Turn the disposal off at the switch before doing anything else, and never put your hand inside it.
What is happening
The motor is trying to turn but cannot. A fruit pit, bone, utensil or fibrous buildup has wedged the plate. Most disposals have a thermal overload that shuts them off after a short time to protect the motor.
What you can safely try
- Switch it off, and unplug it or turn off its breaker
- Look inside with a flashlight and remove any object with tongs or pliers
- Use the hex key that fits the socket in the center of the unit’s underside to turn the plate back and forth until it moves freely
- Press the red reset button on the bottom, restore power and run cold water before switching it on
If it does nothing at all
A disposal that is completely silent has lost power: check the reset button, the switch and the breaker. If it hums again right after being freed, the jam may not be fully cleared.
When professional help makes sense
If the plate will not turn, the unit leaks from its body, or it keeps tripping its reset, the disposal may need repair or replacement. An older unit with a worn motor is usually not worth repairing.