It’s a classic kitchen panic moment: you flip the disposal switch, hear an angry electrical “hummmm,” but nothing grinds. Then the noise stops entirely.
Don’t call a plumber just yet. You might be able to fix this in 5 minutes with a simple tool.
Why is it Humming?
The hum means the motor is getting power and trying to turn, but the flywheel is jammed. This usually happens because:
- A hard object (bone, fruit pit, utensil) is wedged between the blade and the wall.
- The unit sat unused for too long and rusted slightly.
The Jam Key Fix (The Allen Wrench)
Step 1: TURN OFF THE SWITCH. Safety first. Unplug the unit under the sink if you can.
Step 2: Find the Wrench.
Look for a silver, Z-shaped hex wrench (Allen wrench) that came with the disposal. If you lost it, a standard 1/4-inch Allen wrench works.
Step 3: The Hole.
Look under the sink at the very bottom center of the garbage disposal unit. There is a hex-shaped hole. Insert the wrench.
Step 4: Crank It.
Forcefully turn the wrench back and forth. It might be stuck hard. Push until it spins freely in complete circles. You are manually manually rotating the flywheel to break the jam.
Step 5: The Reset Button.
If the hum stopped earlier, the internal breaker tripped to save the motor. Look for a small red button on the bottom or side of the unit. Push it in. It should click.
Test It
Run cold water. Turn the switch on. If it spins, you saved $200!
When to Replace It
If the unit hums but the wrench won’t turn (seized engine), or if the unjamming doesn’t work, the motor is likely dead. Also, if you see water leaking from the bottom of the disposal housing, the internal seals are blown. It cannot be repaired; it must be replaced.
Need a new disposal installed professionally? Check our prices and call us to get it done fast.
