Most properties are equipped with a garbage disposal unit that can be very useful for the entire house. It regulates the waste, keeps your house clean, and lets you dump all the trash without much fuss. A functional garbage disposal unit is essential; otherwise, chaos might happen. The entire system of waste disposal will be disrupted, and you will have troubling assorting everything.
Garbage disposal units are very reliable and work for hours at length. This useful equipment performs its required tasks for years without much hustle; however, once it is stuffed too much or it has run its due course, you might experience a humming noise coming out of it. This noise indicates that your garbage disposal unit needs immediate assistance to perform well. Let’s dive into the depths of this problem and see how it can be resolved:
A Humming Sound
The garbage disposal unit can work for years to come. However, there comes a time when the machine starts producing buzzing or humming sounds. This sound means that even though the power is being transferred to the machine, the recipient machine can’t seem to accept it. The blades aren’t moving as well as they should, which can be quite a hurdle in the garbage disposal.
Now the question is, why are the blades not moving properly? The blades can get stuck if the machinery is either jammed or clogged. It clearly indicates that there is a fault in the motor of the garbage disposal unit.
Sometimes, the garbage disposal unit stops working even when you haven’t really turned it off. This is because solid pieces of food and other items get stuck in the drain hole below the blades, which halts their movement.
How to Fix This Problem?
If the garbage disposal produces humming sounds, don’t let the disposal run, or the motor will run out. You need to turn the machine or unplug the motor before diving into the solution. Only when you have turned your garbage disposal off can you repair the machine.
Be mindful of the fact that small clogs or a jammed machine can be repaired, but if the motor has burned out, you will need to replace the garbage disposal.
Clear a jammed disposal machine by switching off the circuit breaker. Then look at the hole under the sink and attach a ¼ inch hex into it. That’s how you can free the impellers. All you have to do is force the hex back and forth a couple of times and let it rest for a while. You can also use the reversing switch if your model has one to achieve the same goal.
Some models of garbage disposal don’t have hex holes. Besides, the hex gets misplaced sometimes because of its small size. Either way, you can use a broomstick as an alternative. You can put it into the disposal and force it up and down against the impeller blades. After a while, rotate the broomstick in a to-and-fro motion.
In most cases, this solution works. Now, all you have to do is plug the garbage disposal and switch it on. If it is working, notice whether or not it’s producing a humming noise. Check the function of the garbage disposal unit for a while before determining the cause of the humming noise. If the noise persists, you need to consult a professional.
What Are the Other Causes of the Humming Noise?
If you have a child running around the house, it is a possibility that they have dumped a solid object into the garbage disposal unit. The presence of a foreign object can cause your unit to break down and stop functioning. The humming noise emerging from the machine could be an indication that a foreign object is halting the motion. As a result, the impeller blade jam, and a buzzing is heard. Therefore, you need to check the disposer and remove the object if found any.
Another common reason that might result in producing the humming sound from the garbage disposal unit is when the electrical outlet has tripped. When the required amount of current doesn’t reach the motor, it tends to slow down and stops functioning eventually. The low voltage may be one of the most prominent causes. As a result, the impeller blades create a buzzing or humming sound that indicates that the machine needs to be inspected.
What you can do is reset the machine and let it sit for a while. In most models, the reset button is found at the bottom of the garbage disposal unit. After some time, start the machine again and check whether or not the garbage disposal unit is operating properly. In most instances, resetting the machines restores its operations. As a result, the humming sound subsides, and the machine runs smoothly.
Final Word
Now that you are aware that the humming sounds emerging from the garbage disposal unit are a clear indication that your disposer needs tending to, you need to make sure to keep your garbage disposal unit protected from foreign items that might hinder its performance. Inspect the machine and take the easy way out. Make sure what causes the humming sound before attempting to remedy the situation. If the humming sound persists even after you have attempted everything written in this article, either replace your garbage disposal unit or consult a professional to inspect the machine.