Garbage Disposal Jammed? DIY Steps Before Calling

A garbage disposal that hums but won’t turn, or that’s completely stuck, is usually caused by a jam—often from utensils, food buildup, or mineral scale. Before you book a plumber, you can run through a few safe DIY steps to identify the problem and, in many cases, restore operation.

Important safety first: Always switch off power at the breaker (not just the wall switch) and never put your hands into the disposal opening. Use a flashlight and tools only if power is confirmed off.