**Is your garbage disposal making a weird humming noise instead of, you know, *disposing* of garbage? Don’t just shrug it off – that hum is your disposal’s way of crying for help, and ignoring it could lead to bigger, messier (and pricier!) problems.**
Is that *hum* coming from under your sink starting to drive you up the wall? That is super annoying. Before thinking to calling in the pros, there are a few things you can check out first. Hopefully, it is going to be a simple fix you can do on your own.
That *humming* often means something’s not quite right, but it doesn’t always mean disaster!. Many times, a little DIY troubleshooting can get things spinning again. But when at any time you feel in over your head, you need to call your local Surrey appliance repair pros. We are always here to help.
## Why is My Garbage Disposal Humming?
So, your garbage disposal is humming, but no grinding is happening – what gives? It’s like a silent protest from your kitchen’s hardest worker. This usually points to one of two main culprits: a jam or a tripped overload protector (which is kind of like a circuit breaker for your disposal).
A *garbage disposal humming no grinding* situation often means food waste or a foreign object (like a sneaky fork) is wedged between the impeller (those little blades) and the shredder ring. The motor is getting power, hence the hum, but it can’t spin because something’s blocking it. This can also happen if your are putting things down there that you shouldnt be. Another possibility is that the overload protector has tripped, cutting power to the motor to prevent overheating.
## Troubleshooting a Humming Garbage Disposal
Lets dive a little deeper into what to do when you have a *garbage disposal humming*. Sometimes this can actually happen by what you are putting down the drain. Remember that scene in any comedy ever where they say not to put bones down your disposal. You guessed it, that is a great way to clog it up.
Before doing any checks, *ALWAYS TURN OFF THE POWER TO THE DISPOSAL*. It is recommended to turn it off at your breaker box. This is will ensure no shocking surprises!
### Checking for Jams
One of the most common reasons for a *garbage disposal humming loudly* is a jam. Something got down there that shouldn’t have, and now the disposal’s impellers are stuck. This could be a piece of bone, a fruit pit, or even a buildup of fibrous food waste.
First things first: safety! Make absolutely sure the power switch to your disposal is in the OFF position, additionally turn off the breaker. You really don’t want any surprises when you’re poking around in there. Once you’re sure it’s safe, grab a flashlight and peer down into the disposal chamber.
Look carefully for any obvious obstructions. If you see something, try using tongs or pliers (never your hands!) to carefully remove it. If the object is really wedged in, you might need to use the disposal’s wrench (some disposals come with one). This wrench fits into a slot on the bottom of the disposal unit, and you can use it to manually turn the motor and hopefully dislodge whatever’s stuck.
If your garbage disposal is *still humming* even after you clear the jam, it is time to call in the pros. This is because you may have damage to internal componets. We can assess the situation and let you know if repair or replacement is needed.
It’s important to note that sometimes the culprit in a garbage disposal jam is simply too much food waste at once or putting items through that are too tough. When this happens, it can create a blockage, so make sure you are taking your time to process just a little food at a time. Preventing jams keeps your disposal running smoothly and your kitchen smelling fresh.
### Resetting the Disposal
If you’ve cleared any visible jams and your *garbage disposal won’t turn on*, it’s time to check the reset button. Think of the *garbage disposal reset button* as a mini circuit breaker specifically for your disposal. It’s a safety feature designed to protect the motor from overheating if it gets overloaded or jammed.
The reset button is usually a small, red button located on the bottom of the disposal unit, underneath the sink. You might need a flashlight to spot it. Once you find it, press it firmly. You might hear a slight click, which indicates that the button has been reset.
After pressing the reset button, try turning the disposal on again. If it works, hooray! You’ve successfully solved the problem. If it still doesn’t work, there might be a more serious issue at play, and it’s time to call a qualified appliance repair technician.
Remember, repeatedly resetting the disposal without addressing the underlying cause of the problem (like a persistent jam) can damage the motor. This is why it is so important to do a full inspection. If the reset button keeps tripping, don’t ignore it – get it checked out!
It is often easy for those unfamilair to forget all about the reset button all together. Making sure to check this can save you from a call to your local Surrey appliance repair pros. Sometimes the most simple fix is the one we forget.
### When to Call for Professional Help
Sometimes, despite your best DIY efforts, your *garbage disposal* remains stubbornly silent or continues to hum without grinding. If you’ve tried clearing jams and resetting the disposal, but it’s still not working, it’s likely time to call in a professional for *garbage disposal repair Surrey*. This is especially true if you hear any unusual noises, like a loud grinding or clanking, or if you smell burning.
A qualified appliance repair technician has the expertise and tools to diagnose and fix more complex *garbage disposal problems*. They can determine if the motor is burned out, if there’s a wiring issue, or if internal components are damaged. Trying to tackle these issues yourself can be dangerous and could even void your disposal’s warranty.
Don’t risk injury or further damage to your disposal. An experienced technician can quickly identify the source of the problem and provide a safe and effective solution. They can also advise you on whether repair or replacement is the most cost-effective option.
Remember, a properly functioning garbage disposal is essential for a clean and efficient kitchen. Don’t let a *noisy garbage disposal* or a *garbage disposal stuck* disrupt your routine for long. When in doubt, don’t hestitate to call a local Surrey appliance technician.
One thing to consider is whether your disposal is still under warranty before doing any repairs. If it is, contact an authorized repair person. This is important to prevent voiding out your warranty.
## Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my garbage disposal is jammed?
If your *garbage disposal* is *humming* but not grinding, it’s a strong indication that it’s jammed. The motor is receiving power (hence the hum), but the impellers can’t spin because something is obstructing them. You might also notice that the disposal is unusually quiet, or that water isn’t draining properly from the sink.
Remember to be patient and persistent when clearing those jams. You can often fix this problem on your own. But don’t be afraid to call in a professional if you’re uncomfortable or if the problem persists.
Where is the garbage disposal reset button located?
The *garbage disposal reset button* is typically a small, red button found on the bottom of the disposal unit, underneath your sink. You’ll likely need to get down on your hands and knees and use a flashlight to locate it. It’s usually recessed slightly to prevent accidental activation.
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the location of the reset button *before* you have a problem. That way, you’ll know exactly where to look if your disposal suddenly stops working. It’s a quick and easy fix that can often save you the hassle and expense of a service call.
What should I do if my garbage disposal is making a humming sound and not working?
A *garbage disposal humming not working* usually indicates a jam or a tripped overload protector. First, turn off the power to the disposal at the breaker box. Then, use tongs or pliers to remove any visible obstructions from the disposal chamber. If that doesn’t work, locate and press the reset button on the bottom of the unit. If the disposal still doesn’t work after these steps, it’s best to call a qualified appliance repair technician.
Never put your hand down into the garbage disposal. This may sound obvious, but it is one of the leading causes of injury. If you see something down there and can’t grab it with tongs, call in the pros.
## Wrapping Up
A *humming garbage disposal* can be a real pain, but it’s often a problem you can tackle yourself with a little patience and know-how. Remember to always prioritize safety by turning off the power before investigating. Start by checking for jams and resetting the disposal.
Ignoring a humming disposal can lead to bigger issues down the road, like motor burnout or water damage. By addressing the problem promptly, you can extend the life of your disposal and keep your kitchen running smoothly. For a properly functioning garbage disposal, it is essential for preventing unwanted smells.
If your DIY efforts don’t do the trick, don’t hesitate to call a professional for *appliance repair Surrey*. They have the expertise to diagnose and fix more complex issues, ensuring your disposal gets back to work quickly and safely. For all your *kitchen appliance repair* needs, Surrey Appliance Service Pros are here to help!
