Why Is My Garbage Disposal Humming? 3 Easy Steps to Fix a Jam
It’s a scenario every homeowner dreads: you’re cleaning up after a meal, flip the switch to clear the sink, and instead of the usual grinding sound, you hear a low, ominous humming noise. The blades aren't spinning, the water is starting to rise, and you’re worried that your appliance just breathed its last breath.
Before you start searching for a replacement or calling an emergency plumber, take a deep breath. A humming garbage disposal almost always means one thing: the flywheel is jammed. Something—a fruit pit, a stray silver spoon, or a buildup of fibrous waste—has wedged itself between the impeller arm and the grind ring, physically preventing the motor from turning. Because the motor is receiving electricity but can't move, it hums.
Here are three easy, DIY steps to safely break the jam and get your kitchen back in working order.
Step 1: Safety First — Cut the Power
Working on a garbage disposal requires absolute caution. The humming sound indicates that the motor is trying to work, which means it’s generating heat. If left on too long, it could burn out or trip your breaker.
Turn off the switch on the wall or under the sink.
Unplug the unit from the wall outlet beneath the sink for total peace of mind.
Never put your hand down the drain. Even when the power is off, the tension in a jammed motor can release suddenly, causing the blades to kick back. Use a flashlight to peer down and see if you can spot the obstruction. Use long-handled pliers or tongs to remove any visible objects like bottle caps or bones.
Step 2: Use the Manual Overrides
Most modern garbage disposals come equipped with a manual way to rotate the motor without using electricity. This is usually the quickest way to dislodge a stubborn jam.
Option A: The Hex Key (Allen Wrench)
Look at the very bottom of the disposal unit under your sink. In the center, you should see a small, circular hole. This is the hexagonal intake.
Insert a 1/4-inch Allen wrench (many units come with one taped to the side, or you can find one in a standard tool kit).
Firmly wiggle the wrench back and forth.
Once the jam breaks, you will feel the resistance give way, and the wrench will begin to spin freely in a full circle.
Option B: The Wooden Spoon Trick
If your model doesn't have a bottom hex hole, you can fix it from the top.
Insert a wooden spoon handle or a broomstick into the drain opening.
Lever the handle against one of the impeller blades inside the chamber.
Apply firm pressure to rotate the plate manually until the obstruction is freed.
Step 3: Reset and Test
Once the blades are spinning freely again, you need to "tell" the disposal it's okay to start back up. When a disposal jams, it often triggers an internal circuit breaker to prevent the motor from melting.
Press the Reset Button: This is the small red button located on the bottom or side of the unit. If it has popped out, click it back in.
Run Cold Water: Turn on the tap at a steady flow. Cold water helps keep any remaining fats or greases solid so they can be ground up and flushed away.
Flip the Switch: Plug the unit back in and turn it on. The disposal should roar back to life.
Pro Tip: How to Prevent Future Jams
Now that your sink is clear, keep it that way by avoiding the "Big Offenders." Keep coffee grounds, eggshells, potato peels, and pasta out of the disposal. These items are notorious for creating thick pastes or tangled messes that seize up motors.
Additionally, always run your disposal with plenty of water and let it run for five seconds after the grinding noise stops to ensure the food waste has completely cleared the pipes. A little preventative care goes a long way in avoiding that dreaded hum!
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