Most garbage disposals have a reset button on the bottom or side of the unit

Yes, nearly all garbage disposals made in the last 20 years have a reset button. It is a small red or black button, usually located on the underside of the motor housing or on the side near the bottom. The button sits there to cut power to the unit when the motor overheats or when an internal safety switch trips — which happens when the disposal jams, draws too much current, or runs too long without a break.

The reset button is not the same as the wall switch. Flipping the wall switch off and on again does not reset the motor's thermal protection. You have to press the physical button on the disposal itself. If you cannot see it from below, check the side of the unit where the motor connects to the sink drain.

Some older disposals or commercial models may not have a reset button at all. If you have a unit from before 2000 or a heavy-duty model, you may need to call a plumber or the manufacturer to find out whether yours has one and where it is located.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button is a small red or black button on the bottom or side of the motor housing, not on the wall switch.
  • The button trips when the motor overheats or when the disposal jams, and you must press it to restore power after clearing the jam.
  • Pressing the reset button does nothing until you have removed the object blocking the blades and turned off the wall switch.
  • If the button pops out again within a few minutes of pressing it, the motor may be failing and you should have a plumber inspect it.

How to reset your garbage disposal after a jam

First, turn off the wall switch and unplug the disposal if it has a plug under the sink. Do not skip this step — the blades can still spin if power is on, even if the motor is tripped.

Use a flashlight to look down the drain and see what is stuck. If you can reach it with needle-nose pliers or a wooden spoon, pull it out. Never put your hand down the drain. Once the blockage is clear, locate the reset button on the bottom or side of the motor and press it firmly until you hear or feel it click.

Turn the wall switch back on and run cold water for a few seconds. The disposal should start normally. If it does not, press the reset button again and wait 10 minutes before trying once more — the thermal switch may still be cooling down.

What to do if the reset button keeps popping out

If the button trips again within a few minutes of you pressing it, or if it pops out on its own while the disposal is running, the motor is likely failing. A tripped reset button means the motor drew too much current or got too hot, and repeated trips point to a bearing wearing out, a jam that is not fully cleared, or a motor that is near the end of its life.

Check one more time that nothing is stuck in the drain — sometimes a small piece of bone or glass wedges between the blades and does not show up on a quick look. If the drain is clear and the button still trips, you will need a plumber to inspect the motor or replace the unit. Continuing to reset and run the disposal when it keeps tripping can damage the motor further and create a fire hazard.

Reset button location varies by brand and model

InSinkErator, the most common brand, places the reset button on the bottom of the motor housing — you may need to get under the sink with a flashlight to see it clearly. Waste King disposals often have the button on the side of the motor. Badger and other brands vary, so check your manual or the manufacturer's website if you cannot find it after a thorough look.

If you do not have the manual, take a photo of the model number (usually stamped on the motor housing) and search the manufacturer's website or call their customer service line. They can tell you exactly where the button is on your model and whether it exists at all.

When the reset button is not the problem

If your disposal will not turn on and the reset button is not popped out, the issue is elsewhere. Check that the wall switch is on, that the outlet under the sink has power (plug in a lamp to test it), and that the disposal is plugged in if it has a plug. Some disposals have a separate switch under the sink that can be turned off — make sure it is in the on position.

If power is reaching the unit but it still will not start, the motor itself may have failed. This is different from a tripped reset button and usually means the disposal needs to be replaced.

Preventing resets by avoiding common jams

The reset button trips most often because of what goes down the drain. Bones, fruit pits, fibrous vegetables like celery, and starchy foods like pasta swell and jam the blades. Grease hardens as it cools and can coat the blades, making them stick. Run cold water before, during, and after use, and feed food in slowly rather than dumping a full sink at once.

Do not put anything down the disposal that is not food waste — no plastic, rubber, glass, or metal. Even small items like twist ties or foil can jam the motor. If you follow these habits, you may never need to press the reset button at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the reset button on my garbage disposal?

It is almost always on the bottom of the motor housing or on the side near the bottom. Use a flashlight and look under the sink. If you cannot find it after a careful search, check your manual or the manufacturer's website with your model number.

Do I need to turn off the disposal before pressing reset?

Yes. Turn off the wall switch and unplug the unit if it has a plug. The reset button only works after you have cut power and cleared whatever is jamming the blades. Pressing reset while the motor is still powered can be unsafe.

What if pressing the reset button does nothing?

Make sure the wall switch is on and the outlet has power. If power is reaching the unit but it still will not start after you press reset, the motor may have failed and the disposal may need to be replaced.

Can I reset the disposal by turning the wall switch off and on?

No. The wall switch cuts power to the motor, but it does not reset the thermal protection. You must press the physical reset button on the motor itself. The wall switch alone will not restore the unit to working order after a jam.

Is it safe to keep resetting if the button pops out again?

No. If the button trips more than once in a short time, stop using the disposal and have a plumber check it. Repeated resets mean the motor is drawing too much current or overheating, which can lead to damage or a fire hazard.