Why Do Garbage Disposal Units Start Humming?

A garbage disposal unit is an electronic device installed under a kitchen sink between the drain and trap. Rotating blades inside the unit, powered by an electric motor, are used to shred food waste into pieces small enough to pass through a home’s plumbing system. They are useful appliances found in many home kitchens.

These units get a lot of use. Over time, this heavy use causes wear and tear to the unit, affecting performance. A damaged or faulty electrical motor is among the most common garbage disposal problems. “Humming” is a warning sign that a garbage disposal’s motor is experiencing problems.

What to Do If Your Garbage Disposal Unit is Humming

That humming sound usually means that the disposal unit is receiving power, but the blades are rotating. Some of the things that can cause the garbage disposal unit to begin humming include:

• The unit has become jammed or clogged, preventing the grinder from spinning properly. If this is the cause, simply remove the trapped material. (Make sure to turn off the power before doing so!) Once the material has been removed, turn on the cold water and start the unit again to ensure the clog has been cleared. Don’t use a chemical drain cleaner on a disposal clog – it can damage the unit.

• The circuit breaker has been tripped. This can happen when the unit is overheating or when you’re using too many other electrical devices at the same time. Turn off the unit and wait for it to cool down. Once it’s cooled down, turn it back on and test to see if it’s working again.
• If this doesn’t work, check the circuit breaker or try pressing the unit’s reset button. If you are still unable to resolve your garbage disposal unit problem, contact a plumber or electrician.
  The unit has become damaged. In this case, it may be necessary to replace the entire garbage disposal unit. New garbage disposal units aren’t that expensive and are easy to install.

Avoiding Garbage Disposal Unit Problems

Here are a few general care tips to keep your garbage disposal unit in peak condition:

• Don’t place non-food materials, such as paper, metal, or plastic, into the drain. They can clog, jam, and damage the disposal unit.
• Don’t overstuff your disposal
• Don’t let food sit in the disposal. This can lead to corrosion. Run the disposal every time you put food in it.
• Once a month, clean your disposal by filling it full of ice cubes. Run the cold water and turn on the unit. This will scour the sides of the grinding chamber removing any built-up grease or other gunk.

Where to Find Garbage Disposal Unit Repair and Replacement Services in Oceanside, CA

Trying to repair a broken garbage disposal unit can result in serious injury, including electric shock, if you don’t know what you’re doing. Garbage disposal unit repair and replacement is a job best left to an experienced professional.

If your garbage disposal unit has stopped working, give 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration a call. We’ve been providing outstanding plumbing services to home and business owners in Oceanside, CA, and surrounding communities since 2012. Our team of highly trained and licensed are skilled in all areas of garbage disposal unit installation, repair, and replacement.

You can contact 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration through our website or call us at 866-437-0205 to schedule an appointment. In most cases, a licensed Oceanside, CA plumbing contractor can be onsite within an hour of your call.