When turning on garbage disposal power turns on but does not spin

If your garbage disposal won't run you may need to reset the garbage disposal using the RED overload protector button on the bottom. ... Turn on a cold stream of water and turn the disposal switch to "ON" position, the disposal should now run again. How to Reset Garbage Disposal InSinkErator
Use the wrench provided and turn disposer counterclockwise wise (of course the power is off.. do not repair it is better to replace with a new unit. Use 1/2 Hp minimum. Available at HD or Lowe's

best to remove the garbage disposal unit
and bench test it

motor hum and no spin
your description says its time for a new one

Hi,
Here is a tip that I wrote that will help you to figure out what is going onwith your garbage disposal and why it is not working.

Garbage Disposal Clogged or Jammed heatman101

I had the same problem, it was just humming, then after a few second the on board circuit breaker would cut out. After a little while I could hit the reset button and it would just hum again.

It turns out that the base of the disposal was jammed. There are 2 blades on the top that should spin freely, but the base plate that the blades are attached to also spins. In fact, that's what the motor drives. The two blades on top are not powered, they just flip back and forth as the base spins. So get a broom handle or a strong wooden spoon, stick it down in there, and try to pry the base plate free so it spins. That should do it.

Do you hear a humming sound when you turn it on? If so, you have a clogged disposal. Check on the bottom for the allen wrench location recessed in the middle of the disposal. Insert the proper size allen wrench and you'll be able to rotate the motor back and forth (sometimes difficult at first) and eventually loosen the clog and free up the motor. If you're able to move the shaft/motor easily in the beginning and it still doesn't work you may have a defective disposal. If you want to check more thoroughly you'll need to check to see if you have power at the disposal when you turn on the switch. Use a electrical tester that you can buy at any home improvement store to see if you have power at the disposal. If so, and the motor turns easily when you use your allen wrench, you have a defective disposal and it needs replacement.

Hi,

The motor is dead if you are getting power to it, the shaft is free and it don't turn. You will need to replace it.

Garbage Disposal Clogged or Jammed

heatman101

I also am having the same problem. Tried the reset button as well as the jambuster. The allen wrench swivels with ease from the nudge of a finger. The motor turns on, but the disposal will not spin. Do I have to take it the garbage disposal apart?

Hi,

Check the reset button...

Here is a tip that I wrote that will help you to figure out what is going on with your garbage disposal and why it is not working.

Garbage Disposal Clogged or Jammed

heatman101

you can remove the whole unit ,and take off the black rubber gasket and you can get your hand in side,or you can try toturn the blades with the disposal allen key,that it comes with,insert in the bottom of the unit and turn it each way or remove the trap and waste arm from the disposal,you might be able to pop the item up and loose it so you can

Every disposal I've seen or installed has had a RESET button. If there is no sound at all when you switch the unit ON, look/feel around the bottom of the unit for a small button (usually RED). Press the button in, and then try the switch again.

If the unit makes a humming sound when switched on, something is binding the mechanism and preventing the blades from spinning. If this is the case, unplug the unit and then spin it to remove blockage and free the blade mechanism. If the unit came with a large allen wrench, you can insert it in the bottom of the unit and turn it to free the blades. No wrench, no problem. Insert a small piece of pipe, a pipe wrench handle, or (my favotite) a 3/8 or 1/2 inch socket extension bar into the top of unit and turn the blade assembly until it spins freely. Once the blade assembly is freed, the unit should operate normally.