Find the reset button on the underside of the unit first

Most garbage disposals have a reset button on the bottom or side of the motor housing, not on top where you might expect it. This red or black button sits underneath the sink, usually near the electrical cord. Before you assume yours has no button, get a flashlight, look under the sink, and check the motor casing carefully — it is straightforward to miss in the dark.

If you find the button, push it in firmly. You should hear or feel a click. Turn the disposal on to test it. If it runs, the reset worked. If it does not, the motor may have overheated again or there may be a jam you have not cleared yet.

If you genuinely cannot find a reset button after checking the entire motor housing, your disposal is either very old or was built without one. Some older models and a few budget units rely on a different method to restart.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button is almost always on the bottom or side of the motor housing under the sink, not on the top rim.
  • If no button exists, you can reset the disposal by turning off the breaker for 30 seconds, then turning it back on.
  • Before resetting, always clear any jam or blockage by hand or with tongs — resetting will not help if something is stuck.
  • If the disposal trips the reset button repeatedly, the motor is overheating and needs a break or professional repair.

Reset the disposal using the circuit breaker if there is no button

If your disposal has no reset button, you can perform a manual reset by cutting power to the unit. Locate your home's electrical panel and find the breaker that controls the kitchen outlets or the disposal itself. The breaker should be labeled, but if you are not sure, turn off the breaker that controls the outlet the disposal is plugged into.

Switch the breaker all the way off. Wait 30 seconds — this gives the motor time to stop completely and the internal overload sensor to cool down. Then switch the breaker back on. Go to the sink and test the disposal by running water and turning it on. If it starts, the reset worked.

This method works because the overload sensor inside the motor needs a full power cycle to reset. straightforward flipping the wall switch does not cut power completely and will not reset the sensor.

Clear any jam before you reset

A disposal that will not start usually has something stuck inside, not a broken reset button. Before you reset anything, turn off the disposal and the breaker, then look down the drain with a flashlight. If you see food, a bone, a utensil, or a piece of plastic, you need to remove it first.

Use tongs or needle-nose pliers to pull out whatever is blocking the blades. Do not put your hand down the drain, even with the power off — the blades can still move if something shifts. If you cannot reach the object or cannot see what is stuck, you may need a plumber to disassemble the unit.

Once the jam is cleared, try the disposal again before you reset. Many disposals will start working once the blockage is gone.

Test the disposal after resetting

After you reset, turn the disposal on with cold water running. Let it run for a few seconds. You should hear the motor spin and feel vibration through the sink. If it runs smoothly and drains water, the reset was successful.

If the disposal still will not start, or if it starts but makes a grinding noise or smells like burning plastic, turn it off when ready. A grinding noise usually means something is still stuck. A burning smell means the motor is overheating, which can happen if the blades are jammed or if the motor itself is failing.

Know when to call a plumber instead of resetting

If the reset button trips again within a few hours, or if the disposal keeps shutting off during normal use, the motor is overheating. This usually means the blades are jammed, the motor is wearing out, or there is an electrical problem. Resetting will not fix an overheating motor — it will only delay the problem.

If you smell burning plastic or rubber, hear a loud grinding noise that does not stop, or see water leaking from the unit, stop using the disposal and call a plumber. These are signs of internal damage that resetting cannot repair. Continuing to use a damaged disposal can make the problem worse and may create a safety hazard.

Prevent the reset button from tripping in the future

Most reset buttons trip because the disposal is overloaded or jammed. To avoid this, run cold water for a few seconds before you turn on the disposal, and keep the water running while it is on. Do not pour grease, oil, or large bones down the drain — these jam the blades and cause the motor to overheat.

Cut large food scraps into small pieces before putting them in the disposal. Avoid fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, and onion skins, which can wrap around the blades. If you hear the motor struggling or the disposal is slow to drain, turn it off and check for a jam before the overload sensor trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my garbage disposal keep tripping the reset button?

The reset button trips when the motor overheats, usually because something is jammed in the blades. Check for stuck food, bones, or utensils and remove them with tongs. If nothing is stuck but the button keeps tripping, the motor may be failing and you should have a plumber inspect it.

Can I reset a garbage disposal without turning off the breaker?

If your disposal has a reset button, you do not need to use the breaker — just push the button. If there is no button, you must use the breaker because flipping the wall switch does not cut power completely and will not reset the overload sensor inside the motor.

Is it safe to put my hand down the drain to clear a jam?

No. Always use tongs or pliers to remove stuck objects, even with the power off. The blades can shift if something moves, and your hand could be injured. If you cannot reach the jam with tools, call a plumber instead of trying to force it.

What should I do if the disposal smells like burning plastic after I reset it?

Turn it off when ready and do not use it again until a plumber has checked it. A burning smell means the motor is overheating, which can happen if the blades are jammed or if the motor is failing. Using it more could cause a fire or make the damage worse.

How long should I wait after turning off the breaker before turning it back on?

Wait at least 30 seconds. This gives the motor time to stop completely and the internal overload sensor to cool down. If you turn the breaker back on too quickly, the sensor may not reset and the disposal still will not start.