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

A Badger garbage disposal has a thermal overload reset button mounted underneath the motor housing. When the motor gets too hot — from a jam, overuse, or a stuck object — the internal thermal switch cuts power automatically. The reset button restores power once the motor cools. You do not need tools or a plumber; the reset takes about five minutes and costs nothing.

Before you reset, turn off the wall switch and unplug the unit if it has a plug. If it is hardwired, switch off the breaker that controls it. Never reach into the disposal or press reset while power is live.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button sits on the bottom of the motor housing and pops out when the motor overheats.
  • Always cut power at the wall switch or breaker before touching the reset button or the disposal itself.
  • If the disposal jammed before it shut down, clear the jam before resetting, or the motor will overheat again when ready.
  • If the reset button pops out more than once a month, the motor may be failing and the unit may need replacement.

Locate the reset button on the underside of the motor

Look at the bottom of your Badger disposal. The motor housing is the cylindrical metal part that hangs below the sink drain. The reset button is a small round button, usually red or black, protruding slightly from the center or side of that housing. On some models it is recessed and harder to see; use a flashlight if the space under your sink is dim.

If you cannot find it, check your model number on the nameplate attached to the housing. Badger makes several sizes — the 5, 7, 9, and 15 — and the button location is consistent within each line, but the nameplate will confirm which model you have.

Clear any jam before you reset

If something is stuck in the grinding chamber, the motor will overheat again as soon as you reset it. Turn off power first. Then use a flashlight to look down into the drain opening and see whether anything is visible — a bone, a piece of plastic, a fruit pit, or a utensil.

If you see an object, use tongs or needle-nose pliers to pull it out. Do not put your hand into the disposal, even with power off. If nothing is visible but the disposal is jammed, you may need to use the hex wrench that came with the unit (or a 1/4-inch hex wrench) to manually turn the motor shaft back and forth a few times to free it. Insert the wrench into the hole at the bottom center of the motor and turn gently in both directions until you feel the jam release.

Press the reset button firmly until it clicks

With power off and any jam cleared, locate the reset button again. Press it straight in with your thumb or the heel of your hand. You should feel it click or pop back into the housing. It may take a little force — the button is spring-loaded.

If the button does not click or seems stuck, do not force it. Stop and contact a plumber or the manufacturer, because the button mechanism may be damaged.

Restore power and test the disposal

Once the button is reset, turn the wall switch back on or flip the breaker back to the on position. Run cold water into the sink and turn on the disposal briefly to confirm it runs. If it starts and sounds normal, the reset worked. If it shuts off again when ready or does not start, the motor may have a deeper problem.

Let the motor run for only a few seconds on the first test. If it overheats again right away, turn it off and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before trying again.

Why the disposal keeps overheating

If you are resetting the button more than once a month, something is causing repeated overload. The most common cause is a partial jam — food or debris that does not fully block the chamber but makes the motor work harder than it should. Run the disposal with the cold water on high for 30 seconds each time you use it, and avoid putting fibrous materials like celery, corn husks, or onion skins down the drain.

A second cause is a dull or worn grinding ring. After years of use, the ring that grinds food against the chamber wall loses its edge and the motor has to work longer to break down the same amount of waste. If your Badger is more than 8 to 10 years old and resets frequently, replacement may be more cost-effective than repeated repairs.

A third cause is a motor bearing that is wearing out. If the reset button pops out even when nothing is jammed and the disposal is running empty, the motor itself is likely failing. This usually means the unit needs to be replaced.

When to call a plumber instead

Do not attempt a reset if the disposal is leaking water from the seams or the motor housing. Do not reset if you smell burning plastic or rubber coming from the motor. Do not reset if the reset button will not stay in after you press it, or if it pops out again within a few minutes of power being restored.

In any of those cases, turn off power and contact a plumber. The unit may have internal damage that a reset cannot fix, and continuing to use it could create a safety hazard or cause water damage under your sink.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I wait after the disposal shuts off before I reset it?

Wait at least 15 to 30 minutes for the motor to cool completely. If you reset it while it is still hot, the thermal switch may trip again when ready. You can speed cooling by running cold water over the outside of the motor housing, but do not pour water into the drain opening.

Can I reset the disposal without turning off the power?

No. Always cut power at the wall switch or breaker before you touch the reset button or reach near the disposal. Even with the switch off, a hardwired unit still has live current in the motor housing unless the breaker is switched off.

What if the reset button is stuck and will not pop back in?

Stop pushing. A stuck button usually means the thermal switch inside is damaged or the button mechanism is bent. Forcing it can break it further. Contact a plumber or Badger customer service for a replacement motor or unit.

Is it normal for the reset button to pop out once a year?

Occasional resets are normal if you use the disposal heavily or occasionally jam it with something tough. Once a year or less is typical. If it happens more than four or five times a year, investigate the cause — usually a jam, worn grinding ring, or failing motor.

Do I need to buy a new disposal if the reset button keeps popping?

Not necessarily. First, clear any jams and run the disposal with high water pressure for 30 seconds each use. If resets continue, the grinding ring may be worn or the motor bearing may be failing. A plumber can inspect it and tell you whether repair or replacement makes sense based on the unit's age and the cost of parts.