A humming garbage disposal is almost always the sign of a jam. It may also be caused by a clog or general overload, but jammed blades are usually the culprit. Calling a plumber to fix the problem can leave a $100-$200 gap in your budget. Therefore, before you whip out any cash, it’s best to look into the issue yourself. Thanks to the comprehensive guide we have created, you’ll learn how to fix a garbage disposal that hums in no time. Follow the directions below!
How Do I Fix a Garbage Disposal That Hums?
In order to see how to fix a garbage disposal that hums, all you have to do is follow these 5 simple steps.
Step 1.
Make sure that your disposer is not connected to any source of power. Turn it off using the wall switch and unplug the cord from its outlet. If the plug is out of reach, go to your circuit breaker and flip its switch off. You should never attempt to repair a garbage disposal while it’s plugged in. You could have a terrible accident even if the wall switch is off.
Step 2.
Grab a flashlight to check and see if any foreign objects are jammed in the disposal. Use a pair of tongs or pliers to remove any item you can identify in the propellers. We can’t stress enough how important it is to not put your hand in the drain, even if you can easily reach the object and the unit is unplugged. The disposer’s blades are extremely sharp and you can cut yourself.
Step 3.
Use an Allen wrench to unlock the blades if there is no apparent object jamming them. An Allen wrench is also known as a self-service wrenchette or a hex key. It is usually included in your garbage disposal package, but if it isn’t, you can use any ¼” Allen wrench from your toolbox. Place the wrench in the hole located at the bottom of your disposal, typically in the middle.
Step 4.
Twist the wrench from side to side. By rotating the tool, you are manually turning the motor and unjamming it. Continue the action until the flywheel spins smoothly all around. When you can complete a full circle with the Allen wrench, it means that your unit has been unjammed.
Step 5.
Plug your garbage disposal back in or switch the circuit breaker on. Run a stream of water and switch on the unit, allowing both to run simultaneously for 1-2 minutes. Ensure that you safely store your Allen wrench for any future fixes. If your unit has an area at the bottom for it, put it back in place. Alternatively, you can tape the tool to the side of your cabinet for quick convenience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you now know how to fix a garbage disposal that hums without paying for repairs. To prevent future jams, never put certain foods down your disposal. Unfortunately, if the process didn’t generate results, you’ll have to contact a professional plumber. If the price quote you receive exceeds $100, we strongly recommend purchasing one of the best food waste disposer models we have reviewed. Did you find any other disposal fixes? Share them in the comments!