A hum with no grinding means the motor has power but the impeller is jammed. Turn the power off at the breaker, free the impeller with the hex wrench that came with the unit, clear the obstruction, then press the reset button. Never put your hand in the disposal.
Step by Step
- Turn the disposal off and cut power at the breaker. Not just the wall switch — the breaker. This is not optional.
- Look inside with a flashlight. Bones, fruit pits, silverware, and bottle caps are the usual offenders.
- Remove the obstruction with tongs or pliers. Never your hand, even with power off.
- Free the impeller. There is a hex socket in the center of the unit’s underside. Insert the wrench that came with the disposal — or a 1/4-inch Allen wrench — and work it back and forth until it turns freely. If you cannot find the wrench, a wooden broom handle inserted from above against the impeller can also break a jam.
- Press the reset button on the bottom of the unit. It is small, usually red or black.
- Restore power and test with cold water running.
If It Still Only Hums
The impeller turns freely but the motor will not rotate it — that usually means a failed start capacitor or a worn motor. Those are replacement or repair items, not troubleshooting ones. Do not keep running it; a humming motor that cannot turn is overheating.
If It Is Silent Instead
Different problem. Check the reset button, the wall switch, the outlet, and the breaker. Silence points to an electrical issue or a completely failed motor.
What Caused the Jam
Worth knowing so it does not repeat: bones, fruit pits, fibrous vegetables like celery and onion skins, and non-food items. Also running the disposal without enough cold water — cold water keeps grease solid so it gets chopped and flushed rather than coating everything. Run water before, during, and for 30 seconds after.
When It Is Not the Disposal
If it runs fine but the sink backs up, the problem is downstream — a drain cleaning issue, usually grease.
Contact B. Carlson about garbage disposals in Albuquerque.
