Garbage disposal jammed or not working
Answer: call a plumber.
A jammed garbage disposal hums but doesn't spin, or it stops responding entirely. Common causes include hard objects like bones or fruit pits wedging the impeller plate, grease buildup caking the grinding chamber, or a tripped internal reset button. If the unit hums loudly without grinding, it's mechanically stuck. If it's completely silent, check the reset button on the bottom and the circuit breaker. A plumber can unjam the disposal, replace worn splash guards or impeller plates, and recommend whether a repair or full replacement makes more financial sense — most disposals last 8–15 years.
Who to call
For this problem, call a: Plumber
Symptoms to look for
- Disposal hums loudly when turned on but blades don't spin
- Completely silent when switched on — no hum, no movement
- Foul odor rising from the sink drain even after cleaning
- Water backs up in the sink when the disposal side drains slowly
- Visible food debris stuck below the splash guard
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