What should I do if my garbage disposal is humming but not working?

A humming garbage disposal usually means the motor has power but the flywheel is jammed or the motor is seized. Most often a hard item is stuck, so the motor hums instead of turning the grinding plate, and running it like this can trip the reset. A steady hum with no grind tells a tech the plate isn’t spinning under load. Our plumbers handle this issue often for homes in the Leo and Fort Wayne area, and we’ll advise repair or replacement if the unit is older or keeps jamming.

Try these safe steps before calling:

• Turn off the switch and cut power at the breaker; never reach in with your hand.
• Press the reset button on the bottom after the unit cools for a few minutes.
• Use the hex wrench in the bottom slot to rotate the shaft and free the jam.
• Restore power, run cold water, and test; check the drain if water backs up.

If it still only hums or you smell burning, stop and call a licensed plumber to prevent motor damage. <br/> Updated: 2026-02-11 <br/> Need help in Leo, IN? Call (277) 267 0744 or book online.