Motor jam & reset troubleshooting
Garbage Disposal Humming But Not Working (Quick Fix Guide)
If your garbage disposal is humming but not spinning, the motor is getting power but can’t turn. This usually means a jammed flywheel, tripped overload protector, or seized motor. The good news? Most humming issues can be fixed in just a few minutes if you know where to look.
This guide helps you fix a garbage disposal humming but not working by showing the fastest ways to clear a jam and get it spinning again.
Always turn off power at the wall switch AND the breaker before touching anything inside the disposal.
Why Your Garbage Disposal Is Humming But Not Spinning
A humming disposal means it’s stuck between “working” and “not working.” Power is reaching the motor, but something is physically preventing it from turning.
- Flywheel jam: A piece of silverware, bone, or debris is wedged inside the chamber.
- Overload protector tripped: The reset button popped when the motor overheated.
- Impeller plate stuck: Food or buildup is holding the internal plate in place.
- Motor seized: Older units sometimes lock up completely.
How to Fix a Humming Garbage Disposal (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps in order. Each one takes less than a minute.
Step 1 — Shut Off Power
- Turn off the wall switch.
- Unplug the disposal under the sink (if it has a plug).
- Flip the breaker off for complete safety.
Step 2 — Press the Reset Button
- Find the small red reset button on the bottom of the disposal.
- If it’s popped out, push it in until it clicks.
- Restore power and test the switch.
Step 3 — Manually Turn the Flywheel With an Allen Key
- Locate the hex-shaped hole on the bottom center of the disposal.
- Insert a 1/4-inch Allen wrench (usually included with the unit).
- Turn it back and forth firmly until it loosens.
- You’ll feel it “break free” when the jam clears.
Step 4 — Clear Visible Jams Inside the Disposal
Never put your hand inside the disposal.
- Use long pliers or tongs to remove stuck debris.
- Common culprits: bones, metal, fruit pits, bottle caps.
- Rotate the impellers gently with a wooden spoon to check movement.
Step 5 — Restore Power and Test
- Plug it back in or turn the breaker on.
- Run cold water.
- Hit the switch — it should spin normally.
When Humming Means the Motor Is Dead
If your garbage disposal still hums but won’t spin after clearing jams, the motor windings may be burned out. This is common on older units (8–12+ years). At that point, replacement is usually cheaper and faster than trying to repair a seized motor.
Recommended Replacement: InSinkErator Badger 5 (1/2 HP)
A reliable 1/2 HP disposal that fits many existing mounts. If your old unit is humming or seized, this is a quick swap-in replacement.
- Simple installation for most kitchens
- Durable motor for everyday use
- Common replacement for seized or humming units