Why Is My Garbage Disposal Humming? Here’s How to Fix It
Turned on your garbage disposal and heard a strange humming instead of the usual grinding? Don’t worry—it’s a common issue with an easy fix! At Next Plumbing in Cape Coral, FL, we’ll guide you step-by-step to get your disposal working again, so you can avoid the hassle of unprocessed food waste in your kitchen..
Common Causes of a Humming Garbage Disposal
When your garbage disposal hums, the blades aren’t spinning, but the motor is still running. This can happen for a few reasons, most of which you can troubleshoot yourself. Let’s dive into the most common culprits:
- Obstructed Blades: Sometimes, foreign objects like silverware, bottle caps, or even large food items can jam the blades.
- Clogged Disposal: Items that shouldn’t go down the drain, like grease or coffee grounds, can cause a clog.
- Overheating Unit: Overuse, or putting in items that are too tough for the blades, can cause the motor to overheat.
- Faulty Motor: If your disposal is old, the motor may have reached the end of its life.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for a Humming Garbage Disposal
Now that you know what might be causing that humming sound, let’s get into how to fix it! Below are some easy steps to follow when troubleshooting your garbage disposal.
- Check for Obstructions: First, turn off the power to your disposal, either by unplugging it or switching off the breaker. Use tongs or pliers to remove any visible foreign objects from the disposal.
- Clear Clogs Manually: If you can’t see any obvious obstruction, use an Allen wrench to manually rotate the flywheel at the bottom of the disposal. This can help dislodge any stuck food waste.
- Reset the Disposal: If clearing the clog doesn’t work, locate the reset button on the bottom of the unit and press it. This may reset the motor and get things moving again.
- Check Electrical Issues: If the disposal still hums, check the circuit breaker or GFCI switch to see if it’s been tripped.
- Let the Unit Cool Down: Sometimes, the motor just needs to cool off. Turn off the unit, give it about 20 minutes, and try again.
When a Humming Disposal Indicates a Bigger Problem
If your disposal is still humming after trying these steps, it could mean the motor is faulty. Unfortunately, when a motor goes bad, it’s often more cost-effective to replace the entire unit rather than repair it. At this point, calling a professional plumber might be your best bet.
Safety Tips for Troubleshooting Your Garbage Disposal
Safety should always be your first priority when dealing with garbage disposal. Never, and we mean never, put your hand inside the disposal! Here are a few quick safety tips to keep in mind:
- Always disconnect the power before working on the disposal.
- Use tongs or pliers to remove objects, not your fingers.
- Avoid using chemical cleaners, as they can damage your plumbing and splash back.
Maintenance Tips to Prevent Future Issues
You can avoid the hassle of a humming garbage disposal with a few simple maintenance habits. Here’s what we recommend:
- Never put grease, coffee grounds, or fibrous vegetables down the drain.
- Always run cold water while using the disposal to help solidify fats and oils.
- Avoid grinding large, hard objects like bones, shells, or fruit pits.
- Periodically clean the disposal with ice cubes and salt to sharpen the blades.
Following these tips will help keep your garbage disposal running smoothly and prevent future clogs.
Time to Call in the Pros?
If you’ve tried these DIY fixes and your garbage disposal still isn’t working, it’s time to call Next Plumbing! We’re here in Cape Coral, FL, and ready to help you tackle any plumbing issue, big or small. Reach out today, and we’ll have your disposal back up and running in no time.
