Something is jammed
A fruit pit, bone, bottle cap or piece of cutlery can wedge between the spinning plate and the grinding ring.
Plumbing problem
Garbage disposal humming but not spinning?
A hum with no grinding usually means the motor has power but the plate inside is stuck. Many jams can be cleared from underneath, with the power off and your hands out of the drain.
Still stuck? Show a licensed plumber on video · $34 for 15 minutes
What's likely going on
These are typical causes, not a diagnosis. A pro looking at yours can tell you which it is.
The motor overheated
If it hums and then goes quiet, the built-in overload protector may have tripped. Many units have a red reset button on the bottom.
A worn motor
If the plate turns freely and you've reset it, but it still only hums, the motor or its bearings may be failing.
Safe things to check yourself
- Switch it off firstTurn off the wall switch. If the unit plugs in under the sink, unplug it too. Never put your hand in the disposal.
- Look in with a flashlightShine a light down the drain. If you can see the object, lift it out with tongs or pliers, not your fingers.
- Free the plate from belowMany units have a hex socket in the centre of the bottom. Fit the hex key that came with it and work it back and forth until it turns freely.
- Press the reset buttonGive the motor a few minutes to cool, then press the red button on the bottom of the unit.
- Test with cold water runningPlug it back in, run cold water, then switch it on. If it still only hums, switch it off and stop. Running it humming can burn out the motor.
When to leave it to a plumber
- Water is leaking from the body of the unit or its connections.
- It trips a breaker, or you smell burning. Switch it off and leave it off.
- Something is stuck that you can't reach with tongs.
Avoid pouring chemical drain cleaner into a jammed disposal. It can damage the unit and makes it hazardous for whoever works on it next.
Show a licensed plumber on video
Point your phone at it and a licensed plumber tells you what's likely going on, what's safe to try next and whether it needs someone on site. $34 for 15 minutes or $59 for 30, and you only pay when a pro connects. Hollr is launching across Canada, so join the waitlist for your invite.
Questions
Advice only: Hollr pros diagnose and guide over video, and refer anything that needs hands on site. Live electrical panels and gas lines are never walked through on a call. Hollr checks every plumber's licence with the provincial body that issues it. How we check.
Why is my garbage disposal humming?
Usually because the motor is getting power but something is stopping the plate from turning. Freeing the plate from underneath with a hex key often fixes it.
Where is the reset button on a garbage disposal?
On many units it's a small red button on the bottom, facing the cabinet floor. If it won't stay in, let the motor cool for a few minutes and try again.
Is a humming disposal dangerous?
Not usually, but don't leave it humming, and never reach into it. Switch it off and unplug it before you try anything.
Can a plumber help with a jammed disposal over video?
Yes. On a Hollr call, a licensed plumber can see your unit, show you where the hex socket and reset button are, and tell you whether it's a jam or a failing motor.