How To Fix a Garbage Disposal That Is Humming
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. The good news is there are easy ways to fix a garbage disposal that’s humming, in most cases.
Preview | Product | Rating | |
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InSinkErator Garbage Disposal, Badger 5, 1/2 HP Continuous Feed,Black | 8,943 Reviews | Shop now at Amazon.com |
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Waste King L-1001 Garbage Disposal with Power Cord, 1/2 HP | 6,743 Reviews | Shop now at Amazon.com |
The best part about this common issue is usually 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.
Most disposals come with an Allen wrench attached to them, which should be the only tool you may need to fix a humming garbage disposal.
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.
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.
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 they will be unable to rotate.
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.
This should clear up the problem.
Nope, no jam, what now?
If there is no item stuck in the blades of the disposal get the Allen wrench that should be attached to your disposal or that came with it. There is a breaker socket located on the bottom of most disposal brands.
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.
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 a garbage disposal, then chances are that the disposal is no longer operational. It has reached the end of its life.
In this case, you will have no other option than to completely replace the disposal. Here are some our recommended brands.
When it comes to safety always remember to make sure the disposal is not plugged in when attempting any of these quick fixes.
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.
Not sure which one to buy?
Check out our comparison table below:
- 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 2021-01-18 at 08:09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API