A garbage disposal is a staple in many Northern Kentucky kitchens, making cleanup fast and efficient.
But when your disposal starts making a humming noise instead of grinding up food waste, it’s a sign that something isn’t right.
Understanding what causes this humming and how to address it can help you avoid bigger issues and costly repairs down the line.
A humming garbage disposal usually means the unit is getting power, but the internal blades (or flywheel) aren’t turning.
This common issue often signals a jam, clog, or possible motor problem. Ignoring the noise can lead to further damage or even burn out the disposal’s motor, so it’s important to address the issue promptly.
Jammed Blades or Flywheel
The most frequent culprit is a jam inside the disposal.
Food scraps, bones, utensils, or other foreign objects can get lodged in the grinding chamber, preventing the blades from spinning.
When this happens, the motor hums because it’s trying to work but can’t move the stuck parts.
Clogs
Sometimes, fibrous foods, grease, or excessive food waste can clog the disposal or drain line, causing the unit to seize up and hum rather than grind.
Faulty or Seized Motor
If the motor is faulty or the bearings are seized, the disposal might hum but not spin. In these cases, the unit may require professional repair or replacement.
Tripped Reset Button or Overheating
If the disposal overheats due to a jam or overuse, it may trip its internal reset button. You may only hear a hum when you try to use it again.
Electrical Issues
Loose wiring or a tripped circuit breaker can cause the disposal to hum without functioning properly.
1. Safety First
Always disconnect the disposal's power before investigating. Unplug the unit or turn off the circuit breaker to prevent accidents.
2. Check for Jams
Shine a flashlight into the disposal to look for visible obstructions.
Use tongs or pliers (never your hands) to remove debris or foreign objects.
3. Manually Turn the Blades
Most disposals have a small hex hole underneath. Insert an Allen wrench and gently turn it back and forth to free the flywheel.
Alternatively, use a wooden spoon handle from above to try to rotate the blades.
4. Reset the Unit
Press the red reset button on the bottom of the disposal after clearing any jams.
5. Check for Electrical Issues
Make sure the unit is plugged in and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.
If the disposal still hums after clearing jams and resetting, the motor may be the issue, and professional help is required.
If you’ve tried the above steps and your garbage disposal continues to hum, it’s time to call in an expert. Persistent humming, electrical problems, or burning smells indicate a more serious issue that could require part replacement or a new unit.
Niceley’s Appliance Repair in NKY has specialized technicians who can quickly diagnose and repair garbage disposal problems, restoring your kitchen to full function.
Avoid Hard or Fibrous Foods: Don’t put bones, corn husks, or celery stalks down the disposal.
Run Cold Water: Always run cold water while using the disposal to help flush waste through the system.
Regular Cleaning: Clean your disposal with ice cubes and citrus peels to keep it fresh and buildup-free.
Don’t Overload: Feed waste gradually rather than all at once to avoid jams.
For over 30 years, Niceley’s Appliance Repair has been the trusted name for appliance and garbage disposal repair in Northern Kentucky.
As a family-run business, Niceley’s offers:
Decades of hands-on experience with all major brands and models
Prompt service to minimize disruption in your home
Upfront pricing and honest estimates before any work begins
Quality workmanship and friendly, local customer service
Whether your garbage disposal is humming, jammed, leaking, or simply not working, you can trust Niceley’s to get the job done right the first time.
Our team uses only the highest quality replacement parts and industry best practices, ensuring your kitchen stays running smoothly.
A humming garbage disposal is a common but solvable issue. By understanding the causes and following basic troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve the problem yourself.
For persistent or complex issues, Niceley’s Appliance Repair is always ready to help with fast, reliable service in the NKY area. Don’t let a simple hum become a major headache- contact Niceley’s and experience expert local care.