The reset button is usually under the sink, and pressing it takes 10 seconds

Most garbage disposals have a red or black reset button on the bottom or side of the motor housing, directly under your sink. If your disposal has stopped working, jammed, or tripped its internal overload switch, pressing this button will often restore power. The button pops out when the motor overheats or detects a jam — it is a safety feature, not a sign of permanent damage.

Before you press the reset button, turn off the wall switch or breaker that controls the disposal. This prevents the motor from suddenly spinning while your hand is near the drain. Wait a few minutes for the motor to cool if it has been running recently.

Locate the reset button on the underside of the disposal unit. It is usually a small, round button that sticks out slightly. Press it firmly until you hear or feel a click. The button should stay in place. Turn the wall switch back on and test the disposal by running water and flipping the switch briefly.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button sits on the bottom or side of the motor housing under your sink and restores power after the motor overheats or detects a jam.
  • Always turn off the wall switch or breaker before pressing the reset button to prevent injury.
  • If the reset button pops out again when ready after you press it, the motor is still too hot or the jam is still present — wait longer or clear the blockage first.
  • If pressing the reset button does nothing and the disposal makes no sound, the problem may be electrical rather than mechanical, and you should check the breaker or call a plumber.

Clear the jam before you reset

If something is stuck in the disposal, pressing the reset button will not help — the motor will overheat again and pop the button out a second time. Before you reset, you need to remove the blockage.

Turn off the wall switch and the breaker. Use a flashlight to look down the drain opening. If you can see the object — a bone, fruit pit, or piece of plastic — use needle-nose pliers or tongs to pull it out. Do not put your hand down the drain. If the object is jammed too tightly to reach, you may need to disassemble the disposal or call a plumber.

Once the jam is cleared, wait 5 to 10 minutes for the motor to cool. Then press the reset button, turn the breaker back on, and test the disposal.

What to do if the reset button does not work

If you press the reset button and nothing happens — the disposal makes no sound and the motor does not spin — the problem is likely electrical rather than mechanical. Check the breaker or fuse that controls the disposal. Go to your electrical panel and look for a breaker labeled "garbage disposal" or "kitchen." If it is in the OFF position, flip it back to ON. If it trips again when ready, there is an electrical fault and you should not use the disposal until a licensed electrician inspects it.

If the breaker is already in the ON position, try flipping it OFF and then back ON. This sometimes resets the breaker itself. If the disposal still does not respond, the problem may be a failed motor, a broken switch, or damaged wiring inside the unit. At this point, a professional should evaluate whether the disposal can be repaired or needs replacement.

Why the reset button pops out

The reset button is connected to a thermal overload switch inside the motor. When the motor works too hard — because something is jammed, or because the disposal has been running continuously for too long — the motor heats up. Once it reaches a certain temperature, the overload switch trips and cuts power to the motor. The reset button pops out as a physical signal that this has happened.

This is a safety feature. It prevents the motor from burning out or catching fire. If the reset button pops out repeatedly even after you have cleared jams and let the motor cool, the disposal may be wearing out or the jam-clearing mechanism may be failing. A plumber can inspect the unit to determine whether it is still safe to use.

How to avoid jamming your disposal

The most common reason the reset button pops out is a jam. You can reduce the risk by being careful about what goes down the drain. Avoid putting bones, fruit pits, fibrous vegetables (like celery or corn husks), pasta, rice, or grease down the disposal. These items either jam the blades or build up over time and block the drain line.

Run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal. Cold water helps solidify grease so it breaks apart rather than coating the blades. Use the disposal for only 10 to 15 seconds at a time — do not let it run continuously. If the disposal sounds strained or makes a grinding noise, turn it off when ready and check for a jam.

When to call a plumber

If you have pressed the reset button, cleared any visible jam, waited for the motor to cool, and the button still pops out again within a few minutes, the disposal likely has an internal problem. A plumber can take apart the unit, inspect the blades and motor, and determine whether it can be repaired or should be replaced.

You should also call a plumber if the disposal is leaking water from the bottom or sides of the unit, if it makes a grinding or squealing noise that does not stop after you clear a jam, or if the reset button does not pop out at all but the disposal straightforward will not turn on. These are signs of motor failure, bearing wear, or seal damage — problems that require professional tools and informed to fix safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset the disposal while it is plugged in?

No. Always turn off the wall switch or breaker before pressing the reset button. If the motor suddenly starts while your hand is near the drain, you risk serious injury. Wait a few minutes after turning off the power to make sure the motor has stopped spinning completely.

What if the reset button is stuck and will not pop out?

If the button is physically stuck, do not force it — you may break the switch mechanism. Turn off the power and let the motor cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Try pressing the button gently. If it still will not move, the overload switch may have failed, and a plumber should inspect the unit.

How long should I wait before pressing the reset button after the motor overheats?

Wait at least 5 to 10 minutes. The thermal overload switch needs time to cool before it will reset. If you press the button too soon, it may pop out again when ready because the motor is still hot.

Does resetting the disposal fix a slow drain?

No. A slow drain is usually caused by buildup in the drain line itself, not by the disposal motor. Resetting the disposal will not clear a clogged pipe. You may need to use a plumbing snake or call a plumber to clear the line.

Is it normal for the reset button to pop out occasionally?

Occasional popping is normal if you have jammed the disposal or run it continuously for a long time. But if it pops out regularly even when you are using the disposal normally and carefully, the motor may be wearing out or the jam-clearing mechanism may be failing.