The reset button is usually under the sink, and flipping it back on takes 30 seconds

Most garbage disposals have a red or black reset button on the bottom or side of the motor housing, directly under your sink. When the disposal jams, overheats, or trips its internal breaker, this button pops out. Pushing it back in restores power. This is the first thing to try before calling a plumber, and it works roughly half the time a disposal stops running.

The reset button is a safety feature, not a repair. It cuts power when something goes wrong — usually a jam, a foreign object, or the motor drawing too much current. Resetting it does not fix the underlying problem, but it lets you test whether the disposal will run again once the jam clears.

If the button pops out again when ready after you reset it, the disposal has a real problem that needs attention. If it stays in and the disposal runs, you caught a jam early.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button sits on the bottom or side of the motor housing under the sink and pops out when the disposal trips.
  • Before resetting, turn off the wall switch and never put your hand down the drain — use tongs or pliers to remove visible debris.
  • Push the reset button firmly until it clicks, then flip the wall switch back on and run cold water while testing the disposal.
  • If the button pops out again within seconds, the disposal has a jam or mechanical problem that resetting alone will not solve.
  • A reset that holds means the disposal is working again, but you should still run it briefly to confirm it drains properly.

Turn off power before you touch anything

Flip the wall switch above or beside the sink to the off position. Do not rely on the reset button alone — the disposal can start if someone else flips the switch while your hand is near the drain. A running disposal will catch skin, hair, or cloth in less than a second.

Leave the switch off while you locate the reset button and clear any visible jams. This is the only safe way to work on a disposal.

Find the reset button on the motor housing

Look at the bottom of the disposal unit, which hangs from the sink drain. The reset button is usually a small red or black circle, roughly the size of a pencil eraser. It may be on the side of the housing instead of the bottom, depending on the brand.

If you cannot find it, check the disposal's manual or look up the model number (usually stamped on the housing). Some older disposals do not have a reset button — they use a different safety system, and you will need to call a plumber if they stop running.

Shine a flashlight under the sink if the space is dark. The button is always on the motor itself, never on the drain pipe or the sink flange.

Clear the jam before resetting

Use tongs, needle-nose pliers, or a wooden spoon handle to reach into the drain and pull out anything blocking the blades. Look for food scraps, bones, fruit pits, glass, or plastic. Do not put your fingers down the drain, even with the switch off.

Run water briefly to see if debris washes out on its own. If the drain is completely blocked and water will not flow, you may have a jam deeper in the pipe — in that case, resetting the disposal will not help, and you should call a plumber.

Once you have removed what you can see, you are ready to reset.

Push the reset button firmly until it clicks

Press the button straight in with your thumb or finger. You should feel it click or snap into place. It may take a bit of force — the button is spring-loaded and designed to stay out until you deliberately push it back.

Do not tap it lightly. A firm, deliberate push ensures the button seats properly and restores the electrical connection.

Turn the switch back on and test the disposal

Flip the wall switch to on. You should hear the motor hum or spin. If it does not make any sound, the reset did not work, and you have a different problem.

If the motor runs, turn on the cold water tap and let it flow for 10 to 15 seconds while the disposal runs. This clears any remaining debris and confirms the drain is flowing. Then turn off both the water and the disposal.

If the reset button pops back out during this test, or if it pops out within a few minutes of normal use, the disposal has a jam or mechanical fault that needs professional repair.

What to do if the reset button will not stay in

A button that pops out again when ready means the motor is still tripping its safety breaker. This usually signals a jam you did not fully clear, or a problem inside the disposal itself — a bent blade, a seized bearing, or a motor fault.

Do not keep pushing the button back in. Each reset attempt can damage the motor further. Instead, turn off the wall switch and leave it off. Call a plumber or contact the disposal manufacturer for repair or replacement options.

If you have a warranty, check whether it covers the repair. Many disposals carry a five-year or lifetime warranty depending on the brand and model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset the disposal if the wall switch is broken?

Yes. The reset button works independently of the switch. Push it back in, then flip the switch on. If the switch is stuck or does not turn on the motor, you may need to replace the switch itself — a job a plumber can do in under an hour.

What if I cannot find the reset button?

Older disposals and some specialty models do not have a reset button. Check your manual or search the model number online. If your disposal truly has no reset button, call a plumber — you cannot safely troubleshoot it yourself.

Is it safe to reset the disposal myself?

Yes, as long as the wall switch is off before you touch anything. The reset button is designed for homeowners to use. Never put your hand in the drain, and never flip the switch on while anyone is working under the sink.

How often should a disposal reset?

A healthy disposal should rarely need a reset. If you are resetting it more than once a month, you likely have a recurring jam problem — usually from putting starchy foods, grease, or fibrous vegetables down the drain. Change what you put in the disposal rather than resetting it repeatedly.

What if the disposal still will not run after I reset it?

Check that the wall switch is actually on — sometimes it looks on but is not fully seated. If the switch is on and the motor does not hum, the reset did not work, and you have an electrical or mechanical problem that needs a plumber.