Waste Maid Stalled Motor with Overload Trip

Garbage disposal makes a low humming sound and then the reset button trips

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Possible Causes

Severe jam in grinding chamber, Foreign object wedged between grind ring and plate, Motor rotor locked, Oversized or hard items (bones, pits) in Waste Maid unit

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety First: Immediately turn OFF the wall switch if the unit hums. Turn OFF the breaker before attempting to clear a jam.

  • Clear the jam: Insert the Waste Maid jam-buster wrench into the bottom hex socket and work it back and forth until the shaft turns freely.
  • Remove objects: From the sink opening, use pliers to remove any large bones, pits, or utensils. Do not use your hands.
  • Reset the overload: After the motor cools for 5–10 minutes, press the red reset button on the bottom of the unit until it clicks.
  • Test with water: Restore power, run cold water, and briefly turn ON the disposal. If it hums again, turn it OFF immediately and recheck for obstructions.
  • Replace if motor remains locked: If the shaft cannot be freed with the wrench, the motor is likely damaged and the disposal should be replaced.
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Repair Difficulty

Easy 2/5

Required Part

Motor and Rotor Assembly
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