Yes, most garbage disposals have a reset button, and it is usually located on the bottom or side of the unit
The reset button on a garbage disposal is a small red or black button, typically about the size of a pencil eraser. It sits on the motor housing itself — the cylindrical part underneath your sink. On some models it is on the bottom; on others it is on the side facing the wall. The button pops out when the motor overheats or when the disposal trips its internal safety switch, which happens when the unit jams or draws too much power.
Not every disposal has a reset button. Older models and some budget units rely on a manual reset switch mounted on the wall or under the sink instead. If you cannot find a button on the motor housing, check for a small switch on the outlet or on the wall behind the sink. Your disposal's manual will show you exactly where the reset mechanism is on your specific model.
Key Takeaways
- The reset button is a small red or black button on the motor housing under the sink, and it pops out when the disposal overheats or jams.
- Before pressing reset, turn off the wall switch and remove any debris from the drain opening with tongs or pliers — never reach in with your hands.
- Push the reset button back in firmly until it clicks; if it pops back out when ready, the motor is still too hot and you should wait 15 minutes before trying again.
- If the reset button will not stay in or the disposal still will not run after reset, the motor may be damaged and the unit may need replacement.
How to safely reset a jammed disposal
Turn off the wall switch first. This is the most important step — never work on a disposal that is still powered on. If the disposal is running, let it stop completely before you touch anything.
Look into the drain opening with a flashlight. If you see food, a utensil, or a bone stuck in the chamber, remove it with tongs, pliers, or a wooden spoon. Do not put your hand down the drain. Once the obstruction is out, you can reset the motor.
Reach under the sink and locate the reset button on the motor housing. Press it firmly and hold it for a second or two until you feel it click back into place. The button should stay in. Turn the wall switch back on and run cold water while you turn the disposal on briefly to test it.
What to do if the reset button keeps popping out
A reset button that pops back out when ready means the motor is still overheated or the jam is not fully cleared. Turn off the disposal and wait 15 to 20 minutes for the motor to cool down. Check the drain again for any remaining debris you might have missed — sometimes a small piece of bone or a twist tie can stay wedged in the impeller blades.
If the button still pops out after the motor has cooled and you have cleared the drain, the thermal overload switch may be failing or the motor itself may be damaged. At this point, the disposal likely needs professional service or replacement. Repeatedly forcing the reset button back in will not fix an underlying motor problem and can damage the unit further.
When a reset button means the disposal needs to be replaced
If the reset button will not stay in after you have cleared the drain and let the motor cool, or if the disposal runs for only a few seconds before the button pops out again, the unit has an internal fault. This could be a burned-out thermal switch, a seized impeller, or a failing motor capacitor. These parts are not user-replaceable on most disposals.
A disposal that resets repeatedly is usually 8 to 15 years old or has been overworked by grinding bones, fibrous vegetables, or grease. Replacement is typically cheaper and faster than repair. A new standard disposal costs between $150 and $400 installed, depending on the model and whether you hire a plumber.
Preventing jams so you do not have to reset often
The best way to avoid using the reset button is to keep the disposal clear of problem foods. Never put bones, corn husks, celery, onion skins, or potato peels down the drain — these jam the impeller or wrap around the blades. Grease and oil should go in the trash or a container, not down the drain, because they cool and solidify in the pipes.
Run cold water before, during, and after grinding. Cold water helps move food through the chamber and keeps the motor cool. Use the disposal for a few seconds at a time rather than running it continuously, and do not overstuff the drain opening. If you hear grinding that sounds wrong or the disposal slows down, stop when ready and check for a jam before it triggers the reset.
Difference between reset button and manual reset switch
A reset button is automatic — it pops out on its own when the motor overheats or jams, and you push it back in to restart. A manual reset switch is a separate switch, usually mounted on the wall outlet or on the wall behind the sink, that you flip off and on to reset the disposal. Manual switches are less common in newer disposals but are still found on some older models and commercial units.
If your disposal does not have a button on the motor housing, look for a switch on the outlet or wall. Some disposals have both — a button on the motor and a switch on the wall. Check your manual or the manufacturer's website for your specific model. If you cannot find either, the disposal may have a different reset mechanism or may not have a user-accessible reset at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is the reset button located?
The reset button is on the motor housing — the cylindrical part under the sink. It is usually on the bottom or the side facing the wall. Shine a flashlight under the sink and look for a small red or black button about the size of a pencil eraser. If you cannot find it on the motor, check the wall outlet or the wall behind the sink for a manual reset switch instead.
Can I reset the disposal while it is plugged in?
No. Always turn off the wall switch before you reset the disposal. If the disposal is hardwired (no plug), turn off the circuit breaker. Never work on the disposal while it is powered on, even if it is not running. This prevents accidental startup while your hands are near the drain.
What if I press the reset button and nothing happens?
If the button stays in but the disposal does not run, the wall switch may be off or the circuit breaker may have tripped. Check both. If the switch is on and the breaker is set, the motor may have failed. If the button pops back out when ready, the motor is overheated or still jammed — wait 15 minutes and try again after clearing the drain.
How often should a disposal need to be reset?
A well-maintained disposal should rarely need a reset. If you are resetting it more than once or twice a year, you are likely grinding foods that jam the impeller — bones, fibrous vegetables, or grease. Change what you put down the drain. If resets happen even with careful use, the disposal is aging and may need replacement soon.
Is it safe to reach into the disposal to clear a jam?
No. Always use tongs, pliers, or a wooden spoon to remove debris. Never put your hand or fingers into the drain, even if the disposal is off. The impeller blades can cause serious cuts. If you cannot reach the jam with a tool, call a plumber rather than risk injury.