The reset button is usually under the sink, and you press it after the disposal trips

Most garbage disposals have a red or black reset button on the bottom or side of the motor housing, directly under your sink. When the disposal jams, overheats, or draws too much power, an internal overload switch trips and shuts the unit off. Pressing the reset button restores power — but only after you have cleared whatever caused the jam in the first place.

The reset button is a safety feature, not a fix. Pressing it without removing the blockage will trip the switch again when ready. The disposal will not run until the jam is gone.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button sits on the motor housing under the sink and is usually red or black.
  • You must clear the jam or blockage before pressing reset, or the switch will trip again.
  • Never put your hand down the drain — use tongs or pliers to pull out food and debris.
  • If the reset button pops out again within seconds of pressing it, the motor may be damaged and the unit may need replacement.

Locate the reset button under your sink

Turn off the wall switch for the disposal and unplug it if there is a plug under the sink. Look at the bottom of the cylindrical motor housing — the large metal or plastic part that hangs from the sink drain. The reset button is a small round button, usually red or black, protruding slightly from the housing.

If you cannot find it on the bottom, check the sides of the motor. On some models it is mounted on the side facing the wall or cabinet. Shine a flashlight to see clearly. If your disposal is older or a less common brand, the button may be harder to spot, but it will be somewhere on the motor itself, not on the sink or pipes.

Clear the jam before you reset

Turn off the wall switch and make sure the disposal is completely off. Do not reach into the drain with your bare hand. Use a pair of kitchen tongs, needle-nose pliers, or a wooden spoon to fish out whatever is stuck. Common culprits are fibrous food scraps, bones, fruit pits, and utensils that fell in.

Run water down the drain while you work to help loosen debris. Once you have pulled out the visible blockage, use the tongs to turn the impeller blades by hand — they should spin freely. If they do not move, there is still something jammed between the blades and the drain wall. Keep working until the blades turn easily.

Press the reset button and test the disposal

Once the jam is clear and the blades spin freely by hand, plug the disposal back in or turn the wall switch back on. Press the reset button firmly until you hear or feel it click. The button should stay in, flush with the motor housing.

Turn on the wall switch. The disposal should run normally. If it does not, or if the reset button pops out again within a few seconds, stop and turn off the switch. This usually means the motor is damaged or there is still a blockage you missed.

What to do if the reset button will not stay in

If the reset button keeps popping out, the overload switch is tripping repeatedly. This happens when the motor is trying to work but cannot — either because there is still a jam, or because the motor itself is failing. Check one more time for debris using tongs. Make sure nothing is wedged between the impeller and the drain opening.

If the drain is clear and the button still will not hold, the motor may be burned out or the overload switch may be faulty. At that point, the disposal usually needs to be replaced. A new unit costs between $150 and $400 installed, depending on the model and whether you hire a plumber or do it yourself.

Prevent jams by watching what goes down

The easiest reset is the one you never have to do. Avoid putting fibrous foods like celery, onion skins, and corn husks down the disposal. Do not put bones, fruit pits, or hard shells in. Never put grease or oil down the drain — they solidify and cause blockages further down the line.

Run cold water while the disposal is running, and keep it running for a few seconds after you turn off the motor. This flushes debris through the pipes. If you hear grinding or rattling that sounds wrong, turn it off when ready and check for foreign objects.

When to call a plumber instead of resetting

If the reset button pops out more than once in a month, or if the disposal makes a burning smell when you try to run it, do not keep resetting it. A burning smell means the motor is overheating, and repeated resets can damage it further. Turn off the disposal and have a plumber look at it.

If water backs up into your sink when the disposal is off, the clog is not in the disposal itself — it is further down the drain line. Resetting the disposal will not help. You will need a plumber to clear the main drain or use a drain snake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset the disposal if there is water in the sink?

Yes. Drain the sink first so you can see into it and work safely, but a little standing water will not hurt the reset process. Make sure the disposal is off before you reach in or press the reset button.

What if I cannot find the reset button?

Check the bottom and all sides of the motor housing with a flashlight. If your disposal is mounted in a tight space, you may need to get under the sink with a mirror or phone camera to see it. If you still cannot find it, check your disposal's manual or look up the model number online — some older or specialty models have the reset in an unusual spot.

Is it safe to press the reset button multiple times?

Pressing it once is fine. If it pops out again when ready, stop and investigate the jam further instead of pressing it repeatedly. Repeated resets without fixing the underlying problem can damage the motor.

Do I need to turn off the wall switch before pressing reset?

Yes. Always turn off the switch and unplug the disposal if there is a plug. This prevents the motor from suddenly starting while your hand is near the reset button or the drain.

How long does it take for a disposal to cool down after it trips?

The overload switch usually cools enough to reset within a few minutes. If you want to be safe, wait five to ten minutes before pressing the button. This also gives you time to clear the jam properly.