Yes, most garbage disposals have a reset button on the bottom or side of the unit

The reset button is a small red or black button, usually located on the underside or lower side of your garbage disposal motor housing. It is a thermal overload switch that trips when the motor gets too hot—either from jamming, overuse, or a mechanical problem. Pressing it restarts the disposal after it has shut itself off for safety.

Not every disposal has one. Older models and some compact units under the sink may lack a reset button entirely. If you cannot find one after checking the bottom and sides of the motor housing, your model likely does not have this feature, and you will need to troubleshoot the jam or blockage directly.

The reset button is different from the wall switch. The wall switch turns the disposal on and off during normal use. The reset button only works when the motor has already shut down due to overheating, and it tells the thermal switch inside the motor that it is safe to run again.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button is a small red or black button on the bottom or lower side of the motor housing, not on the wall or sink rim.
  • It only works after the motor has shut itself off due to overheating, jamming, or overload—pressing it when the motor is running will do nothing.
  • Before pressing reset, turn off the wall switch and wait at least five minutes for the motor to cool down completely.
  • If the reset button pops out again within a few days, the disposal has a mechanical problem and should be inspected or replaced.
  • Some older and compact models do not have a reset button and require manual unjamming instead.

How to locate the reset button on your disposal

Start by turning off the wall switch and unplugging the disposal if it has a plug under the sink. Look at the bottom of the motor housing—the cylindrical metal part that hangs below the sink. The reset button is usually a small round button, about the size of a pencil eraser, in red or black. It may be slightly recessed or flush with the housing.

If you do not see it on the bottom, check the sides of the motor housing, especially the side facing the wall or cabinet. Some models place it on the front-facing side instead. Use a flashlight if the space under the sink is dim. The button should be clearly labeled "reset" or have a small R printed next to it.

If you have looked at the entire motor housing and found nothing, check your disposal's manual or the manufacturer's website using the model number (usually stamped on a metal plate on the housing). Some disposals from the 1980s and 1990s, and some compact models designed for tight spaces, were made without a reset button.

Steps to press the reset button safely

First, turn off the wall switch and wait at least five minutes. The motor needs time to cool down after shutting itself off. Do not skip this step—pressing reset while the motor is still hot can damage the thermal switch or cause it to trip again when ready.

Once five minutes have passed, locate the reset button again. Use your finger or a pencil eraser to press it firmly. You should feel a click as the button pops back out. This click means the thermal switch has reset and the motor is ready to run again.

Turn the wall switch back on and run cold water down the drain for a few seconds. The disposal should start normally. If it does not start, or if it starts and then shuts off again within a minute, do not press reset a second time. The motor may have a jam or internal problem that reset cannot fix.

What causes the reset button to trip in the first place

The most common cause is a jam—something hard or fibrous caught between the grinding ring and the impellers. Bones, fruit pits, shells, and stringy vegetables like celery or corn husks are frequent culprits. The motor tries to grind them, draws too much current, and the thermal switch cuts power to protect the motor from burning out.

Overuse without breaks can also trip the button. Running the disposal for more than a minute or two at a time, or running it several times in quick succession without letting it cool, builds heat in the motor. Continuous use is not what these motors are designed for.

A dull or worn grinding ring will also cause the motor to work harder and heat up faster. As the disposal ages, the grinding surfaces wear smooth and lose their grip on food waste. The motor spins faster and hotter trying to do the same job, and the thermal switch responds by shutting it down.

When to press reset versus when to call for help

Press reset if the disposal shut off suddenly while you were running it, and you heard a grinding noise or felt the motor strain just before it stopped. This pattern suggests a jam that has already been cleared or a temporary overload. After reset, run water and test it. If it works normally, the problem is solved.

Do not press reset if the button has popped out on its own while the disposal was off, or if it pops out again within a few hours or days of you pressing it the first time. A button that trips repeatedly means the motor is overheating under normal use, which signals a worn grinding ring, a failing motor, or an internal mechanical problem. Pressing reset again will not fix it and may damage the thermal switch.

Also skip reset if you smell burning plastic or rubber coming from under the sink, or if the motor makes a high-pitched whining sound that does not change when you turn the wall switch on and off. These are signs of electrical or mechanical failure, not a straightforward jam. Pressing reset in these cases could create a fire hazard.

What to do if your disposal does not have a reset button

If your model has no reset button, the disposal may have a different safety feature—some use a manual unjam tool or a hex wrench slot on the bottom of the motor. Check your manual for the correct tool and the steps to manually turn the motor shaft and dislodge a jam.

If your disposal has neither a reset button nor a manual unjam feature, and it has shut off, you will need to turn off the wall switch and wait at least 30 minutes for the motor to cool. Then turn the switch back on and test it. If it still does not run, the thermal overload has not reset on its own, and the disposal likely needs professional service or replacement.

Older disposals without reset buttons are also more prone to jamming because they lack the modern safety features of newer models. If yours jams frequently, consider replacing it with a current model that includes a reset button and better jam-prevention design.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I press the reset button while the disposal is running?

No. The reset button only works when the motor has already shut itself off. Pressing it while the motor is running will have no effect. Always turn off the wall switch first and wait at least five minutes before pressing reset.

What if I press reset and nothing happens?

If you pressed the button and felt no click, you may not have found the actual reset button—check the manual or manufacturer's website to confirm the location. If you found the right button but it did not click, the thermal switch may be stuck or damaged and the disposal may need professional repair.

How many times can I press the reset button before I damage the disposal?

Pressing reset once or twice after a jam is normal and safe. If you are pressing it more than twice in a week, or if it pops out on its own repeatedly, the motor has a deeper problem. Continuing to press reset will not fix it and may wear out the thermal switch faster.

Is it safe to press the reset button if I smell something burning?

No. A burning smell means the motor or wiring is overheating dangerously. Do not press reset. Turn off the wall switch, unplug the disposal if possible, and let it cool for at least an hour. If the smell returns when you turn it back on, stop using it and contact a plumber or the manufacturer.

Will pressing reset fix a leak under my sink?

No. The reset button only restarts the motor after overheating. It has nothing to do with leaks. If your disposal is leaking, the problem is in the seals, connections, or the housing itself, and reset will not help. You will need to inspect the connections or call a plumber.