Garbage Disposal Humming

You rely on your garbage disposal to deal with the table scraps so they don’t smell up your kitchen trash can. It’s easy. You scrap them off the plate, turn on the water, and flip a switch. However, there may come a time when your garbage disposal isn’t working right, or it starts making a strange sound. One of those sounds might be a humming noise. It’s time to explore what it might mean and what you need to do if your garbage disposal is humming.

Common Causes

The humming noise coming from your garbage disposal is a warning that something is wrong. But what? The truth is that the cause can be one of many things. Your garbage disposal has a variety of moving parts that can break or fail. You might have a humming garbage disposal because of:

• Obstructed blades
• Clogged disposal
• Tripped switches
• Overheated unit
• Faulty motor

These are some of the most common reasons that your garbage disposal might fail. However, before repairs can be made, you’ll need to find out the exact cause of the problem.

Some of these issues are easier to repair than others. In some cases, your garbage disposal might need to be replaced instead of repaired. This can depend on its current condition as well as its age. Most garbage disposals have an average lifespan of between eight and 12 years. You can discuss age with a professional plumber from Herrmann Services.

Identify and Fix the Issue

If your garbage disposal is obstructed, use a flashlight to check for blockages. You can remove the obstruction with needle-nose pliers or use a plunger to flush it out. Slow draining or water backing up can indicate a clog. Turn off the power and clear the clog with a plunger or drain snake.

If the disposal doesn’t turn on, check the red reset button at the bottom of the unit. It often trips before a breaker or fuse. If the disposal is leaking or looks worn, contact Herrmann Services for help.

Always turn on the water before starting the disposal to avoid overheating. If the disposal turns on but the blades don’t move, the motor is likely faulty, and it may need replacing.

Additional Information

For safety, you should always turn off the power from your switch box before attempting to fix it. When using your garbage disposal, you should always use hot water. Once a month, you should push some ice cubes into the disposal and run it to sharpen the blades. Items you should never put in your disposal include:

• Silverware
• Coffee grounds
• Pasta, rice, or bread
• Animal bones
• Nuts and shells
• Onion layers
• Eggshells

You should call a professional from Herrmann Services to repair your garbage disposal if you aren’t handy around the house or the problem seems more complex than tripping a fuse or unclogging it.

Contact Herrmann Services for All Your Garbage Disposal Needs 

With more than 50 years of experience in the industry, Herrmann Services is ready to provide you with high-quality work and services. Whether it’s a humming garbage disposal or a clogged drain, our team has the skills and experience to diagnose the issue and make any needed repairs. Don’t take a chance with your plumbing. We’re a family-owned and operated company that treats you like a friend and neighbor. Contact us now.

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