How to Fix My Garbage Disposal Humming

26October 2023

How to Fix My Garbage Disposal Humming: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring Silence in Your Kitchen

Introduction

A humming garbage disposal can disrupt the harmony of your kitchen. While the noise may seem trivial, it’s often a sign that something is amiss. Thankfully, resolving a humming garbage disposal problem is usually a simple DIY task. This guide provides you with a comprehensive look into why your garbage disposal might be humming and how to fix it yourself.

Why is My Garbage Disposal Humming?

  1. Jammed Blades: Food or other objects can jam the blades, preventing them from rotating.
  2. Electrical Issues: Sometimes, the motor might be the culprit.
  3. Worn-Out Parts: Older units may have parts that need replacing.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Allen wrench
  • Wooden spoon or broom handle
  • Flashlight
  • Bucket
  • Plunger
  • Screwdriver
  • Protective gloves

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing a Humming Garbage Disposal

1. Safety First
  • Turn Off the Power: Always start by turning off the power to your garbage disposal unit.
2. Check for Obstructions
  • Use a Flashlight: Shine a light into the disposal to look for foreign objects.
  • Remove Debris: If you find any, use a wooden spoon or tongs to remove them. Never use your hands.
3. Manually Rotate the Blades
  • Allen Wrench: Insert an Allen wrench into the bottom of the unit and wiggle it to free the blades.
4. Reset the Unit
  • Find the Reset Button: usually located at the bottom of the unit.
  • Press to Reset: Wait for a ‘click’ sound, which means it has been reset.
5. Check the Breaker
  • If your disposal is still not working, the circuit breaker might have tripped. Reset it and try again.
6. Test
  • Turn the power back on and run water through the disposal to see if it’s working.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve tried all these steps and the humming persists, it may be time to call in a professional. This is especially true if you’re dealing with electrical issues or worn-out parts that require specialized skills.

Conclusion

A humming garbage disposal can usually be fixed with a few simple steps. Most of the time, it’s a matter of clearing a jam or resetting the unit. If you’ve tried everything and the problem persists, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.