Garbage Disposal Humming But Not Turning?
Introduction
A humming garbage disposal that does not turn can be a nuisance and even dangerous. If your garbage disposal is humming but not turning, it is important to address the problem immediately. A clogged disposal can overflow and cause a mess, and a faulty motor can damage the appliance.
Possible Causes of Garbage Disposal Humming but Not Turning
- Clogged Motor
A clogged motor is the most common cause of garbage disposal humming but not turning. This can happen when food particles, grease, or other debris build up in the motor and prevent it from turning.
Symptoms:
- Humming noise without blade movement
- Disposal may not start at all
- Disposal may start and then stop
- Disposal may start and then make a loud noise
Steps to fix:
- Unplug the unit and turn off the breaker.
- Use an Allen wrench to free the flywheel. The flywheel is the part of the motor that turns the blades. It is located at the bottom of the disposal.
- If the flywheel is not free, you can use a broom handle to move the impeller blades manually. The impeller blades are located inside the disposal and grind up the food.
- Once the flywheel or impeller blades are free, restore power and test the disposal.
- If the disposal still does not work, you may need to call a plumber.
Tripped GFCI or Disposer
A GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet is a safety device designed to prevent electrical shocks. If the GFCI outlet or the garbage disposal trips, it will cut off the power to the disposal. This can cause the disposal to hum but not turn.
Cause:
- The GFCI outlet or the garbage disposal may have been overloaded.
- There may be a short circuit in the disposal.
Effect:
- Lack of electricity leads to humming noise.
Solution:
- Press the reset button on the GFCI outlet.
- Press the reset button on the garbage disposal if the disposal still does not work.
- If the disposal still does not work, you may need to call a plumber.
Faulty Motor
A faulty motor is another possible cause of garbage disposal humming but not turning. This can happen if the motor is old and worn out or if it has been damaged.
Cause:
- The garbage disposal’s motor may be damaged.
Effect:
- Humming sound with no blade movement.
Options:
- Motor repair if under warranty.
- Consider replacing the entire unit if the motor is not repairable.
- Note that disposals typically last about 10 years.
If you have tried all the above and your garbage disposal is still humming but not turning, it is likely that the motor is faulty and needs to be replaced. You can contact a plumber to replace the motor or do it yourself if you are comfortable with DIY projects.
Maintenance Tips for Garbage Disposal
Importance of regular maintenance to prevent issues
Garbage disposals are designed to last many years but need regular maintenance to prevent problems. Here are some tips for maintaining your garbage disposal:
- Run the garbage disposal daily, even for non-waste items. This will help to keep it clean and prevent food particles from building up.
- Use cold water when running the garbage disposal. Hot water can warp the blades and damage the disposal.
- Avoid putting bones, eggshells, and other hard objects down the disposal. These items can damage the blades and clog the disposal.
- Clean the disposal regularly. You can do this using a disposal cleaner or running a few lemon rinds through the disposal.
- Ensure it receives enough water during use. Garbage disposals need water to help flush away food particles and prevent clogs.
- Consider upgrading to a new, quieter garbage disposal with better grinding capabilities. Newer models are often more energy-efficient and easier to maintain.
Here are some additional benefits of a new, quieter garbage disposal with better grinding capabilities:
- It can save you money on your energy bill.
- It can reduce noise pollution in your home.
- It can grind up food more effectively, preventing clogs.
- It can last longer than an older model.
If you are considering upgrading your garbage disposal, research and choose a model that suits your needs.
Garbage Disposal Repair and Replacement
When to call a plumber for repairs
There are a few signs that it is time to call a plumber for garbage disposal repairs:
- The disposal makes a loud noise when it is turned on.
- The disposal does not turn on at all.
- The disposal jams frequently.
- The disposal leaks.
- The disposal smells bad.
If you notice any of these signs, it is best to call a plumber to repair or replace the disposal.
Plumbing’s services for garbage disposal repair and replacement
A plumber can provide a variety of services for garbage disposal repair and replacement, including:
- Diagnosing the problem
- Repairing or replacing the motor
- Repairing or replacing the impeller
- Cleaning the disposal
- Replacing the seal
- Installing a new disposal
Costs
Here is a table of market costs for garbage disposal repair and replacement:
| Service | Cost |
| Garbage disposal repair | $100 – $250 |
| Garbage disposal replacement | $200 – $550 |
| Garbage disposal installation | $100 – $200 |
The actual cost of garbage disposal repair or replacement will vary depending on the disposal’s make and model, the problem’s severity, and the plumber’s location.
Here are some additional factors that can affect the cost of garbage disposal repair or replacement:
- The age of the disposal
- The accessibility of the disposal
- The need for additional plumbing work
Getting multiple estimates from different plumbers before deciding on repair or replacement is important.
Conclusion
A. The main points discussed
This article discussed the common causes of garbage disposal humming but not turning and some tips for maintenance and repair. The main points discussed were:
- A clogged motor is the most common cause of garbage disposal humming but not turning.
- A tripped GFCI or disposer can also cause this problem.
- A faulty motor is another possible cause.
- It is essential to maintain your garbage disposal to prevent problems regularly.
- If you are having problems with your garbage disposal, it is best to call a plumber.
Seek professional help if the issue persists.
If you have tried the troubleshooting steps and the disposal is still not working, it is best to call a plumber. A plumber will be able to diagnose the problem and fix it.
Importance of proper maintenance for garbage disposals
Proper maintenance is essential for keeping your garbage disposal running smoothly. Here are some tips for proper maintenance:
- Run the garbage disposal daily, even for non-waste items. This will help to keep it clean and prevent food particles from building up.
- Use cold water when running the garbage disposal. Hot water can warp the blades and damage the disposal.
- Avoid putting bones, eggshells, and other hard objects down the disposal. These items can damage the blades and clog the disposal.
- Clean the disposal regularly. You can do this using a disposal cleaner or running a few lemon rinds through the disposal.