The reset button is usually a red or black button on the underside of the disposal unit itself
When your garbage disposal stops working or hums without grinding, the first thing to try is the reset button. This button cuts power to the motor as a safety feature when the disposal overheats or jams. You'll find it mounted directly on the bottom or side of the disposal housing—it's typically red or black and about the size of a pencil eraser. Pressing it restores power to the unit so it can run again.
The reset button is not the same as the wall switch. The wall switch turns the disposal on and off during normal use. The reset button is a thermal overload protector that trips when the motor gets too hot or when the disposal is working too hard to grind something stuck inside. Once you address whatever caused the jam or overheating, the reset button will stay engaged and the disposal will work normally.
Key Takeaways
- The reset button is located on the bottom or lower side of the disposal unit, not on the wall switch or sink rim.
- Before pressing reset, turn off the wall switch and wait at least five minutes for the motor to cool down.
- If something is jamming the disposal, remove it first—the reset button alone will not clear a blockage.
- If the reset button trips again within a few days, the disposal may have an internal problem and you should call a plumber.
Turn off power before you touch anything
Always flip the wall switch to the off position before you reach under the sink or touch the disposal. Even though the reset button has already cut power, the switch is your second layer of safety. Leave it off while you work.
Wait at least five minutes after switching off before you press the reset button. This gives the thermal overload switch time to cool down and reset itself. If you press it while the motor is still hot, it may trip again when ready.
Check for jams before pressing reset
A stuck object is the most common reason the reset button trips. Before you reset, look into the disposal opening with a flashlight to see if anything is blocking the grinding chamber. Common culprits are fruit pits, bones, fibrous vegetable scraps, or utensils that fell in accidentally.
If you see something stuck, use needle-nose pliers or tongs to remove it—never put your hand down into the disposal, even with the power off. Once you've cleared the jam, you can safely press the reset button. If nothing is visibly stuck but the disposal still won't work after reset, the jam may be deeper in the drain line and you'll need a plumber.
How to locate and press the reset button
Get a flashlight and look at the bottom of the disposal unit. The reset button is usually a small, round button that sticks out slightly from the housing. On some models it's on the side rather than the bottom. If you have trouble finding it, check your disposal's manual—the model number is usually stamped on the unit itself, and you can search online for the manufacturer's diagram.
Once you've located it, press firmly until you hear or feel a click. You may need to use your thumb or the eraser end of a pencil if the button is hard to reach. After pressing, turn the wall switch back on and test the disposal by running water and flipping the switch briefly. If it grinds normally, the reset worked.
What to do if the reset button won't stay engaged
If the button pops back out when ready or the disposal stops working again within a few hours, something is still jamming the motor or the unit is overheating for another reason. Turn off the wall switch again and wait several minutes. Check once more for debris in the grinding chamber or the drain line below.
If the disposal still won't hold a reset after you've cleared any visible blockage, the problem is likely internal—a broken impeller, a seized motor, or a damaged seal. At that point, a plumber should inspect it. Repeatedly pressing the reset button on a malfunctioning disposal can damage the motor further.
When to call a plumber instead of resetting
If the reset button trips more than once in a week, or if it won't engage at all, the disposal needs professional service. A plumber can determine whether the unit can be repaired or needs replacement. They also have tools to clear deep clogs in the drain line that you cannot reach from above.
If water is leaking from the disposal housing or you smell burning plastic when it runs, stop using it and call a plumber right away. These are signs of internal damage or electrical problems that reset cannot fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is the reset button on my disposal?
It's on the bottom or lower side of the disposal unit itself, not on the sink or wall. Look directly underneath the sink where the disposal hangs. It's a small round button, usually red or black. If you can't find it, search online for your disposal's model number and look at the manufacturer's diagram.
Can I reset the disposal without turning off the wall switch?
You should always turn off the wall switch first as a safety measure, even though the reset button has already cut power. Wait five minutes, then press reset. This protects you if the switch fails and prevents accidental startup while you're working.
What if I press reset and nothing happens?
The button may be stuck or the motor may have a deeper problem. Make sure the wall switch is on after you press reset, then run water and test it. If it still won't work, check for a jam one more time. If there's no blockage and it still won't run, the disposal likely needs repair.
Is it safe to put my hand in the disposal to clear a jam?
No. Always use pliers, tongs, or a grabber tool to remove stuck objects, even with the power off. Hands can get caught or pinched. If you cannot reach the blockage with a tool, a plumber has equipment designed for the job.
How often should I need to reset the disposal?
A healthy disposal rarely needs reset. If you're resetting it more than once a month, something is wrong—either you're putting unsuitable items down it, or the unit has a mechanical problem. A plumber can diagnose which one.