How to Fix a Humming or Jammed Garbage Disposal
About This Project
This guide provides comprehensive, step-by-step instructions for diagnosing and fixing a common plumbing issue: a garbage disposal that is humming but not spinning. The process involves ensuring safety by disconnecting power, visually inspecting and clearing obstructions from the top, using a specialized wrench to manually free the jammed motor from below, resetting the unit's overload protector, and finally testing for proper operation.
Best for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts with basic plumbing knowledge. Requires Stanley 5 in. Needle Nose Pliers 84-096 and Voltage / Circuit Tester.
Tools & Materials
NITECORE 4000 Lumens USB-C LED Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight P20iX
Voltage / Circuit Tester
Hybrid Light Solar Flashlight - Hi-Vis Yellow 001397
Stanley 5 in. Needle Nose Pliers 84-096
Wrench
Klein Tools 1/4 in. Drive 7/32 in. Standard 6-Point Socket 65601
NITECORE 4000 Lumens USB-C LED Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight P20iX
The NITECORE P20iX is unrivaled when it comes to performance. NITECORE took the beloved P20i frame and maintained the compact size, ergonomics and doubled the power with 4 LEDs. This Xtreme high lumen
Voltage / Circuit Tester
Detects electrical voltage presence.
Hybrid Light Solar Flashlight - Hi-Vis Yellow 001397
The Hybrid Solar Light uses revolutionary technology that generates power from any light source, indoor lighting or sun light and stores it for later use. The Hybrid Solar Light is always collecting power
Stanley 5 in. Needle Nose Pliers 84-096
These 5 in. Needle Nose Pliers from Stanley enable precise maneuvers in tight spaces. Fashioned with teeth that run all the way to the tip, this instrument is able to twist and grip small objects in hard-to-reach
Wrench
Turns objects with grip and leverage.
Klein Tools 1/4 in. Drive 7/32 in. Standard 6-Point Socket 65601
Klein's socket wrenches are forged from rugged alloy steel. 7/32-Inch hex standard 6-point socket designed for heavy work. Loosen or tighten bolts or nuts without rounding the heads. The snug fit ensures
Steps
Disconnect All Power to the Disposal
5 minsThe most critical step is to ensure your safety by completely disabling the garbage disposal. Locate the wall switch for the disposal and turn it to the 'Off' position. For absolute certainty, go to your home's main electrical panel (breaker box). Find the circuit breaker that controls the kitchen or garbage disposal and flip it to the 'Off' position. To confirm the power is cut, return to the sink and try flipping the disposal's wall switch on; there should be no sound or response from the unit. This prevents any possibility of the disposal accidentally turning on while you are working on it.
Visually Inspect and Clear the Grinding Chamber
5 minsWith the power safely disconnected, use a flashlight to peer down into the sink drain and into the disposal's grinding chamber. Look carefully for any hard objects that could be causing the jam, such as fruit pits, bones, silverware, screws, or bottle caps. If you identify an obstruction, use a pair of needle-nose pliers or kitchen tongs to reach in and carefully pull the object out. Never use your fingers. Remove any visible blockages before proceeding.
Manually Free the Jammed Motor
5 minsThe humming sound indicates the motor is receiving power but is physically stuck. To free it, look at the very bottom of the garbage disposal unit under your sink. You will find a small, hexagonal socket right in the center. Insert a garbage disposal wrench (also known as a jam-buster wrench) or a 1/4-inch Allen wrench into this socket. Apply firm pressure and work the wrench back and forth, rotating it clockwise and counter-clockwise several times. You should feel the internal flywheel break free and begin to spin freely in both directions. This action manually dislodges whatever object or compacted food waste is jamming the blades.
Press the Reset Button
2 minsWhen a disposal motor jams, its built-in thermal overload protector often trips to prevent it from burning out. This is a safety feature that needs to be reset. Look on the bottom of the disposal unit, usually near the edge. You will find a small, slightly recessed button, which is typically red or black. Press this button firmly. It should click and stay depressed. If the button does not stay in, wait 10-15 minutes for the motor to cool down completely, then try pressing it again.
Restore Power and Test Operation
5 minsNow it's time to see if your work was successful. First, ensure all tools are removed from the sink and the area is clear. Turn on the cold water tap and let it run into the disposal's drain. Go back to the electrical panel and flip the circuit breaker back to the 'On' position. Finally, go to the wall switch and turn on the garbage disposal. It should now spin up to speed without humming. Let it run for 15-30 seconds with the cold water to flush out any remaining debris. If it works, you have successfully fixed the jam. If it continues to hum or immediately trips the reset button again, the jam may be too severe or the motor may have failed, requiring a professional.
Common Problems
Be cautious of sharp blades inside the disposal, even with the power off.
Solution: To avoid this issue: Be mindful of this warning and take appropriate precautions.
Can't find the jam in the garbage disposal.
Solution: Using a flashlight can help you see inside the drain to identify the obstruction.
NEVER use your fingers to remove an obstruction. Always use tongs or pliers to avoid serious injury.
Solution: To avoid this issue: Be mindful of this warning and take appropriate precautions.
Can't see the jam in the disposal to clear it.
Solution: A bright flashlight is essential for clearly seeing what is causing the blockage.
Ensure power is completely off before looking into the disposal.
Solution: To avoid this issue: Be mindful of this warning and take appropriate precautions.
The video shows a person using their hand, but it is strongly advised to use tongs or pliers for safety.
Solution: To avoid this issue: Be mindful of this warning and take appropriate precautions.
Ensure the power switch for the disposal is in the 'off' position before looking for or pressing the reset button.
Solution: To avoid this issue: Be mindful of this warning and take appropriate precautions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it crucial to disconnect power before working on the garbage disposal, and what's the safest way to do it?
Disconnecting power is essential for your safety to prevent accidental activation and electrical shock. Always turn off the circuit breaker that controls the disposal, not just the wall switch, and consider testing with a voltage tester if unsure. This ensures the unit cannot unexpectedly start while your hands are near the grinding chamber.
Do I need a special tool to manually free the jammed motor, or can I use a standard wrench?
Most garbage disposals come with a specific hex-head wrench (often called an Allen wrench or jam-buster wrench) designed to fit the bottom center hole. If you don't have this, a 1/4-inch hex Allen wrench or the specific Klein Tools socket mentioned in the project can often be used to manually turn the motor shaft from the bottom of the unit. Using the correct tool ensures a proper fit and prevents stripping the opening.
I've cleared the grinding chamber and pressed the reset button, but my disposal is still humming. What should I do next?
A humming sound after clearing and resetting indicates the motor is still trying to turn but is stuck. The next step is to manually free the jammed motor using the hex-head wrench from the bottom of the disposal. Insert the wrench into the center hole and turn it back and forth several times to dislodge any remaining obstruction or free the impellers.
This project is listed as 'beginner,' but what if I'm uncomfortable working with plumbing or electricity? When should I call a professional?
While this is a common beginner DIY fix, if you're uncomfortable with basic electrical safety (turning off circuit breakers) or reaching into the disposal's grinding chamber, it's always best to call a licensed plumber. If the disposal hums even after clearing jams, manually freeing the motor, and resetting the button, or if you suspect an electrical issue beyond a simple reset, professional help is warranted.
How can I prevent my garbage disposal from jamming frequently in the future?
To prevent jams, avoid putting fibrous, starchy, or expandable foods like celery, corn husks, potato peels, pasta, rice, or coffee grounds down the disposal. Always run cold water while grinding and for about 30 seconds afterward to flush waste completely. Grinding hard items like small bones or ice cubes occasionally can also help clean the grinding components.
How long does this repair typically take, and what's the potential cost if I try it myself versus hiring a plumber?
This DIY repair typically takes around 15-45 minutes, depending on the severity of the jam and your comfort level with the steps. Attempting it yourself costs nothing beyond your time and the basic tools you might already own or need to acquire (like a hex wrench, usually under $10-20). Hiring a plumber for a jammed disposal can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 or more, making DIY a significant cost-saver if successful.