Garbage Disposal Humming? Troubleshooting Steps to Silence the Noise
Is your garbage disposal humming loudly but not grinding? That frustrating sound often indicates a problem, but don’t panic! Many times, you can diagnose and fix the issue yourself without calling a plumber. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to troubleshoot a humming garbage disposal, providing detailed instructions and safety precautions every step of the way.
Understanding Why Your Garbage Disposal Is Humming
Before diving into troubleshooting, it’s helpful to understand why your garbage disposal is humming in the first place. The most common cause is an obstruction lodged between the impellers (the spinning blades inside) and the shredder ring. When the motor tries to turn the impellers but can’t because of the obstruction, it will hum loudly. Other possible causes include:
* **Object Lodged:** The most frequent culprit. Common offenders include silverware, bones, fruit pits, glass, and other non-food items.
* **Motor Overload:** Trying to grind too much food at once can overload the motor, causing it to hum. This is especially true with fibrous foods like celery stalks.
* **Hardened Grease or Food Buildup:** Over time, grease and food particles can accumulate inside the disposal, hardening and preventing the impellers from moving freely.
* **Worn-Out Motor:** In older disposals, the motor itself may be failing, causing a humming sound even without an obstruction. This is less common but still possible.
* **Electrical Issue:** Although less likely to cause humming specifically, an electrical issue with the power supply can sometimes manifest as strange noises.
Safety First: Important Precautions
Before you start working on your garbage disposal, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Follow these precautions carefully:
* **Disconnect the Power:** The most important step! Locate the circuit breaker that controls the garbage disposal and switch it OFF. This will prevent accidental activation of the motor while you’re working inside the unit. If you’re unsure which breaker controls the disposal, turn off the main breaker to the entire house.
* **Do Not Put Your Hand Inside:** Never, ever reach into the garbage disposal with your hand, even with the power off. The impellers are sharp, and there could be hidden hazards.
* **Use Tools:** Use tools like tongs, pliers, or a broom handle to retrieve objects from the disposal. These tools will keep your hands safely away from the blades.
* **Wear Gloves:** Wear heavy-duty work gloves to protect your hands from sharp objects and bacteria.
* **Eye Protection:** Consider wearing safety glasses to protect your eyes from any debris that might fly out during the troubleshooting process.
* **Read the Manual:** Refer to your garbage disposal’s user manual for specific safety instructions and troubleshooting tips for your model.
Troubleshooting Steps: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you’ve taken the necessary safety precautions, let’s begin troubleshooting your humming garbage disposal:
**Step 1: Check for an Obvious Obstruction**
* **Visual Inspection:** Use a flashlight to carefully inspect the inside of the disposal chamber. Look for any visible objects, such as silverware, bones, or fruit pits, that may be blocking the impellers.
* **Use Tongs or Pliers:** If you see an object, use tongs or pliers to carefully remove it. Be gentle and avoid forcing the object, as this could damage the disposal.
* **Don’t Use Your Fingers!** Again, never put your hand inside the disposal.
**Step 2: Use the Reset Button**
Most garbage disposals have a reset button located on the bottom of the unit. This button is designed to trip if the motor overheats or gets overloaded.
* **Locate the Reset Button:** Look for a small, usually red, button on the bottom of the disposal unit. You may need to use a flashlight to find it.
* **Press the Reset Button:** Press the reset button firmly. You should feel a slight click when it resets.
* **Wait a Few Minutes:** After pressing the reset button, wait a few minutes to allow the motor to cool down before trying to run the disposal again.
* **Test the Disposal:** Turn the circuit breaker back on and test the disposal. If it runs smoothly, you’ve solved the problem. If it still hums, proceed to the next step.
**Step 3: The Broom Handle Method (for Dislodging Stuck Impellers)**
If the reset button doesn’t work, the impellers may be stuck due to a stubborn obstruction.
* **Turn Off the Power:** Double-check that the circuit breaker is still OFF.
* **Insert the Broom Handle:** Insert the wooden end of a broom handle or a similar tool (like a wooden spoon) into the disposal chamber.
* **Gently Rotate the Impellers:** Use the broom handle to gently try to rotate the impellers back and forth. Apply firm but not excessive pressure. The goal is to dislodge any object that might be stuck.
* **Check for Movement:** After rotating the impellers a few times, check to see if they move more freely. If they do, you’ve likely dislodged the obstruction.
* **Remove the Broom Handle:** Carefully remove the broom handle from the disposal.
* **Use Tongs to Remove Any Dislodged Debris:** After using the broom handle, you might see freed debris. Use tongs to carefully remove them.
* **Turn the Power Back On and Test:** Turn the circuit breaker back on and test the disposal with a small amount of water running. If it runs smoothly, you’ve solved the problem. If it still hums, proceed to the next step.
**Step 4: The Ice and Water Flush (for Grease and Food Buildup)**
If grease or food buildup is the culprit, try this method to clean the disposal.
* **Turn Off the Power:** Ensure the circuit breaker is OFF.
* **Fill the Disposal with Ice:** Fill the disposal chamber about halfway with ice cubes.
* **Add Cold Water:** Add cold water to the disposal until it’s almost full.
* **Turn On the Power:** Turn the circuit breaker back ON.
* **Run the Disposal:** Turn on the cold water tap and run the disposal for about 30-60 seconds. The ice cubes will help to scour the inside of the disposal and dislodge any hardened grease or food particles.
* **Check for Improvement:** After running the disposal, turn it off and check if the humming has stopped. You may need to repeat this process a few times for stubborn buildup.
**Step 5: Baking Soda and Vinegar Flush (for Odor and Cleaning)**
This method can help to deodorize and further clean the disposal.
* **Turn Off the Power:** Ensure the circuit breaker is OFF.
* **Pour in Baking Soda:** Pour about one cup of baking soda into the disposal chamber.
* **Add Vinegar:** Pour about one cup of white vinegar into the disposal chamber.
* **Let it Fizz:** Let the mixture fizz for about 30 minutes. The fizzing action will help to break down grease and food particles.
* **Flush with Hot Water:** After 30 minutes, turn on the hot water tap and run it into the disposal for a few minutes to flush away the baking soda and vinegar.
* **Turn On the Power and Test:** Turn the circuit breaker back on and test the disposal with a small amount of water running.
**Step 6: Check the Motor for Damage (Advanced)**
If none of the above steps work, the motor itself may be damaged. This requires more advanced troubleshooting and may be best left to a professional.
* **Turn Off the Power:** Ensure the circuit breaker is OFF. This is critical!
* **Inspect the Wiring:** Carefully inspect the wiring connected to the disposal motor for any signs of damage, such as frayed wires or loose connections. If you find any damage, do not attempt to repair it yourself. Call a qualified electrician.
* **Listen for Grinding Sounds (if you can get the disposal to briefly run):** If you can momentarily restore power and the disposal makes grinding sounds, it’s possible the bearings inside the motor are failing. This often indicates the motor needs to be replaced.
**Important Note:** Working with electrical components can be dangerous. If you’re not comfortable performing these steps, it’s best to call a qualified electrician.
**Step 7: Inspect the Mounting Assembly (if the Disposal is Loose or Vibrating)**
Sometimes, the humming isn’t coming from the internal workings of the disposal, but rather from a loose mounting assembly.
* **Check the Mounting Ring:** Look at the ring that connects the disposal to the sink flange. This ring should be securely tightened. If it’s loose, try tightening it. Most mounting assemblies have a screw or tightening mechanism.
* **Inspect the Rubber Gasket:** Between the disposal and the sink, there’s usually a rubber gasket. Ensure this gasket is in good condition and properly seated. A damaged or misaligned gasket can cause vibrations and noise.
* **Check for Proper Support:** Make sure the disposal is adequately supported from below. Some disposals have a bracket or support arm that rests against the cabinet. Ensure this support is in place and tightened correctly.
## What if Nothing Works? When to Call a Professional Plumber
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your garbage disposal is still humming, it’s time to call a professional plumber. Continuing to run the disposal while it’s humming could cause further damage to the motor or other components.
Here are some signs that it’s time to call a plumber:
* **The disposal still hums after trying all the troubleshooting steps.**
* **You suspect an electrical problem.**
* **You’re not comfortable working with electrical components or plumbing.**
* **The disposal is leaking water.**
* **The disposal is making strange grinding noises, even without an obstruction.**
* **You notice any burning smells coming from the disposal.**
## Preventing Future Problems: Garbage Disposal Best Practices
To keep your garbage disposal running smoothly and prevent future humming issues, follow these best practices:
* **Only Grind Food Waste:** Avoid putting non-food items down the disposal, such as silverware, bones, glass, plastic, and metal.
* **Run Cold Water:** Always run cold water while operating the disposal. The cold water helps to solidify grease, allowing it to be flushed away more easily.
* **Avoid Grinding Fibrous Foods:** Limit the amount of fibrous foods, such as celery, corn husks, and asparagus, that you put down the disposal. These foods can tangle around the impellers and cause clogs.
* **Cut Food into Small Pieces:** Cut large pieces of food into smaller pieces before putting them down the disposal. This will make it easier for the disposal to grind the food and prevent overloading the motor.
* **Don’t Pour Grease Down the Drain:** Never pour grease or oil down the drain. Grease will solidify and clog the pipes, leading to plumbing problems.
* **Flush the Disposal Regularly:** Run the disposal with cold water for a few seconds after each use to flush away any remaining food particles.
* **Clean the Disposal Regularly:** Use the ice and water flush or the baking soda and vinegar flush to clean the disposal regularly.
* **Use a Disposal Brush:** Occasionally use a long-handled brush designed for garbage disposals to scrub the inside of the chamber and remove any stubborn buildup.
* **Consider Enzyme Cleaners:** Use garbage disposal enzyme cleaners periodically to break down organic matter and prevent clogs. Follow the instructions on the product label.
## Choosing the Right Garbage Disposal (If You Need a Replacement)
If your garbage disposal is beyond repair and needs to be replaced, consider these factors when choosing a new one:
* **Horsepower:** Choose a disposal with the appropriate horsepower for your needs. A 1/2 horsepower disposal is typically sufficient for a small household, while a 3/4 or 1 horsepower disposal is better for larger households or those who frequently cook.
* **Feed Type:** Choose between continuous feed and batch feed disposals. Continuous feed disposals allow you to add food waste while the disposal is running, while batch feed disposals require you to put all the food waste in at once and then turn on the disposal.
* **Grind Stages:** Disposals with multiple grind stages tend to grind food more finely and reduce the risk of clogs.
* **Material:** Look for disposals made from durable materials, such as stainless steel, which are less likely to corrode.
* **Noise Level:** Some disposals are designed to be quieter than others. Look for disposals with sound insulation if noise is a concern.
* **Warranty:** Check the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A longer warranty provides more protection in case of defects.
By following these troubleshooting steps and best practices, you can keep your garbage disposal running smoothly and avoid the frustrating hum of a clogged or malfunctioning unit. Remember safety first, and don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber if you’re not comfortable performing any of these tasks yourself.
Happy grinding!