Garbage Disposal Humming: Common Causes and Fixes

Why Is Your Garbage Disposal Humming? Common Causes and Fixes

A humming garbage disposal can catch you off guard. You flip the switch expecting to hear the familiar grinding sound, but instead, you get a steady hum and no movement. That sound means your disposal is getting power, but the blades aren’t spinning.

While it might seem like a minor issue at first, leaving a humming disposal running can quickly lead to bigger problems. It can overheat, damage the motor, or trip your electrical system. If you live in the Midlands of South Carolina or the Augusta, GA area, here’s what you need to know about diagnosing and fixing a humming disposal before it turns into a plumbing emergency.

Common Reasons Your Garbage Disposal Is Humming

Jammed Blades

The most common reason for a humming disposal is jammed blades. Something lodged between the impellers can stop them from turning while the motor continues to run.

Over time, this resistance can cause the motor to overheat or fail completely. Often, food scraps like bone fragments or fruit pits are to blame.

Foreign Objects in the Disposal

It’s easy for a spoon, bottle cap, or piece of silverware to slip into the disposal unnoticed. Once inside, these items prevent the blades from spinning and create a humming noise.

Even small objects can lock up the mechanism and damage internal components if not removed properly.

Worn-Out Motor

If your garbage disposal humming? Is over 10 years old? Does it struggle to spin? Perhaps the motor could be worn out. Mechanical wear and tear reduce efficiency and eventually cause failure.

At this point, repairs may be short-term solutions, and replacement is often more cost-effective.

Electrical or Wiring Issues

Sometimes the issue isn’t mechanical. Loose wiring, a failing switch, or a tripped breaker can also lead to humming without motion. While the unit still receives power, the internal components aren’t engaging correctly.

Electrical problems should always be handled with caution and, when in doubt, by a licensed plumbing professional.

Quick Fixes You Can Try at Home

If your garbage disposal is humming but not working, there are a few safe and simple steps you can try before calling in a plumber.

Always turn off the power to the unit at the wall and circuit breaker before doing any work.

• Press the reset button:
  Find the red reset button on the bottom of the unit and press it. This often restores function after an overload.
• Use a hex key:
  Insert an Allen wrench into the hole on the bottom of the disposal and manually turn it back and forth. This can help dislodge minor jams.
• Manually rotate the blades:
  Use a wooden spoon or tool (never your hand) from the sink opening to try and gently rotate the impellers.
• Inspect for objects:
  Shine a flashlight into the disposal to check for foreign items. Use tongs or pliers to remove anything you see.
• Turn power back on and test:
  After trying the above steps, restore power and test the switch. If the hum is gone and the blades spin, your disposal may be back in action.

If none of these steps work or the disposal still hums, it’s time to call a professional.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

Some garbage disposal problems are too risky to handle on your own. If you notice any of the following, it’s best to contact a licensed plumber:

• Burning smell coming from the unit
• Humming persists after a reset or manual turn
• Frequent clogs or repeated jams even with light use
• Electrical issues such as tripping breakers or flickering lights
• Leaks under the sink near the disposal mounting

At Meetze Plumbing, we’ve helped homeowners across the Midlands and Augusta area quickly restore their kitchen systems. Our team can determine if a repair or full replacement is the better option and get your disposal running again safely.

How to Prevent Future Garbage Disposal Problems

A few habits can go a long way in keeping your garbage disposal humming in the right way, not the wrong one.

• Avoid putting fibrous or stringy foods (like celery, corn husks, and banana peels) down the disposal
• Run cold water while using the disposal to solidify any grease or fat so it can be chopped and flushed away
• Break up large items before putting them in
• Clean the unit regularly with baking soda and vinegar followed by cold water
• Keep utensils and small items out of the sink to avoid accidental drops

Preventative maintenance not only keeps your disposal working smoothly but also extends its lifespan.

Get Help Fast from Meetze Plumbing

If your garbage disposal is humming, don’t wait until it fails completely. Acting quickly can save you from a bigger repair, a burnt-out motor, or even water damage beneath your sink.

Meetze Plumbing offers fast, reliable garbage disposal repair in South Carolina and the Augusta area. Whether it’s a jam, a bad motor, or an electrical issue, our licensed technicians are ready to help. Call today to schedule service and get your kitchen back to normal.