Is your garbage disposal humming but not working?
Hearing that annoying humming sound from your garbage disposal can be frustrating when you don’t know what’s going on. Don’t worry – this happens to pretty much everyone at some point. Let’s walk through why it’s happening, how to fix it, and when to call a Benjamin Franklin professional for disposal repairs.
First things first: if your disposal is humming but not actually grinding anything up, there’s usually something stopping those blades from spinning. Let’s look at the most common culprits.
Common Causes of Garbage Disposal Troubles
1. Something Fell In the Disposal
You know how stuff has a way of sneaking into the disposal? Sometimes, it’s a spoon, a bottle cap, or (let’s be honest) that toy your kid swore they didn’t drop in there. When something like this gets stuck, your disposal’s motor tries its best to run, but those blades just can’t move. The result is a garbage disposal humming away but getting nothing done.
Quick fix: Cut the power (safety first!), grab a flashlight, and take a peek inside. Use some pliers or tongs to fish out whatever’s causing trouble. Just please, please don’t stick your hand in there!
2. Clogged Disposal
Sometimes, it’s not an obvious object but more of a slow buildup – think coffee grounds, grease, or those stringy bits from celery. Your disposal wants to work, but it’s like trying to run through mud.
Pro tip: Look under your disposal for a little hex-shaped hole. Got an Allen wrench? You can actually turn the blades manually from down there. It’s like giving your disposal a helping hand to break through the clog.
3. Disposal Needs to Be Reset
Have you tried turning it off and back on again? I know, I know – it sounds like typical tech support advice, but sometimes your disposal just needs a reset. Look for a little red button on the bottom of the unit. Press it until it clicks, run some cold water, and give it another try.
4. Overheating Unit
Just like us, disposals can get overworked and need a break. If yours is running hot, give it 15-20 minutes to cool down.
Pro tip: Running ice cubes through it occasionally can help keep those blades sharp.
5. Faulty Motor
If your disposal is getting up there in years (10-15 years is a good run!), that humming might be its way of telling you it’s tired. At this point, it’s probably best to call in a pro – sometimes, even trusty appliances need to retire.
Caring for Your Garbage Disposal
Want to avoid these issues with a garbage disposal humming along in the future? Here’s what I’ve learned: Always run cold water when using it, and be picky about what goes down there. Those coffee grounds might seem harmless, but they’re secretly plotting to clog your pipes. And those eggshells? They’re not actually helping to sharpen the blades – that’s just an old myth.
When to Call a Ben Franklin Pro
Look, we all love a good DIY disposal fix, but sometimes you need to call in the experts. If you’ve tried everything I’ve mentioned and that humming just won’t quit, or if you’re dealing with anything electrical, it’s time to get a Service Minds Benjamin Franklin plumbing pro involved.
Some issues are best handled by a professional. Here’s when to call for help:
- If the motor or electrical system is malfunctioning.
- If you’ve tried troubleshooting but the humming continues.
- If your disposal is old and you suspect the motor is worn out.
Garbage Disposal FAQs
Why is my garbage disposal on but not spinning?
This could be caused by a clog, a tripped reset button, or a motor problem. Follow the steps to check for obstructions and reset the disposal.
How do you un-jam a garbage disposal?
Turn off the power, use an Allen wrench to rotate the blades, and clear any debris with pliers.
Where is the reset button on a garbage disposal?
The reset button is usually located on the bottom of the unit, often in red.
Remember: Your garbage disposal is tough, but it’s not invincible. Treat it right, and it’ll keep chopping away at your food scraps for years to come. And if you’re ever in doubt about whether something should go down there – when in doubt, throw it out!