Garbage disposal hums but will not spin: how to unjam it
When a disposal hums, the motor is getting power but the grinding plate is stuck. Freeing the jam fixes most of them for the price of a wrench.
Before you start: Turn the disposal off at the switch, and unplug it or switch off its breaker before touching it. Never put your hand inside a disposal.
What to check first
The jam
Fit a disposal wrench, which is a 1/4 inch hex key, into the socket on the bottom center of the unit. Work it back and forth until it turns a full circle freely.
Something stuck inside
With the power still off, look in with a flashlight and pull out anything lodged in the chamber with tongs or pliers.
The reset button
Press the red reset button on the bottom of the unit, restore power, and test it with cold water running.
The breaker
If there is no sound at all after a reset, check the breaker.
The unit itself
If it still only hums after spinning freely by hand, or water leaks from the body of the unit, it needs replacing.
Get the list for your store
Ask Danny turns this job into a one-trip parts list for Home Depot and Lowe's, with aisle numbers and price estimates. Free, and no account needed.
Build my parts listParts you may need
- Disposal wrenchA 1/4 inch hex key. Many units came with one, and a standard hex key the same size works.
- Replacement disposalOnly if it leaks from the body or still will not run. The same brand often fits the existing mount.
- Disposal splash guardOptional, if the rubber guard is torn.
Tools
- 1/4 inch hex key or disposal wrench
- Flashlight
- Tongs or long pliers
Call a licensed pro if
- The unit is hardwired and replacing it means disconnecting wiring
- It trips the breaker again and again
- The sink drain itself is clogged below the disposal
General guidance, not professional advice. Parts differ by brand and model, so check yours before buying. Aisle numbers and prices in the app are estimates. How Ask Danny uses AI. Updated September 16, 2026.