When it comes to keeping your kitchen clean and functioning properly, a garbage disposal can be a real lifesaver. But what happens when your Badger garbage disposal starts humming but not working? This is a common issue that can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a jammed impeller, a faulty motor, or clogged drain pipes.
In this blog post, we will explore the possible causes of this problem and provide you with troubleshooting steps to help you fix it. We will also discuss preventative measures to avoid future issues and provide guidance on when to seek professional help. So let’s dive in and learn how to get your Badger garbage disposal up and running again!
Possible Causes
The humming but not working issue in your Badger garbage disposal can be caused by a variety of factors. Here are a few reasons to think about:
Jammed impellers:
The impellers are the spinning blades inside the garbage disposal that chop up the food waste. If something gets stuck between the impellers or in the drain, the motor may continue to run but the impellers won’t be able to turn.
Faulty motor:
If the motor is damaged or worn out, it may not have enough power to turn the impellers, resulting in a humming noise without any grinding.
Overheated motor:
If the garbage disposal is used for an extended period, the motor can overheat and stop working. In this case, you may hear a humming sound but the impellers won’t be able to turn.
Tripped breaker:
A tripped circuit breaker can cause the garbage disposal to stop working altogether. Check your circuit breaker to see if the disposal has tripped the switch.
Clogged drain pipes:
If the drain pipes leading away from the garbage disposal are clogged, the disposal may continue to run but the water won’t be able to flow through the pipes. This can cause a humming sound as the motor continues to run without actually disposing of anything.
Troubleshooting Steps
Here are some troubleshooting steps you can take to fix your Badger garbage disposal humming but not working issue:
Shut off the power:
Turn off the power to your garbage disposal by unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker. Never put your hand inside the disposal while it’s connected to the power.
Clear obstructions:
Look inside the disposal with a flashlight and remove any visible obstructions using tongs or pliers. Never use your hands to remove any objects inside the disposal.
Reset the motor:
If the disposal is still humming after clearing obstructions, locate the red reset button on the bottom of the disposal unit and press it. Wait a few minutes and try turning the disposal on again.
Check the drain pipes:
Use a sink plunger to try and clear any clogs in the drain pipes leading away from the garbage disposal. If the pipes are clogged, the disposal won’t work properly.
Try turning the impellers:
With the power off, use a hex wrench to manually turn the impellers. This can help to dislodge any remaining obstructions.
If none of these steps work, it’s best to seek professional help to diagnose and fix the issue.
Fixing the Issue
The steps to fix your Badger garbage disposal humming but not working issue will depend on the specific cause of the problem. Here are some steps you can take to fix the most common causes:
jammed impeller:
- Turn off the power to the disposal and unplug it.
- Use tongs or pliers to remove any visible obstructions inside the disposal.
- Use a hex wrench to manually turn the impellers and dislodge any remaining obstructions.
- Plug the disposal back in and turn it on to test if it’s working properly.
A faulty motor:
- Turn off the power to the disposal and unplug it.
- Look for any visible damage or wear on the motor.
- It could be necessary to replace the motor if it is damaged. For assistance with this, speak with a specialist.
An overheated motor:
- Turn off the power to the disposal and unplug it.
- Watch for the motor to finish cooling down.
- On the disposal’s bottom, push the red reset button.
- Plug the disposal back in and turn it on to test if it’s working properly.
Fixing a tripped breaker:
- Check your circuit breaker to see if the disposal has tripped the switch.
- If it has, switch the circuit breaker back on.
- Plug the disposal back in and turn it on to test if it’s working properly.
Fixing clogged drain pipes:
- Use a sink plunger to try and clear any clogs in the drain pipes leading away from the garbage disposal.
- If the clog is still present, you may need to contact a professional to help clear the pipes.
Remember to always turn off the power to the disposal before attempting any repairs. It’s advisable to get expert advice if you have questions about any of these measures.
Preventative Measures
To prevent your Badger garbage disposal from humming but not working, here are some preventative measures you can take:
Run water while using the disposal:
Whenever utilizing the garbage disposal, run cold water. This helps to flush out any food waste and prevent clogs from forming.
Cut up large food items:
Avoid putting large food items into the garbage disposal as they can get stuck between the impellers. Cut them into smaller pieces before disposing of them.
Avoid putting non-food items down the disposal:
Never put non-food items like glass, metal, or plastic down the disposal. These items can damage the impellers or jam the disposal.
Regularly clean the disposal:
To keep your disposal working properly, it’s important to clean it regularly. You can do this by pouring a mixture of vinegar and baking soda down the disposal and then flushing it with hot water.
Use a garbage disposal cleaner:
You can also use a garbage disposal cleaner to help break down any buildup in the disposal. Make sure you strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s directions.
By following these preventative measures, you can help ensure that your Badger garbage disposal continues to work properly and avoid any humming but not working issues in the future.
Also Read: How to Fix Garbage Disposal Leaking From Bottom When Dishwasher Runs
Final Thoughts
A humming but not working Badger garbage disposal can be caused by various factors, including obstructions, motor issues, clogs, and more.
Troubleshooting steps like resetting the motor, clearing obstructions, checking the drain pipes, and turning the impellers can help fix the problem. It’s important to take preventative measures such as running water while using the disposal, cutting up large food items, avoiding putting non-food items down the disposal, regularly cleaning the disposal, and using a garbage disposal cleaner. I
f you’re unsure about any of the steps or the issue persists, it’s best to seek professional help to diagnose and fix the problem.
