Why does my garbage disposal hum but not spin?

Concerns & risks

You flip the switch on the garbage disposal and hear a hum, but nothing spins.

A jammed disposal can blow its reset or overheat if left humming.

Causes & evidence

Something is wedging the spinning plate, so the motor can't turn.

What to do

1. Turn it OFF at the switch (unplug it if it's plug-in). Never put your hand inside.
2. Insert a 1/4-inch hex (Allen) wrench into the hole on the bottom center and work it back and forth.
3. Remove loosened objects with tongs.
4. Press the red reset button on the bottom, restore power, run cold water and test.

Common mistakes: Never put your hand in the disposal. Turn off power first. Don't keep running it while it hums; that can burn out the motor. Avoid putting fibrous foods and grease down it. Many disposals have a reset button on the bottom and a hex socket in the center underneath. With power off, turning the socket with the matching wrench can free a jam. Then press reset and test with cold water running.

Speed Man tip: Clicks or does nothing at all after reset? It may need replacement.

Wrap-up: Humming = jammed, not dead. Power off, turn the bottom hex socket with an Allen key. Press the reset button and test with cold water.