How to Choose the Best How to Fix a Garbage Disposal That Hums b…

You flip the switch, hear a hum, but the blades don't move. This is a common and fixable problem—your garbage disposal is likely jammed. The good news: you can often clear it yourself in minutes without calling a plumber.

This guide walks you through the safe, step-by-step process to unjam your disposal using common tools. You'll learn how to manually rotate the motor, check the reset button, and avoid common mistakes. No experience necessary.

Estimated time: 15–30 minutes. Difficulty: beginner. Just follow the steps in order.

▸What You'll Need

• •Allen wrench (hex key) – usually 1/4 inch (included with most disposals)
• •Flashlight
• •Bucket or towel (for spills)
• •Rubber gloves
• •Long wooden broom handle or mop handle (alternative if hex key doesn't work)
• •Safety goggles (optional but recommended)
• •Disposal wrench (optional, if your model includes one)

Estimated Time: 15–30 minutes Difficulty: beginner

▸Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Turn Off Power to the Disposal

Safety first. Locate the circuit breaker for the kitchen and flip it off. If your disposal is plugged into an outlet under the sink, unplug it. Double-check by flipping the wall switch—the disposal should not hum or turn on.

Why this matters: Sticking your hand or a tool into a disposal with power on could cause serious injury. Never rely on the wall switch alone; always disconnect power at the source.

💡 Tips:

• •Place a piece of tape over the circuit breaker so nobody accidentally turns it back on while you work.

⚠️ Warnings:

• •Do not rely only on the wall switch – always shut off the breaker or unplug the unit.

Step 2: Visually Inspect the Disposal Chamber

Shine a flashlight into the sink drain to look for obvious obstructions like a spoon cap, glass shard, or large bone. If you see anything, use long pliers (not your fingers) to remove it carefully.

Expect to see some food scraps or water. If the disposal is completely dark, look for any object stuck between the spinning ring and the outer wall.

💡 Tips:

• •Use a strong LED flashlight to get a clear view of the chamber.
• •If you have a rubber sink stopper, remove it to get better access.

⚠️ Warnings:

• •Never put your hand into the disposal – even with power off, sharp edges can cut.

Step 3: Find the Hex Key Slot

Most garbage disposals have a small metal hex key (Allen wrench) embedded in the bottom center of the unit. Look underneath the sink—you'll see a small hole or a protruding metal rod. If your disposal came with a hex key, it's typically stored in a clip on the unit or in the manual.

If you don't have the original hex key, a standard 1/4-inch Allen wrench from any hardware store usually works. Insert it firmly into the slot.

💡 Tips:

• •If the slot is on the bottom, you may need to lie on your back to access it.

Step 4: Rotate the Motor Back and Forth

Grasp the hex key and turn it back and forth (clockwise and counterclockwise) using moderate force. You should feel some resistance—that's normal. Turning the motor manually can dislodge whatever is jamming the impeller.

Keep rotating until you feel the shaft move freely, which means the jam is cleared. Expect to hear a grinding or clunking sound as the obstruction breaks loose. This may take 10–20 seconds of effort.

💡 Tips:

• •If it won't budge, do not apply excessive force. Use a pliers on the hex key to get more leverage, but be careful not to snap the key.
• •Some disposals require turning only in one direction – check your manual.

⚠️ Warnings:

• •Do not force it so hard that you break the hex key or the disposal mount.
• •If the motor still won't turn after significant effort, proceed to step 5.

Step 5: Alternative Method: Use a Broom Handle

If you cannot access the hex key or it doesn't work, try using a long wooden broom handle (or mop handle) from above. Hold the broom handle vertically and gently push down on the rotating disc inside the disposal, trying to dislodge the jam.

Use a steady, gentle prying motion. Never use metal tools – they can damage the disposal. The broom handle is soft enough to avoid harm while providing leverage.

💡 Tips:

• •Choose a round, smooth broom handle to avoid splinters.
• •Work the handle around the perimeter of the grinding ring.

⚠️ Warnings:

• •Do not force the broom handle – if it doesn't move, stop and call a professional.
• •Never put your hand inside the disposal – always use the broom handle.

Step 6: Press the Reset Button

After manually freeing the jam, locate the reset button on the bottom or side of the disposal (usually red or black). Press it firmly until you hear a click. This resets the motor's overload protector, which may have tripped during the jam.

If the reset button stays popped out, the motor may still be too hot or there is a persistent jam. Wait 5 minutes for the motor to cool, then try pressing the reset button again.

💡 Tips:

• •Some disposals have a manual reset require you to push the button in until it locks.
• •If the button pops out immediately after resetting, there may be an electrical issue.

⚠️ Warnings:

• •Do not repeatedly press the reset button without addressing the root cause – it may indicate a more serious problem.

Step 7: Restore Power and Test

Turn the circuit breaker back on or plug the disposal back in. Run cold water in the sink, then flip the wall switch. The disposal should now spin freely without the hum. If it works, let it run with cold water for 15 seconds to flush out any debris.

If it still hums, repeat steps 3–6. If the humming stops but the disposal is sluggish, the jam may not be fully cleared.

💡 Tips:

• •Always run cold water while the disposal is on – cold water solidifies any grease, allowing it to be chopped and flushed.
• •If the disposal runs but drains slowly, check the drain line for clogs.

⚠️ Warnings:

• •If the disposal hums again, turn it off immediately – forcing it can damage the motor.

Step 8: When to Call a Professional

If you've tried the hex key, broom handle, and reset button, and the disposal still hums or won't spin, the issue may be a seized motor bearing, a broken capacitor, or an electrical fault. At this point, it's best to contact a plumber or consider replacing the unit.

Also call a pro if you notice water leaking from the disposal after your fix, or if the unit smells like burning insulation.

💡 Tips:

• •Check if your disposal is still under warranty – many brands offer 5–10 year warranties on parts.

▸Pro Tips

• •Always run plenty of cold water when using the disposal – hot water can melt grease, which then solidifies downstream.
• •To prevent jams, avoid putting fibrous foods (celery, corn husks), banana peels, potato peels, and large bones into the disposal.
• •Regularly clean your disposal with ice cubes and lemon peels: drop a few ice cubes and citrus peels, run with cold water. Ice helps sharpen blades; citrus freshens odor.
• •If your disposal is jammed frequently, consider updating to a higher-horsepower model (1 HP or more) that can handle tougher waste.
• •Keep the original hex key taped to the outside of the cabinet under the sink – you'll have it when you need it most.
• •After unjamming, check the drain trap underneath the sink for any debris that may have been dislodged and caused a secondary clog.

▸Common Mistakes to Avoid

• •Using metal tools (screwdrivers, pliers) to pry inside the disposal – they can damage the grinding ring and void the warranty.
• •Forgetting to turn off the circuit breaker – even if the wall switch is off, the disposal may still be wired to constant power.
• •Forcing the hex key too hard – if the motor won't turn with moderate effort, stop; forcing it can break the mounting or shaft.
• •Starting the disposal without pressing the reset button after clearing the jam – the motor will hum but won't start because the overload protector is still tripped.
• •Not running water before and during disposal use – dry running can overheat and damage the motor seals.

▸Troubleshooting

Problem: The hex key won't fit into the hole.

Solution: Check if your disposal model uses a different size key (e.g., 1/8-inch or 1/2-inch). Most standard disposals use a 1/4-inch hex key. If you lost it, you can buy a replacement set at any hardware store.

Problem: The reset button pops out again immediately after pressing.

Solution: This usually means the motor is still hot or a serious jam remains. Wait 10 minutes for the motor to cool, then try again. If it still pops out, the jam is persistent or the motor has a fault. Use the hex key again to ensure free movement, then reset.

Problem: The disposal hums but the hex key turns freely.

Solution: The jam may be above the impeller or the motor capacitor may be defective. Try the broom handle method from above. If that fails, the issue is likely electrical – call a professional.

Problem: Water is leaking from the bottom of the disposal after unjamming.

Solution: You may have cracked the housing during the unjamming attempt or loosened a seal. Turn off power and check for visible cracks. Small leaks may be fixed with replacement seals, but often the unit needs replacement.

Problem: The disposal still hums but spins freely by hand.

Solution: This indicates the motor start capacitor or winding is faulty. The disposal likely needs to be replaced – this is not a DIY fix for beginners.

Husky 1/4-Inch Hex Key (Allen Wrench)

A standard 1/4-inch hex key is the exact tool needed to manually rotate most garbage disposal motors. This 6-inch length gives good leverage.

Best for: If you've lost the original key that came with your disposal, this affordable replacement works with most brands.

Price Range: $3-$8

Garbage Disposal Wrench (Universal Tool)

Some disposals require a specialized wrench that fits into the bottom of the unit. A universal disposal wrench works on multiple brands and provides extra leverage.

Best for: If your disposal has a star-shaped or non-hex opening, this tool fits and is easier to turn than a hex key.

Price Range: $10-$15

Glisten Disposal Cleaner & Deodorizer

After fixing the jam, cleaning the disposal helps prevent future clogs and eliminates odors. These pre-measured packets are convenient.

Best for: Use monthly to maintain a clean disposal and reduce jams caused by grease buildup.

Price Range: $6-$12

GEAR AID Rubber Gloves (Extra Long)

Long rubber gloves protect your hands and forearms when reaching under the sink or into the disposal chamber (with power off).

Best for: Essential safety item for any garbage disposal repair. The extended length keeps your arms clean and dry.

Price Range: $10-$20

Energizer LED Headlamp

Good lighting is crucial when working under a dark sink. A headlamp keeps both hands free for the repair.

Best for: Hands-free illumination for inspecting the disposal, inserting the hex key, and checking for leaks.

Price Range: $8-$20