trash can. Not everything that can fit through the opening belongs in the grinding chamber.
Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting: The Bottom Line
A humming garbage disposal is usually a sign that something isn't allowing the grinding mechanism to operate normally. A jam, an overheated motor, a tripped overload protector, or an electrical issue could be the cause. Start with the safest, simplest troubleshooting steps, and don't continue running the disposal if it keeps humming. When you're unsure what's wrong—or when the problem keeps coming back—professional plumbing service can help identify the issue and get your kitchen sink back to normal.
If your garbage disposal is humming and you're not comfortable troubleshooting it yourself, Proverbs Plumbing is here to help with your plumbing needs. Contact us today to learn more.