[montemag]

My garbage disposal makes a humming noise and won't turn. I tried using a broom handle that does not work. Now it is starting to get real hot.

[ac101]

First turn power off at the switch. Sometimes something becomes stuck inside jamming the cutting teeth of the disposer thereby stopping the motor. First get a flashlight with the power off at the switch now look down inside to see if you see any obstructions. If you see something there you may be able to free it up by manually turning the motor once again BE SURE THE POWER IS OFF There is ussually an allen head bolt in the center of the bottom of the disposal. There is an allen key that comes with most disposals when there installed. If you have this great if not locate the bolt I'm talking about and find the proper allen to fit it. Then try slowly turning the bolt back and forth does it feel stuck in either direction listen for grating or grinding noises while turning it. If you can get the motor to turn this way then turn it a couple of times remove the allen key and test it at the switch. When you look inside look for any damage to the unit as well as anything metal. I had one lady call me up because of a similar problem turned out her diamond ring is what had it stuck she had been looking for the ring for two days. I do not recommend sticking your hand down in the disposer for any reason use a pair of needle nose pliers or something else if you must reach inside and once again make sure the power is off while servicing the disposer. If you need more info or I have missed anything please post back. GOOD LUCK, AC

[progunr]

Turn it off.

Sounds like blade is jammed, or the motor has frozen up.

I hate it when that happens, nothing is quite as creepy as sticking your hand into that damn thing! Un-plug it, or should I say UN-PLUG IT!

Then, try to feel around and make sure that something small, like a chicken bone, has not jammed it up. If you can't find anything stuck in it, you may need to replace it.