The reset button is usually on the bottom of the unit

Most Badger garbage disposals have a red or black reset button on the underside of the motor housing. If your disposal has stopped working or shut itself off, pressing this button is the first thing to try. The button pops out when the motor overheats or when the unit jams, and pushing it back in restarts the disposal.

Before you reach under the sink, turn off the wall switch and make sure the disposal is not running. Never put your hand into the drain opening itself. The reset button is accessed from underneath, where the motor sits.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button on a Badger disposal sits on the bottom of the motor housing and must be pushed in to restart the unit after it shuts off.
  • Always switch off the wall power before attempting to reset, and never reach into the drain opening.
  • If the button pops out again when ready after you reset it, the motor is still too hot or the disposal is still jammed.
  • A stuck reset button that will not push in may mean the motor has failed and the unit needs replacement.
  • If resetting does not restore power, check the wall outlet and circuit breaker before assuming the disposal itself is broken.

Locate the reset button under the sink

Get a flashlight and look under the sink at the bottom of the disposal unit. The reset button is a small cylinder, usually red or black, sticking out slightly from the motor housing. On some models it is harder to see because it blends with the metal casing. Run your finger around the bottom perimeter of the motor if you cannot spot it at first glance.

If you have a Badger InSinkErator model, the button may be recessed slightly. You may need to use your thumb or a wooden spoon handle to reach it comfortably. Do not use a metal tool, which can slip and damage the wiring or motor casing.

Turn off power before you touch anything

Switch off the wall switch that controls the disposal. If there is no wall switch, turn off the circuit breaker for that outlet. Wait a few seconds to make sure the motor has stopped spinning completely.

This step is not optional. Even though you are not putting your hand in the drain, the motor can still turn on unexpectedly if someone else flips the switch while you are working underneath. A disposal blade spinning at full speed can cause serious injury.

Press the reset button firmly until it clicks

Push the reset button straight in with steady pressure. You should feel it click or snap back into place. It may take more force than you expect — do not be afraid to press firmly. The button should sit flush with the motor housing when it is fully reset.

Once the button is in, turn the wall switch back on and run cold water into the drain for a few seconds. The disposal should start normally. If it does not make any sound, the motor may not have power, or the reset did not take.

What to do if the button pops back out

If the reset button pops out again within a few seconds of pushing it in, the motor is either still overheated or the disposal is still jammed. Turn off the wall switch and wait 15 to 20 minutes for the motor to cool down. Do not try to reset it again when ready.

If the disposal is jammed, you will need to clear the blockage before the reset will hold. Turn off the power, use tongs or pliers to remove any visible debris from the drain opening, and then try the reset again. Never put your fingers into the disposal, even when the power is off.

The reset button is stuck or will not move

If you push on the button and it does not move at all, or if it feels like pushing on solid plastic with no give, the motor may have failed internally. A stuck reset button usually means the thermal overload switch inside the motor has tripped permanently and cannot be reset manually.

In this case, the disposal will need to be replaced. A stuck button is not something you can fix by waiting or by explore more force. Forcing it can crack the motor housing and make the unit unsafe to use.

Check the power supply if nothing happens after reset

If you reset the button and the disposal still will not turn on, the problem may not be the disposal itself. Check that the wall switch is actually on. Then check the outlet by plugging in a lamp or phone charger to see if power is reaching it.

If the outlet is dead, flip the circuit breaker for that outlet off and back on. If the breaker trips again when ready when you turn the disposal on, there is an electrical fault in the unit and it should not be used. Call a plumber or replace the disposal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I need to reset my Badger disposal?

A disposal that resets itself regularly — more than once a month — usually has a chronic jam or is overheating because it is working too hard. This often means you are putting the wrong things down the drain, like fibrous vegetables, grease, or bones. Adjust what you send down the drain to reduce resets.

Can I reset the disposal while it is running?

No. Always turn off the wall switch first. The reset button is designed to be pressed only when the motor is off. Pressing it while the disposal is running can damage the motor or cause injury.

What if the reset button is missing or broken off?

If the button itself is cracked, missing, or the stem is broken, the disposal cannot be reset safely. You will need to replace the unit. A missing reset button means you have no way to restart the motor if it shuts off, and the disposal becomes unreliable.

Is it normal for the reset button to pop out?

It is normal for the button to pop out once in a while if you jam the disposal or if it overheats. But if it happens frequently, something is wrong. Either you are feeding it things it cannot handle, or the motor is failing and needs replacement.

Do all Badger disposals have a reset button?

Most Badger models made in the last 20 years have a reset button on the motor housing. Very old models or specialty commercial units may not. Check your manual or look at the motor casing. If you cannot find a button after a thorough search, your model may not have one.