The Reset Button Is Usually Under the Unit

Most Badger garbage disposals have a red or black reset button on the bottom or side of the motor housing, directly underneath your sink. If your disposal has stopped working or is humming without grinding, a reset often restores power. The button pops out when the motor overheats or jams, cutting electricity as a safety measure.

Before you reach for the reset button, turn off the wall switch or breaker that controls the disposal. Do not skip this step—the motor can start suddenly when you press reset, and your hand could be in the way. Wait at least five minutes after shutting off power before touching anything inside the sink.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button sits on the bottom or lower side of the motor housing under your sink and must be pressed after the power is completely off.
  • Always turn off the wall switch or breaker before resetting, and wait five minutes to let the motor cool.
  • If the reset button pops out again when ready after you press it, the disposal may have a jam or electrical fault that requires a different fix.
  • Never put your hand down the drain to clear a jam—use tongs, pliers, or a wooden spoon handle to fish out debris safely.
  • If the reset button stays in and the disposal still does not work, the problem is likely electrical or mechanical and may need professional service.

Locate and Press the Reset Button

Look directly underneath the disposal unit for a small cylindrical button, usually about the size of a pencil eraser. On Badger models, it is typically red or black and protrudes slightly from the housing. If you cannot find it on the bottom, check the side of the motor casing—some models place it there instead.

Once you have located the button, press it firmly straight in until you hear or feel a click. The button should stay flush with the housing. If it pops back out when ready, the motor is still too hot or there is an obstruction preventing normal operation. Wait another ten minutes and try again.

Clear Any Jams Before Resetting Again

If the reset button keeps popping out, something is likely jamming the grinding chamber. Turn off the power again and look down the drain opening with a flashlight. You may see food, bones, or other debris wedged between the impellers (the spinning parts inside).

Never reach into the drain with your bare hand. Instead, use needle-nose pliers, tongs, or a wooden spoon handle to pull out visible debris. Work slowly and carefully—the impellers are sharp. Once you have removed what you can see, run water down the drain for a few seconds to flush away smaller particles, then try the reset button again.

Test the Disposal After Resetting

After the reset button clicks into place and stays there, turn the wall switch back on. You should hear the motor hum. Do not turn on the water yet. Let the motor run for a few seconds to confirm it is spinning freely and not making grinding or scraping sounds that suggest a remaining jam.

Once the motor sounds normal, turn it off, then turn on cold water and flip the switch back on. The disposal should grind normally. If water drains slowly or the motor sounds rough, turn everything off and check for jams again. Repeat the process until the unit works smoothly.

What to Do If the Reset Does Not Work

If the reset button stays in place but the disposal still will not run, the problem is electrical rather than mechanical. Check the wall switch to make sure it is actually on—some switches are straightforward to miss. If the switch is on and nothing happens, the circuit breaker controlling the outlet may have tripped. Go to your electrical panel and look for a breaker labeled for the kitchen or disposal, then flip it back to the on position.

If the breaker keeps tripping when you turn the disposal on, there is a short circuit or ground fault in the unit itself. This is not something a reset can fix. You will need to contact a plumber or appliance repair service. Do not keep trying to reset or restart the unit, as repeated attempts can damage the motor further.

Prevent Future Jams and Resets

Most resets happen because of jams caused by food that should not go down the drain. Avoid putting bones, fruit pits, fibrous vegetables like celery or corn husks, grease, or starchy foods like pasta or rice into the disposal. These items either jam the impellers or create buildup that slows drainage.

Run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal—at least fifteen seconds after you turn off the motor. Cold water helps solidify grease so it breaks apart instead of coating the chamber walls. If you do notice the motor slowing or the reset button popping out more than once a month, have the unit inspected by a professional before a major jam occurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the reset button worked?

The button should stay pressed in flush with the housing and not pop back out. The motor should hum when you turn on the switch. If the button pops out again within a few seconds, the motor is still overheated or there is still a jam.

Can I reset the disposal while the power is on?

No. Always turn off the wall switch or breaker first. Pressing the reset button while power is on can cause the motor to start suddenly and injure your hand if it is near the drain opening.

What if I cannot find the reset button?

Check the bottom of the unit first, then the sides. If your Badger model is mounted at an angle, the button may be harder to see. Consult your user manual or contact Badger customer service with your model number for the exact location.

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

No. Even with the power off, the impellers are sharp and your hand can slip. Use pliers, tongs, or a wooden stick to remove debris. Keep your fingers well away from the drain opening.

How often should the reset button pop out?

Rarely. If it pops out more than once or twice a year, your disposal is jamming too often. This usually means you are putting foods down the drain that do not belong there, or the unit needs professional cleaning or repair.