The reset button is usually a red or black button on the bottom of the unit

Most Badger garbage disposals have a reset button located underneath the unit, where the motor housing sits. It is typically red or black and about the size of a pencil eraser. When the disposal overheats or jams, an internal thermal overload switch trips and cuts power to the motor. Pressing the reset button restarts that switch and restores power — but only if you have already cleared whatever caused the jam.

The reset button is not a fix by itself. It straightforward tells the motor it is safe to run again. If you press it without removing the blockage first, the motor will trip again when ready, and you may damage the unit.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button sits on the bottom of the Badger disposal motor housing and is red or black.
  • You must clear the jam or blockage before pressing reset, or the motor will trip again.
  • Turn off the wall switch and unplug the unit before reaching into the drain.
  • Use tongs or pliers to remove debris — never put your hand down the drain.
  • If the reset button will not stay pressed or the motor does not restart, the thermal switch may have failed.

Turn off power before you touch anything inside the drain

Switch off the wall switch that controls the disposal. If there is no wall switch, unplug the unit from the outlet under the sink. This step is not optional. The disposal can start without warning if someone else flips the switch while your hand is in the drain, and the blades will cause serious injury.

Wait a few minutes for the motor to cool down. The thermal overload switch trips when the motor gets too hot, usually because it is working too hard against a jam. Letting it cool makes the reset more likely to hold.

Remove the blockage with tongs or pliers

Shine a flashlight down the drain and look for what is stuck. Common culprits are fibrous food (celery, corn husks, onion skins), bones, fruit pits, and non-food items like bottle caps or utensils that fell in.

Use needle-nose pliers or kitchen tongs to grab and pull out the debris. Do not reach into the drain with your bare hand, even though the blades are not moving right now. Keep your fingers away from the drain opening. If you cannot see or reach the blockage, use a plumbing snake or call a plumber — do not force anything down.

Once the drain is clear, run cold water for 10 to 15 seconds to flush away smaller particles and cool the motor further.

Press the reset button and test the disposal

Locate the reset button on the bottom of the motor housing. Press it firmly until you hear or feel a click. The button should stay pressed in. If it pops back out when ready, the thermal switch has not cooled enough — wait another few minutes and try again.

Turn the wall switch back on or plug the unit in. Run cold water and turn on the disposal for a few seconds. It should run smoothly without grinding or rattling. If it starts and stops repeatedly, or if you hear a humming sound without the blades turning, the motor may be jammed again or the reset button may not be working.

What to do if the reset button will not stay pressed

If the button pops back out every time you press it, the thermal overload switch is still detecting heat or an electrical fault. Let the unit sit unplugged for 30 minutes to an hour, then try again. If it still will not hold after the motor has cooled completely, the switch itself may have failed and the unit will need to be repaired or replaced.

A reset button that will not click or feels loose may also indicate a broken switch. In either case, the disposal cannot be safely reset at home, and you should contact a plumber or the manufacturer.

Prevent jams by watching what goes down the drain

Badger disposals are tough, but they are not designed to handle everything. Avoid putting fibrous vegetables (celery, asparagus, corn husks), bones, fruit pits, grease, starchy foods (pasta, rice, potato peels), or non-food items down the drain. These are the most common causes of jams and overheating.

Run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal. Cold water helps move food through the blades and down the drain. Hot water can soften grease and cause it to stick to the pipes downstream. If you do get a jam, the reset button will bring the motor back to life — but clearing the blockage first is what actually solves the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the reset button on a Badger disposal?

The reset button is on the bottom of the motor housing, the cylindrical part that hangs under the sink. Look for a small red or black button. If you cannot find it, check the manual for your specific Badger model, as some older units may have the button in a slightly different location.

Can I reset the disposal without clearing the jam first?

You can press the button, but it will not help. The motor will trip again as soon as it tries to run against the blockage. Always remove the debris first, then reset.

What if the disposal makes a humming sound but the blades do not turn?

The motor is trying to run but something is holding the blades in place. Turn it off when ready and remove the blockage with pliers or a snake. Do not force the motor to run against a jam, as this causes overheating and damage.

How long should I wait before pressing reset after the disposal trips?

Wait at least 5 to 10 minutes for the motor to cool. If the reset button still will not stay pressed after 30 minutes, the thermal switch may have failed and the unit needs professional repair.

Is it safe to put my hand down the drain to feel for a blockage?

No. Always use tongs, pliers, or a plumbing snake. Even with the power off, your hand can get caught or cut on the blade edges. Keep your fingers out of the drain opening entirely.