Why is my garbage disposal humming but not working?

A humming disposal that won't spin has something jammed in the flywheel — usually a bone, bottle cap, or utensil. The hum is the stalled motor trying to turn. Cut power, clear the jam, use the hex-wrench port on the bottom to free the plate, and it usually lives. A disposal that leaks from the bottom or keeps tripping its reset is done: replacement, not repair.

Likely causes

• Jammed flywheel — Hard debris locks the plate; the hum is the stalled motor.
• Tripped reset or breaker — The disposal's own overload switch pops to protect the motor — that version is silent, no hum.
• Worn seals (leaking from the bottom) — Bottom leaks mean the internal seal failed — disposals aren't rebuilt; replace.
• Dead motor — No sound at all with power confirmed — the unit has failed.

What you can check yourself

• Power OFF at the switch and breaker. Never reach inside with your hand — use tongs or pliers to fish debris out through the drain opening.
• Insert an Allen wrench (usually 1/4 inch) in the hex socket on the unit's bottom and work it back and forth to free the jam.
• Press the red reset button on the bottom, restore power, run cold water, and test.

Typical cost

A plumber's repair visit in Richmond, VA typically runs $150–$300 if it's just a jam or reset. Disposal replacement runs $250–$600 installed depending on horsepower and brand.

When to call a pro

Leaks from the bottom of the unit, repeated breaker trips, or a jam you can't free — call. Water plus a failing electrical appliance under the sink is not a wait-and-see.

Plumber pros in Richmond, VA

• Budget Plumbing & Drain Cleaning LLC · 1244 New Market Rd, Henrico, VA · 4.4★ (12 reviews) · (804) 931-5277
• Kane Plumbing Company · 403 E Laburnum Ave, Richmond, VA · +18043291541
• Statewide Plumbing · 2612 Goodes Bridge Rd, North Chesterfield, VA · +18046746999
• Lyttle Utilities Inc · 2210 E Belt Blvd, Richmond, VA · 18042313426
• Anytime Emergency Plumbing · 5541 Westower Dr, Richmond, VA · (804) 869-2686
• Advanced Plumbing, Llc · 5324 Distributor Dr, Richmond, VA · 18043581616
• Leak Finders · 27 Labrook Dr Ste 200, Richmond, VA · 18046555325
• M.a. Williams Drain Cleaning & Plumbing · 27 Labrook Dr Ste 100, Richmond, VA · 18042307240

Get free quotes from Richmond, VA pros →

Data by Servik — verified local pros from official license records and public sources. Cost figures are typical ranges, not quotes; a pro's written estimate is the real number.