Press the reset button on the bottom or side of the unit

Most garbage disposals have a thermal overload reset button located on the underside or lower side of the motor housing. This button pops out when the motor overheats or jams, cutting power as a safety measure. To reset it, locate the button (usually red or black, about the size of a pencil eraser), push it firmly back in until it clicks, and try running the disposal again.

If you cannot find the button on the unit itself, check the wall outlet or the cord near the sink — some models have the reset button on a plug-in adapter instead. The button may be harder to see if the disposal is mounted in a tight space under the sink, so use a flashlight and feel along the motor casing with your fingers.

After pressing the reset button, wait a few seconds before turning the disposal back on. If it trips again when ready, the motor is still too hot or there is still a jam. Let it cool for 15 to 30 minutes, then try again.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button is a safety feature that cuts power when the motor overheats or the blades jam, and it is usually located on the bottom or side of the motor housing.
  • Push the button firmly until you hear or feel a click, then wait a few seconds before running the disposal again.
  • If the button pops out again right away, let the motor cool for 15 to 30 minutes before attempting another reset.
  • A reset button that keeps tripping suggests a jam, a clogged drain line, or a motor problem that may need professional repair.

Clear any jam before resetting

A stuck object or packed food waste is the most common reason the reset button trips. Before you reset, turn off the disposal and unplug it from the outlet — never reach into the chamber with the power on. Use a flashlight to look down into the drain and see if anything is visible.

If you see an object, use tongs or needle-nose pliers to pull it out. Do not use your fingers. Common culprits are bones, fruit pits, glass, metal utensils, and fibrous food like celery or corn husks that wraps around the blades. Once you have removed the blockage, plug the unit back in and press the reset button.

If nothing is visible but the disposal is jammed, try turning the blades by hand using an Allen wrench or hex key that fits the center bolt on the bottom of the motor. Turn it gently back and forth — do not force it — to free whatever is caught. Then reset and test.

Check the drain line if the reset does not hold

If the reset button pops out again within seconds of running the disposal, the problem may not be inside the chamber but in the drain line below. A clogged or slow drain forces water and waste to back up into the disposal, overloading the motor.

Fill the sink with a few inches of water, plug the overflow hole (if your sink has one) with a wet cloth, and use a plunger on the drain opening. Push down and pull up vigorously 15 to 20 times. This can dislodge a blockage in the trap or line below. Drain the water, reset the disposal, and run it again.

If plunging does not work, the clog may be deeper in the line. You can try pouring boiling water down the drain, or you may need to remove and clean the P-trap under the sink — the curved pipe that holds standing water. If the line is still blocked after that, a plumber can snake it or identify a more serious obstruction.

Let the motor cool if it overheated

Disposals can overheat if they run continuously for too long, if the blades are dull and working harder than they should, or if the motor itself is aging. If the reset button pops out but there is no visible jam and the drain is clear, the motor likely overheated.

Unplug the unit and wait 15 to 30 minutes. This gives the thermal overload switch time to cool and reset itself. While you wait, run cold water through the drain to help cool the line and check for any slow drainage that might indicate a partial clog you missed.

After the cooldown period, plug the disposal back in, press the reset button, and run it briefly. If it trips again on the next use, the motor may be failing and the unit may need replacement.

Prevent resets by running cold water and avoiding problem foods

Always run cold water while the disposal is on and for 10 to 15 seconds after you turn it off. Cold water helps solidify grease so the blades can break it into smaller pieces, and it flushes waste down the drain instead of letting it accumulate.

Avoid putting bones, pits, shells, fibrous vegetables (celery, corn husks, onion skins), grease, oil, starchy foods (pasta, rice), and non-food items down the disposal. These are the main causes of jams and clogs that trigger the reset button. If you accidentally drop something hard or fibrous, stop the disposal when ready, unplug it, and remove the object before running it again.

Run the disposal regularly — at least once a week — even if you have nothing to grind. This keeps the blades and motor from seizing up from disuse.

When to call a professional

If the reset button pops out repeatedly even after you have cleared jams, checked the drain, and let the motor cool, the motor itself may be damaged or the thermal switch may be faulty. A professional plumber or appliance repair technician can test the motor, replace the switch, or recommend whether the unit should be replaced.

You should also call a professional if you smell burning plastic or rubber coming from the disposal, if the motor makes grinding or squealing sounds that do not stop after a reset, or if water leaks from the seams of the unit. These are signs of internal damage that a reset cannot fix.

Repair costs typically range depending on your location and the problem, but a new disposal unit usually costs less than a major repair on an older model. A plumber can advise you on whether fixing or replacing makes sense for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the reset button on my disposal?

The reset button is almost always on the bottom or lower side of the motor housing — the cylindrical part bolted under the sink. It is usually red or black and about the size of a pencil eraser. If you cannot find it there, check the electrical cord or the outlet adapter. Use a flashlight and feel along the motor casing with your fingers if the space is tight.

Can I reset the disposal while it is plugged in?

No. Always unplug the disposal from the outlet before you press the reset button or reach into the chamber. Even with the switch off, the unit can turn on unexpectedly if someone else flips the switch. Unplugging removes all power and keeps you safe.

What does it mean if the reset button keeps popping out?

A button that pops out repeatedly usually means there is still a jam, a clogged drain line, or the motor is overheating. Clear any visible blockage, check the drain with a plunger, and let the motor cool for 15 to 30 minutes. If it still trips after that, the motor or thermal switch may need professional repair.

Is it normal for the reset button to pop out once in a while?

Occasional trips are normal if you accidentally send something hard or fibrous down the drain. But if it happens regularly during normal use, something is wrong — either the drain is partially clogged, the blades are dull, or the motor is aging. Address the cause rather than just resetting repeatedly.

Can I replace the reset button myself?

The thermal overload switch is part of the motor assembly and is not designed to be user-replaceable. If the button will not stay in or does not cut power when the motor jams, the switch itself has failed and the unit needs professional repair or replacement.