Why Your InSinkErator Needs a Reset

An InSinkErator garbage disposal has a built-in reset button that cuts power to the motor when something jams or the unit overheats. When you press that button, the disposal stops working entirely — it won't turn on, won't hum, won't do anything. This is a safety feature, not a malfunction. The reset button is there to protect you and the motor from damage.

Most of the time, the reset button trips because something is stuck in the grinding chamber — a bone, a piece of silverware, a fruit pit, or just a clog that's forcing the motor to work too hard. Sometimes it trips from overheating if the disposal has been running continuously for too long. Either way, you need to clear the jam before the reset will work.

The good news: resetting an InSinkErator is a five-minute job that requires no tools and no plumber. You just need to follow the steps in order, because trying to reset before you clear the jam will only trip the button again.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button is a red or black button located on the bottom or side of the motor housing, and it only works after you clear whatever is jamming the disposal.
  • Always turn off the wall switch and unplug the disposal before you reach into the grinding chamber, even if you think the motor is already stopped.
  • Use a flashlight and needle-nose pliers or a wooden spoon handle to remove the jam — never your fingers, and never use a metal tool that could spark.
  • Once the chamber is clear and the motor cools for a few minutes, press the reset button firmly until it clicks, then test the disposal with the wall switch.
  • If the reset button pops out again when ready after you press it, the motor may be overheating or there is still a jam you missed.

Locate the Reset Button on Your Unit

The reset button on an InSinkErator is usually a small red or black button about the size of a pencil eraser. On most models, it sits on the bottom of the motor housing — the cylindrical part under the sink that the disposal chamber screws into. On some older or compact models, it may be on the side of the housing instead.

Get a flashlight and look under the sink. You are looking for a button that sticks out slightly from the metal casing. It will not be inside the sink itself; it will be underneath, on the motor. If you cannot find it after a minute of looking, check your disposal's manual or search the model number online — the manual will show you exactly where it is on your specific unit.

Do not press the button yet. First, you have to clear the jam.

Turn Off Power to the Disposal

Before you touch anything inside the disposal, cut the power. There are two ways to do this, and you should do both to be safe.

First, flip the wall switch that controls the disposal to the OFF position. You will usually find this switch on the wall next to the sink or on the countertop nearby. Make sure it is all the way down or to the OFF side.

Second, unplug the disposal from the outlet under the sink. If the disposal is hardwired (no plug), turn off the circuit breaker that controls it. If you are not sure which breaker it is, flip the main breaker instead. This takes an extra 30 seconds and it could save your hand. Never skip this step, even if the motor is already silent.

Remove the Jam from the Grinding Chamber

Shine a flashlight down into the sink opening and look into the disposal chamber. You are looking for whatever is blocking the impellers — the metal arms that spin to grind food. Common culprits are chicken bones, fruit pits, silverware, glass, or just a packed mass of food and grease.

Use a pair of needle-nose pliers or a wooden spoon handle to fish out the jam. Reach in carefully and grab the object, then pull it straight up and out. If it is stuck, wiggle it gently side to side before pulling. Do not use your fingers, and do not use a metal tool like a knife or a screwdriver — metal tools can spark or damage the impellers.

Once you have removed the visible jam, run water down the sink for 10 to 15 seconds to flush out any smaller debris or grease buildup. You should see the water drain freely. If it still backs up or drains slowly, there may be a clog further down the drain line, not in the disposal itself — that is a separate problem and the reset will not fix it.

Let the disposal sit for two to three minutes so the motor cools down. If it tripped from overheating rather than a jam, this rest period is important.

Press the Reset Button

Locate the reset button again under the sink. Press it firmly with your finger or thumb. You should feel it click as it pops back in. The button may stick out slightly when you first press it, then sink flush with the housing — that click is what you are listening for.

If the button does not click or feels spongy, you may not be pressing hard enough. Try again with more pressure. If it still will not click after two or three tries, the button itself may be broken and you will need to contact InSinkErator or a plumber.

Once the button clicks, the reset is complete. The disposal is now ready to turn on again.

Test the Disposal and Troubleshoot

Plug the disposal back in or turn the circuit breaker back on. Then flip the wall switch to ON. The disposal should hum and start running. Let it run for five to ten seconds, then turn it off. If it runs smoothly with no grinding noise or vibration, the reset worked.

If the reset button pops out again when ready, or if the disposal still will not turn on, one of three things is happening: there is still a jam you missed, the motor is still too hot and needs more time to cool, or the reset mechanism itself is broken. Turn off the power again, wait another five minutes, and check the chamber one more time with your flashlight. Look for anything the pliers might have missed — a small bone fragment, a piece of glass, or a rubber band wrapped around the impeller.

If you clear everything and the button still will not stay in, or if the disposal hums but does not spin, the motor may be damaged. At that point, you will need to contact InSinkErator's customer service or hire a plumber to replace the unit.

Prevent Future Jams and Resets

Most resets happen because of what goes down the drain. Bones, fruit pits, pasta, rice, and grease are the biggest culprits. Bones and pits are hard enough to jam the impellers. Pasta and rice expand when wet and can pack into a clog. Grease cools and solidifies, trapping food particles.

To keep your disposal running smoothly, scrape plates into the trash before rinsing them. Do not pour grease down the sink — let it cool in a can and throw it away. Run cold water while the disposal is on, and keep it running for a few seconds after the food is ground. Cold water helps solidify any grease so it moves through the drain instead of sticking to the pipes.

If you hear the disposal struggling or making an unusual grinding noise, turn it off when ready. That is often the first sign that something is starting to jam. The sooner you clear it, the less likely the reset button will trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset the disposal without clearing the jam first?

No. The reset button will only stay pressed if the motor can spin freely. If there is still a jam, the button will pop back out as soon as you release it, or it will pop out again within a few seconds of turning the disposal on. Always clear the chamber first.

What if I cannot find the reset button?

Check your disposal's model number — it is usually stamped on the motor housing or printed on a label. Search "[model number] reset button" online, or contact InSinkErator's customer service with the model number and they will tell you where it is. Some very old models may not have a reset button at all.

Is it safe to put my hand in the disposal to clear a jam?

Only if the power is completely off and unplugged. Even then, use pliers or a wooden tool instead of your fingers. Your hand is safer that way, and you have better control of what you are grabbing. Never reach in while the disposal is plugged in, even if the switch is off.

How long should I wait before pressing the reset button?

At least two to three minutes after you clear the jam and turn off the power. If the motor was overheating, this rest lets it cool down. If you try to reset it while it is still hot, the button may pop back out again.

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

Either there is still a jam in the chamber that you missed, the motor is overheating, or the reset mechanism is broken. Clear the chamber again with your flashlight and pliers, wait five minutes, and try once more. If it still pops out, the motor may need to be replaced.