Vent, Valve & Volt
Garbage disposal hums but won't spin, or won't turn on

You can fix this

Likely cause: the overload protector tripped

The disposal shut itself off to protect the motor. Let it cool, clear whatever overloaded it, and press the red reset button.

Why this happens

InSinkErator says the overload protector, also called the reset button, turns the disposal off automatically if it is jammed, runs for a very long time, or has another issue. GE says overloads come from packing food waste in too tightly, feeding it too fast, or an object jamming the flywheel. Moen adds that trying again and again to run a jammed disposal can trip this internal breaker, and after that the unit makes no sound at all.

How to fix it

  1. Turn the wall switch off.
  2. Give the motor a few minutes to cool, as GE advises.
  3. With dry hands, unplug the disposal or turn its breaker off, then look inside with a flashlight. Lift out anything you see with tongs or pliers, never your hand. GE says to remove the cause of the overload before you reset.
  4. Press the red reset button until it stays in. If it will not stay, give the motor more time to cool and try once more.
  5. Take the tongs and flashlight out of the sink and keep everyone clear of the drain opening. Then restore power, run cold water and flip the switch.
  6. If it hums now instead of spinning, switch it off, start this troubleshooter again and choose the humming answer to free the jam.

When to stop. If the button pops out again or will not stay in, stop resetting it. Call a plumber. Family Handyman's plumber says a button that keeps popping needs a professional to diagnose it.

If this does not fix it, tell the plumber

  • The disposal went silent and the reset button was sticking out.
  • What was in it when it stopped.
  • Whether the button stayed in after the reset, and how long the disposal ran.
  • The brand and model from the label on the unit.

Build the full list: what to tell the plumber.

Start this troubleshooter over

References (every fact above comes from one of these pages)
  1. InSinkErator: Resetting a garbage disposal
  2. GE Appliances: Disposer stopped running
  3. GE Appliances: Disposer reset button location
  4. Moen: How to unjam a garbage disposal
  5. Family Handyman: How to use a garbage disposal reset button

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