Your Garbage Disposal Is Humming but Not Spinning—What Does That Mean?

• The Motor Is Jammed

The most likely cause of a humming-but-not-spinning disposal is a jammed impeller. This happens when something hard or foreign gets stuck in the grinding chamber, preventing the blades from rotating. Common culprits include:

• Bones
• Fruit pits
• Silverware
• Bottle caps
• Hard food scraps

When the impeller can’t move, the motor still tries to run, creating that low humming noise. If the jam isn’t resolved quickly, the motor can overheat or trip the internal overload switch. In many cases, removing the obstruction and resetting the unit solves the problem.

• The Flywheel Is Stuck

Even if nothing large is stuck inside, the flywheel itself may be caught in place due to food buildup or hardened debris. As waste accumulates around the flywheel, it can reduce mobility and eventually stop the spinning action entirely. When this happens, you’ll hear the hum of the motor trying to work through the resistance. Use the disposal’s built-in hex wrench (or an Allen wrench) to manually turn the flywheel from the bottom of the unit to free it. If this doesn’t resolve the problem, consult with a nearby plumbing service.

• The Disposal Needs To Be Reset

When the disposal overheats due to a jam or overuse, it automatically shuts down to protect the motor. You may still hear a hum, but the blades won’t turn. Most disposals have a reset button, usually found on the bottom of the unit. Pressing this button can restart the motor once the internal safety feature has cooled. If the disposal hums after resetting, the problem is likely a deeper mechanical obstruction rather than an electrical shutdown.

• A Burned-Out Motor

If your disposal is older or has been struggling for a while, a burned-out motor may be the cause. In this scenario, the motor may hum for a few seconds but fail to engage the grinding mechanism. This usually happens when the motor windings are damaged or worn. Unfortunately, a burned-out motor isn’t a repairable issue; you’ll need to replace the entire unit. Call a local plumbing service to inspect the appliance and provide professional recommendations.

• Faulty Wiring or Loose Connections

Electrical issues can also cause a humming sound without movement. If a wire is loose or a connection is failing, the disposal may be receiving partial power, which is enough to hum but not enough to spin. This is far less common but should be checked by a professional plumber, especially if your disposal has never been jammed.

Do You Need Garbage Disposal Replacement? Contact Express Plumbing & Rooter Today

If you’re dealing with persistent odors, clogs, or frequent resets, you’ll know it’s time to call a local plumber to replace your garbage disposal. Remember, the average lifespan of a standard disposal is between 8 and 15 years. If yours is past its prime, consider replacing it in a timely manner to avoid costly repairs and inconveniences. Express Plumbing & Rooter is the name you can rely on when you need professional garbage disposal replacement. Our fully insured plumbers are equipped with all the latest tools to repair and replace all makes and models of garbage disposals. Call us now to book an appointment and request a free, no-obligation quote.