Your garbage disposal is something you come to count on. So, if you flip the switch and hear nothing but humming, it is pretty concerning. It means that you should prepare yourself to take some measures. But, the good news is there are easy ways to fix humming garbage disposal.
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
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InSinkErator Garbage Disposal, Badger 5, 1/2 HP Continuous Feed,Black | Buy on Amazon | |
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Waste King L-1001 Garbage Disposal with Power Cord, 1/2 HP | 13,259 Reviews | Buy on Amazon |
The best part about this common issue is that is so common that anyone could fix it. It is usually the case that anyone can fix the problem, regardless of their skill-set. Additionally, you won’t necessarily have to purchase any tools in order to get your disposal back in working mode. Because of that, you will be able to quick-fix your garbage disposal and go back to your day in no time.
Most disposals come with an Allen wrench attached to them, which should be the only tool you may need to fix humming garbage disposal. An Allen wrench, or a hex key, is used for driving bolts and screws, that have a hexagonal socket. Even though they may differ in size, they are easily recognizable by their same hexagonal-shaped tip.
Before we tackle how to fix your garbage disposal humming, we must familiarize ourselves with the various causes. Knowing the cause allows you to quickly determine how to fix your disposal. It also helps you to prevent any other event that may cause a similar problem in the future.
What Causes a Humming Garbage Disposal?
When the disposal is humming this means that it is getting power, but is not functioning properly. This is generally due to a jam. It is nothing too serious, so crucially, do not panic.
In most cases, if your garbage disposal is humming it is because a foreign object is stuck in the disposal. If an item has been jammed in the blades of the disposal it will be unable to rotate. It will render them stuck, no longer being able to efficiently move.
This can result in a humming noise. If this is the case simply unplug the disposal under the sink then survey the drain hole. If you discover that an object is stuck in the blades remove it. Once you have done this you can plug the disposal back in and flip the switch. Is it working properly again?
This should clear up the problem.
Nope, no jam, what now?
If that was not what caused it, then there may be another situation at hand. If there is no item stuck in the blades of the disposal get the Allen wrench. It should be attached to your disposal or it should have come with it. (if not, you can easily buy an Allen wrench from the retailer near you. It is a pretty common tool so you should not have problems finding one quickly).
There is a breaker socket located on the bottom of most disposal brands. Be careful how you approach it.
Place the Allen wrench in the breaker socket and turn it back and forth. By doing this you may be able to unlock the source of the problem. Just be certain that the disposal is not turned on when doing this, so as to avoid any risk of electrocution.
No, not the breaker socket…Reset
Another simple fix for this type of issue is by pushing the reset button located on the disposal. This button is usually located on the bottom of the device. If the button has “tripped” push it and it could rectify the issue immediately.
The Bad News
If none of the above methods have worked when it comes to fixing the humming of garbage disposal, then chances are that the disposal is no longer operational. Sadly, it might as well be possible that it has reached the end of its life.
In this case, you will have no other option than to completely replace the disposal of your dishwasher. There are dishwashers that work on filter systems and they encounter a different set of problems, but for those dishwashers with garbage disposals, the situation is like this. Here are some of our recommended garbage disposal brands that you can immediately check out to see if there is one that fits your preferences.
When it comes to your safety you should be extra cautious. Please, always remember to make sure the disposal is not plugged in when attempting any of these quick fixes. Even though they are simple problems that should easily be fixed, with no special intervention, it is always better to play it extra safe.
Additionally, if possible, avoid placing your hands directly near the blades of the disposal. It is better to use a tool to wedge out items or to check the blades for blockage. You never know what may happen and for sure you do not want an unpleasant surprise.
Not sure which one to buy?
Check out our comparison table below. The criterion that we followed goes on the following patterns: model, that will showcase the brand and its novelty on the market, the horsepower, which gives you a clue of the power that the garbage disposal can acquire and finally, our review articles that take a deep dive into the life-spam and quality of each recommended product.
- Model
- Horsepower
- Our Review
- NOTE: Item do not come with a power cord attached, it is a separate add-on accessory
- SPACE EFFICIENT, DURABLE COMPONENTS: Perfect for small households or houses with restricted cabinet space, this garbage...
- QUIET BUT POWERFUL: This innovative food waste disposal features noise reducing SoundSeal Technology, our exclusive,...
InSinkErator Evolution Compact
3/4 HP
- RELIABLE & EASY INSTALL: Badger Series disposers are a reliable & functional choice when affordability is the prime...
- DURABLE COMPONENTS: This garbage disposal features our exclusive 1/3 hp Dura-Drive Induction Motor and long lasting...
- AMERICA'S #1 DISPOSER BRAND: There are more American-built InSinkErator garbage disposals in US homes than all other...
1/3 HP
- COMPACT SIZE: Smaller and lighter ¾ HP design is 7-3/4 inches in diameter, 13-3/4 inches long and weighs 8.6 lbs
- HIGH-SPEED MOTOR: The 3/4 HP, 2700 RPM (115 volts) permanent magnet motor is sound-insulated and jams less
- EASY INSTALLATION AND CLEANING: EZ Mount for a quick and easy kitchen sink installation, removable splash guard for easy...
Waste King L-3200 Legend Series
3/4 HP
- QUIET BUT POWERFUL: This innovative food waste disposal is the quietest disposal on the market, featuring advanced noise...
- DURABLE COMPONENTS FOR THE TOUGHEST FOOD SCRAPS: This garbage disposal features alloy stainless steel components with...
- AMERICA'S #1 DISPOSER BRAND: There are more American-built InSinkErator garbage disposals in US homes than all other...
1.0 HP
- HIGH-SPEED MOTOR: The 1/2 HP, 2600 rpm permanent magnet motor jams less
- EASY INSTALLATION AND CLEANING: EZ Mount for a quick and easy kitchen sink installation, removable splashguard for easy...
- 5 YEAR PROTECTION: 5-year Limited In-Home Warranty
Waste King L-2600 Legend Series
1/2 HP
Model
- NOTE: Item do not come with a power cord attached, it is a separate add-on accessory
- SPACE EFFICIENT, DURABLE COMPONENTS: Perfect for small households or houses with restricted cabinet space, this garbage...
- QUIET BUT POWERFUL: This innovative food waste disposal features noise reducing SoundSeal Technology, our exclusive,...
InSinkErator Evolution Compact
Horsepower
3/4 HP
Our Review
Model
- RELIABLE & EASY INSTALL: Badger Series disposers are a reliable & functional choice when affordability is the prime...
- DURABLE COMPONENTS: This garbage disposal features our exclusive 1/3 hp Dura-Drive Induction Motor and long lasting...
- AMERICA'S #1 DISPOSER BRAND: There are more American-built InSinkErator garbage disposals in US homes than all other...
Horsepower
1/3 HP
Our Review
Model
- COMPACT SIZE: Smaller and lighter ¾ HP design is 7-3/4 inches in diameter, 13-3/4 inches long and weighs 8.6 lbs
- HIGH-SPEED MOTOR: The 3/4 HP, 2700 RPM (115 volts) permanent magnet motor is sound-insulated and jams less
- EASY INSTALLATION AND CLEANING: EZ Mount for a quick and easy kitchen sink installation, removable splash guard for easy...
Waste King L-3200 Legend Series
Horsepower
3/4 HP
Our Review
Model
- QUIET BUT POWERFUL: This innovative food waste disposal is the quietest disposal on the market, featuring advanced noise...
- DURABLE COMPONENTS FOR THE TOUGHEST FOOD SCRAPS: This garbage disposal features alloy stainless steel components with...
- AMERICA'S #1 DISPOSER BRAND: There are more American-built InSinkErator garbage disposals in US homes than all other...
Horsepower
1.0 HP
Our Review
Model
- HIGH-SPEED MOTOR: The 1/2 HP, 2600 rpm permanent magnet motor jams less
- EASY INSTALLATION AND CLEANING: EZ Mount for a quick and easy kitchen sink installation, removable splashguard for easy...
- 5 YEAR PROTECTION: 5-year Limited In-Home Warranty
Waste King L-2600 Legend Series
Horsepower
1/2 HP
Our Review
Last update on 2022-08-15 at 14:29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Thanks Justin, we were able to get our garbage disposal working with your instructions. This disposal is in our condo in Florida, so we only use it in the winter. Is there anything we can do before we leave to keep it from locking up?
Not that I’ve ever done…
I did all the things that you said. I finallyt called the home warrenty company. They said that there was a penny stuck and I had to get a new disposal. He took a pciture so I could see. I asked him why he didnt try to get the penny out and he said that he would just replace After he left, I put my hand in to see if I could get the penny lose. I could not see it so I put my hand in again and got all the food out and there was the penny. I then tried to get it to run and it is still humming. What should i do? Do I really need a new disposal?
The disposal turns freely, but all I get is a humming sound. What next?
My garbage disposal will not work I can’t unplug it because I don’t see a plug for it,it will make a humming sound I want to try to fix it myself it a Whirlpool disposal also my dishwasher is backing up into my sink every time I turn it on to wash dishes I need help
DISPOSAL HAS A HUMMING SOUND.CHECKED THE BLADES THEY DO TURN. DID THE RESET RED BUTTON BUT STILL NOTHING BUT HUMMING
Sounds like it’s time to buy a new one…sorry.
Thanks Justin! I was afraid my insinkerater was a goner! I followed your advice and now it’s functioning properly.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I fixed it tried clearing it. Resetting it. Nothing. The Allen wrench turning on the bottom worked. I didn’t know that is why that wrench is in the flip down drawer in the front of the sink . So thankful for people like you on the internet that help
The Allen wrench fix just worked for me too! Thank you so much!!
Thank you! Rotating the breaker back and forth with the allen wrench did the trick.
My almost new GrindSmart 1/2 hp disposer is humming. Can’t see anything jamming it. With my old Insikerator I would use the allen wrench in the hole at the bottom and rotate it a few times. Cannot find such a hole in this unit. There is, however, a metal cover over the center spot on the bottom. Should I take that off and see if there’s an Allen wrench hole there that I can rotate?
Great tips, thanks. The allen key fixed it, saved many $$$.
Thank you Allen wrench worked!
This was great advice. Luckily I had a large hex wrench in my toolbox to work the screw until it came loose. I’m sure that saved a lot of money; thanks!
I turned it and it turns on. Once I turn it off and attempt to turn it back on it continues to hum. I once again turned it and it worked but once I turn it off then back on it hums not sure why?
Awesome blog! I was going to use the broom handle method to free the blades, but your tips did the trick. My 1978 garbage disposal is back on line…for how long no man knows. Thank you so much!
Thanks very much. Turning the allen wrench underneath unstuck a screw that fell in. You just saved me about $150.
The Allen key trick worked for me. Thanks for the tip!
Thank you soooo much for these suggestions! The allen wrench tip did it for me!
Thanks for the helpful tips on garbage disposal upkeep!