Summary
This article explains common garbage disposal issues, how to identify the cause, and basic steps to reset or unjam a disposal safely. A short video at the top demonstrates these concepts.
When to use this
Use this guide if you are:
Experiencing a garbage disposal that will not turn on
Hearing a humming sound but the disposal is not spinning
Suspecting a jam in the disposal
Looking for safe, basic troubleshooting steps
Video: Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting
This video explains how a garbage disposal works, common reasons it may stop functioning, and how to safely reset or unjam it when appropriate.
Video
Overview
Garbage disposals can stop working for several reasons, including electrical resets, jams caused by foreign objects, or mechanical blockages. Many issues can be identified by observing whether the unit is silent, humming, or partially operating.
Understanding how the disposal works can help determine whether a simple reset or manual adjustment is possible.
Common Questions Covered in the Video
Why Is My Garbage Disposal Not Turning On?
If the disposal is completely silent, the issue may be:
A tripped reset button
A power or electrical issue
A safety shutdown due to overheating
Why Is My Garbage Disposal Humming but Not Spinning?
A humming sound usually indicates the motor is receiving power but the grinding plate is jammed.
This is commonly caused by:
Food debris buildup
Foreign objects such as utensils or bones
How to Reset a Garbage Disposal
Most disposals include a reset button located on the bottom of the unit. The video shows:
Where to find the reset button
When resetting is appropriate
What to do if the reset does not resolve the issue
What Is a Jam Buster and How Is It Used?
A jam buster, also called a hex key or Allen wrench, fits into the bottom of the disposal and allows you to manually rotate the grinding plate to clear jams.
The video demonstrates:
Where the tool is inserted
How to safely rotate the disposal
When to stop and seek professional help
How to Manually Unjam a Garbage Disposal
Manual unjamming may involve:
Turning off power to the disposal
Using a jam buster tool
Carefully removing visible objects causing the blockage
Hands should never be placed inside the disposal.
Troubleshooting
Disposal is silent → Check power and reset button
Disposal hums but does not spin → Likely jammed and may require manual rotation
Disposal resets repeatedly → May indicate a deeper mechanical issue
FAQs
Q: Can I fix a jammed garbage disposal myself?
A: Minor jams may be resolved using a reset button or jam buster tool. If the issue persists, professional maintenance is recommended.
Q: What tools are needed to unjam a disposal?
A: Most disposals use a standard hex key designed for manual rotation from underneath the unit.
Q: Is it safe to remove objects from the disposal?
A: Only after power is fully turned off, and never by placing your hand inside the unit.
Contact us
If your garbage disposal continues to malfunction or you are unsure how to proceed safely, contact Green Residential maintenance support for assistance.