Garbage Disposal Humming or Not Working? Try This First

Garbage disposals fail in a few predictable ways, and the sound it makes (or doesn’t) tells you which one you are dealing with.

First: make it safe

Turn the disposal off at the switch, and unplug it under the sink if you can. Never put your hand in a disposal, even when it is off. Use tongs or pliers to pull out anything you can see.

If it hums but doesn’t spin

1. Look under the sink at the bottom center of the disposal. Most have a small hex socket there.
2. Insert a 1/4-inch hex key (many disposals come with one) and work it back and forth until it turns freely all the way around.
3. Pull out whatever was jamming it from above, with tongs.
4. Press the reset button, turn the water on, and try it again.

If it is completely silent

Press the red reset button on the bottom of the unit. It trips when the motor overheats, often after a jam. If that doesn’t work, check the breaker, and check whether the outlet under the sink is controlled by a GFCI that needs resetting. Some disposals run from an air switch on the countertop, which has its own small control box under the sink.

Signs it is time for a new one

• Water leaking from the bottom or side of the disposal body. Internal seals have failed, and that can’t be repaired.
• It trips the reset button over and over.
• Rust on the body, a constant bad smell, or grinding noises after you have cleared it.

When to call us

Call if it still won’t run after a reset, if it leaks, or if you want an upgrade. We repair and replace garbage disposals, including the drain connections and air switches.

Last reviewed November 1, 2026. This guide is general information. When in doubt, or for anything involving gas, wiring or major water damage, call a professional.