Why Your Garbage Disposal Is Humming But Not Working

Written By A&J SERVICES LLC

If your garbage disposal is humming but not working, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common plumbing issues homeowners face in Cincinnati, OH. The humming sound usually means the unit is receiving power, but the blades inside are stuck or jammed.

Understanding what causes this problem—and when to call a professional—can help prevent further damage and costly repairs.

What Causes a Garbage Disposal to Hum?

Several issues can cause a garbage disposal to hum without grinding:

1️⃣ Jammed Blades

Food debris, grease buildup, bones, or foreign objects can block the impellers, preventing them from turning.

2️⃣ Overloaded Motor

Running the disposal with too much food at once can overload the motor, causing it to lock up.

3️⃣ Electrical Issues

A tripped breaker or faulty wiring can cause partial power, resulting in a humming sound without movement.

4️⃣ Worn-Out Disposal

Older units may hum because internal components are failing and no longer spin properly.

Is It Safe to Use a Humming Garbage Disposal?

No. Continuing to run a humming garbage disposal can overheat the motor and permanently damage the unit. If you hear humming, turn the disposal off immediately to avoid further problems.

Simple Steps Homeowners Can Try (Safely)

Before calling a professional, homeowners in Cincinnati can try these safe steps:

  • Turn off power to the disposal

  • Press the reset button underneath the unit

  • Use a hex key in the bottom socket to manually rotate the blades

  • Remove visible debris with tongs (never your hands)

If the disposal still won’t work after these steps, professional repair is recommended.

When to Call a Professional Garbage Disposal Repair Service

You should contact a professional if:

  • The disposal keeps humming after resetting

  • You smell burning or overheating

  • The unit leaks under the sink

  • The breaker trips repeatedly

  • The disposal is more than 8–10 years old

A&J Services provides fast and reliable garbage disposal repair in Cincinnati, helping homeowners fix issues safely without risking injury or further damage.

Repair vs. Replacement: What’s Better?

In many cases, a jammed or humming disposal can be repaired quickly. However, replacement may be the better option if:

  • The motor is burned out

  • The unit is leaking internally

  • Repairs cost more than half the price of a new disposal

Our technicians at A&J Services can inspect your unit and recommend the most cost-effective solution.

Preventing Garbage Disposal Problems in the Future

To extend the life of your garbage disposal:

  • Run cold water before and after use

  • Avoid fibrous foods like celery or corn husks

  • Never pour grease or oil down the drain

  • Cut food into small pieces before grinding

  • Clean the disposal regularly with ice and citrus peels

These simple habits can help prevent jams and keep your disposal running smoothly.

Trusted Garbage Disposal Repair in Cincinnati, OH

If your garbage disposal is humming but not working, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. A&J Services offers expert garbage disposal repair throughout Cincinnati and nearby areas.

📞 Call A&J Services today for fast, affordable garbage disposal repair in Cincinnati, OH.

Serving Cincinnati, Blue Ash, West Chester, Dayton, Mason and surrounding Ohio areas.

A&J SERVICES LLC