Why Is My Garbage Disposal Making a Humming Noise?

Your garbage disposal is supposed to handle your kitchen scraps with ease, not startle you with strange sounds. When your garbage disposal starts making a humming noise, it can be frustrating and concerning for any homeowner. That noise is often a sign that something isn’t working correctly beneath your sink. Ignoring the sound can lead to bigger problems — or even costly repairs. 

The good news is that many causes of a garbage disposal humming noise are easy to troubleshoot. In this blog, we’ll explore why your garbage disposal is just humming, what causes the problem, and how to fix a humming garbage disposal quickly and safely.

What Does It Mean When Your Garbage Disposal Is Making a Humming Noise?

Hearing a humming noise from your garbage disposal can leave you wondering what’s going on. The good news is that sound usually means the motor is still working. The bad news? Something is preventing the blades from spinning properly.

A garbage disposal humming noise often means the flywheel or impellers inside the unit are jammed. While the motor is trying to turn the blades, it’s stuck — so instead of the normal grinding sound, you’ll hear a low humming or buzzing noise.

This is a very common problem for homeowners, especially in busy kitchens. Over time, food scraps, debris, or even a small object can block the blades from moving freely. If the issue isn’t handled quickly, it can lead to more serious damage.

When left untreated, a garbage disposal that is just humming could overheat, burn out the motor, or even lead to a complete breakdown. That’s why it’s important to act quickly when you notice a humming sound coming from your disposal.

Key Signs and Causes of a Humming Garbage Disposal

A humming garbage disposal is a common issue, but knowing exactly what to look for can help you catch the problem early. Let’s break down the most common signs and causes so you’ll know what’s going on under your sink.

Common Signs Your Garbage Disposal Is Humming

If you’re wondering, “Why is my garbage disposal making a humming noise?” look for these telltale signs:

• A low buzzing or humming sound when the disposal is turned on.
• No grinding or breaking down of food waste — the unit sounds like it’s running but isn’t working properly.
• The sink may vibrate slightly or feel like something is stuck.
• Water may drain slowly or start to back up into the sink.
• The reset button on the bottom of the disposal may have popped out.

Causes of a Garbage Disposal Humming Noise

So what causes a humming sound from your garbage disposal? Here are the most common reasons:

• Jammed Blades or Flywheel: Food debris, hard objects, or grease buildup can block the blades from turning.
• Foreign Object Lodged Inside: Utensils, small kitchen items, or non-food materials might have accidentally fallen into the disposal.
• Worn Out Motor: Over time, motors can wear down and struggle to function, leading to humming instead of grinding.
• Electrical or Wiring Issues: Faulty wiring or loose connections can cause the unit to hum without working properly.
• Lack of Cleaning or Maintenance: If the disposal hasn’t been cleaned regularly, buildup can cause jams or blockages.

How to Fix a Humming Garbage Disposal

Now that you know the signs and causes of a garbage disposal humming noise, let’s talk about solutions. The good news is that many minor issues can be fixed with a little troubleshooting. However, knowing when to call in a professional is just as important.

DIY Solutions for Homeowners

If your garbage disposal is just humming but not grinding, try these simple steps before calling for help:

• Turn Off the Power: Always shut off the disposal at the wall switch and flip the breaker to be extra safe.
• Check for Visible Obstructions: Look inside the drain with a flashlight. If you see food debris or a foreign object, carefully remove it with tongs or pliers — never use your hands.
• Use an Allen Wrench to Turn the Flywheel: Most disposals have a small hole underneath where you can insert a hex key (Allen wrench). Turn the wrench back and forth to manually free the stuck flywheel.
• Press the Reset Button: Located on the bottom of the disposal, this small button may pop out when the unit overheats or jams. Press it back in and test the disposal.
• Flush with Cold Water: After clearing the jam, run cold water through the unit for 30-60 seconds while turning it on to help clear any leftover debris.

When to Call a Professional

Some garbage disposal humming noises require expert help, especially if the problem is more serious. Call a licensed plumber like Peach Plumbing & Drain if:

• The disposal continues humming after trying DIY solutions.
• You smell burning or electrical odors coming from the unit.
• The disposal trips the circuit breaker repeatedly.
• The motor doesn’t respond at all.
• You aren’t comfortable handling electrical troubleshooting or the jam is severe.

Professional plumbers can quickly diagnose the problem, repair the unit, or recommend a replacement if necessary.

Maintenance Tips to Prevent Garbage Disposal Humming Noises

Preventing a garbage disposal humming noise starts with regular care and smart usage habits. With a few simple tips, you can keep your disposal running smoothly and avoid future problems.

Here are the best ways to prevent a garbage disposal humming noise in your kitchen:

• Always Run Cold Water When Using the Disposal: Cold water helps solidify any grease or fat, allowing the disposal to break it down more effectively.
• Avoid Overloading the Disposal With Food Waste: Feed small amounts of food gradually instead of dumping everything in at once.
• Never Put Problem Items Down the Drain: Avoid fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, potato peels, or banana peels that can tangle the blades.
• Keep Grease and Oil Out of the Disposal: Grease can harden and cause buildup over time, leading to jams and humming noises.
• Clean the Disposal Regularly: Grind ice cubes to help clean the blades and freshen the unit. Citrus peels can also help remove odors.
• Schedule Routine Plumbing Maintenance: Having a professional plumber inspect and maintain your garbage disposal can prevent small issues from becoming big problems.
• Know the Warning Signs: Address any unusual noises, slow draining, or frequent clogs early to avoid damaging the disposal.

Wrap-Up: Call Peach Plumbing & Drain for Garbage Disposal Repair

Hearing a humming noise from your garbage disposal is a common problem, but it’s not something you should ignore. When your garbage disposal is just humming, it usually means there’s a jam, blockage, or mechanical issue preventing the blades from spinning properly. Acting quickly can help prevent costly damage or even full replacement.

Many homeowners can fix a humming garbage disposal with a few simple troubleshooting steps. But if the problem persists or you’re unsure how to handle it, professional help is the safest solution.

If you’re still asking, “Why is my garbage disposal making a humming noise?” or need help to fix a humming garbage disposal, Peach Plumbing & Drain is here for you. We proudly serve homeowners in the Atlanta, GA area with expert plumbing services you can trust. Contact Peach Plumbing & Drain today to schedule your garbage disposal repair and keep your kitchen running smoothly.