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If your garbage disposal is humming but not working, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting tips and solutions that you can try to get your garbage disposal working again. In this article, we will explore the common causes of a humming garbage disposal and how to fix it. We will also cover the importance of proper maintenance and care to prevent future issues.

Common Causes of a Humming Garbage Disposal

A humming garbage disposal can be caused by several issues, including:

1. Jammed or Clogged Disposal: If the garbage disposal is jammed or clogged with food waste, it can cause the blades to stop moving and make a humming noise.

2. Faulty Motor: If the garbage disposal motor is faulty or burned out, it can make a humming noise but not turn on.

3. Tripped Breaker: If the circuit breaker has tripped, it can cause the garbage disposal to hum but not work.

4. Loose or Worn Parts: Loose or worn parts, such as bolts or bearings, can cause the garbage disposal to hum but not work.

Troubleshooting Tips and Solutions

Here are some troubleshooting tips and solutions that you can try to fix a humming garbage disposal:

1. Reset the Disposal: Press the reset button on the bottom of the disposal to reset it. This may fix the issue if the disposal was overloaded or tripped the circuit breaker.

2. Clear the Jam: If the disposal is jammed, turn off the power and use pliers or tongs to remove the jammed food waste.

3. Check for Loose or Worn Parts: Inspect the garbage disposal for loose or worn parts, such as bolts or bearings. Tighten loose bolts or replace worn parts.

4. Use a Hex Wrench: If the garbage disposal has a hex wrench socket on the bottom, insert the hex wrench and turn it back and forth to clear any jams.

5. Call a Professional: If none of the above solutions work, it may be time to call a professional plumber or garbage disposal repair service.

Proper Maintenance and Care

To prevent future issues with your garbage disposal, it is important to practice proper maintenance and care. Here are some tips to keep your garbage disposal working properly:

1. Run Cold Water: Always run cold water when using the garbage disposal to help flush food waste through the system.

2. Use Cold Water: Only use cold water when grinding food waste, as hot water can cause fats and oils to melt and clog the disposal.

3. Cut Food Waste into Small Pieces: Cut food waste into small pieces before putting it in the disposal to help prevent jams.

4. Clean the Disposal: Clean the garbage disposal regularly with soap and water to remove any buildup or debris.

In conclusion, a humming garbage disposal can be caused by several issues, including jammed or clogged disposals, faulty motors, tripped breakers, and loose or worn parts. To fix a humming garbage disposal, try resetting the disposal, clearing the jam, checking for loose or worn parts, using a hex wrench, or calling a professional. To prevent future issues, practice proper maintenance and care by running cold water, cutting food waste into small pieces, and cleaning the disposal regularly. By following these tips, you can keep your garbage disposal working properly and prevent unnecessary repairs.