Find the reset switch under the sink, not on the unit itself

Most garbage disposals have a reset button, but it is on the bottom or side of the motor housing under the sink — not on top where you might expect it. If your disposal has no button visible on the unit itself, look directly underneath. The button is usually red or black, about the size of a pencil eraser, and sits flush against the metal casing.

If you cannot find a button after checking the bottom and all sides of the motor, your disposal may be an older model without one, or the button may have broken off. In that case, you will need to reset the unit using the circuit breaker or by manually freeing a jammed blade.

Before you touch anything, turn off the disposal at the wall switch and unplug it if possible. Never reach into the sink or try to move the blades while power is on.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button is located on the bottom or lower side of the motor housing under the sink, not on the disposal unit itself.
  • If the disposal is jammed, you must clear the blockage before the reset button will work — pressing it while something is stuck will not help.
  • Older disposals without a reset button can be reset by switching off the circuit breaker for 30 seconds, then switching it back on.
  • If the reset button pops out again when ready after you press it, the motor is overheating or the blades are still blocked.

Clear the jam before you reset

A garbage disposal stops working and the reset button pops out because something is blocking the blades. Pressing the button without clearing the jam will not fix the problem — the motor will just shut down again.

Turn off the disposal and the wall switch. Use a flashlight to look down into the drain and see what is stuck. Common culprits are bones, fruit pits, fibrous vegetables like celery, or utensils that fell in. Do not put your hand down the drain.

Use tongs or needle-nose pliers to pull out the blockage. If you cannot reach it, try using a wooden spoon or dowel to push it toward the drain opening. Once the blades spin freely by hand (with the power still off), you can move on to resetting.

Press the reset button on the motor housing

Locate the reset button on the underside of the motor. It will be recessed slightly into the casing. Press it firmly with your finger or thumb until you hear or feel a click. The button should stay in place.

Turn the wall switch back on and run cold water into the sink. Turn on the disposal for a few seconds to confirm it is working. If it runs smoothly, the reset was successful.

If the button pops back out when ready or the disposal does not turn on, the motor may be overheating. Wait 15 to 20 minutes for it to cool, then try again. If it keeps tripping, the motor may be damaged and need replacement.

Use the circuit breaker if there is no reset button

Older disposals and some compact models do not have a reset button. You can reset these units using your home's circuit breaker instead.

Locate your circuit breaker panel, usually in a basement, garage, or utility closet. Find the breaker labeled for the kitchen or garbage disposal — it may be grouped with other kitchen circuits. Switch it to the OFF position. Wait 30 seconds, then switch it back to ON. This resets the motor without a physical button.

Go back to the sink, turn on the wall switch, and test the disposal with cold water running. If it works, the reset was successful. If not, the issue is likely a jam that needs clearing, or the motor itself has failed.

Manually free a stuck blade if the reset does not work

If the reset button will not stay in or the disposal still will not run, the blades may be jammed too tightly to clear by hand. Some disposals have a hex socket on the bottom of the motor for manual turning.

Turn off the wall switch and unplug the unit if possible. Look at the bottom center of the motor housing for a small hex-shaped hole. Insert a 1/4-inch hex wrench or Allen key into the hole and turn it back and forth gently — do not force it. This manually rotates the blade assembly to break the jam free.

After a few turns in each direction, remove the wrench and try the reset button again. If the blades still will not turn, stop — forcing it further can damage the motor. At that point, the disposal likely needs professional repair or replacement.

Know when the disposal needs a new motor

A reset button that pops out repeatedly, a motor that hums but does not spin, or a disposal that leaks water are signs the unit cannot be fixed by resetting. These point to a burned-out motor, a seized blade assembly, or internal damage.

If you have cleared all visible jams, tried the reset multiple times, and waited for the motor to cool, and it still will not work, replacement is usually the most practical option. Repair kits for garbage disposals are rare and often cost as much as a new unit.

Most disposals last 8 to 15 years depending on use and maintenance. If yours is older than 10 years and stops working, replacement is usually cheaper than repair.

Prevent jams to avoid needing resets

The best way to deal with a stuck disposal is to avoid jamming it in the first place. Run cold water before, during, and after use — hot water can soften grease and let it stick to the blades. Feed food in slowly and in small amounts rather than dumping a full sink at once.

Never put bones, pits, shells, fibrous vegetables, or non-food items down the disposal. Grease, oil, and starchy foods like pasta and rice should go in the trash or compost, not the drain. If you follow these rules, you may never need to reset the unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the reset button located?

The reset button is on the bottom or lower side of the motor housing under the sink. Look directly underneath the disposal unit, not on top or the sides. It is usually red or black and about the size of a pencil eraser, recessed slightly into the metal casing.

Why does the reset button keep popping back out?

The button pops out when the motor overheats or when the blades are still jammed. Clear any blockage first, then wait 15 to 20 minutes for the motor to cool before pressing the button again. If it keeps popping out, the motor may be damaged.

Can I reset the disposal if nothing is jammed?

Yes. If the disposal straightforward stopped working with no visible jam, the reset button may have tripped on its own due to a power surge or brief overload. Press it firmly until it clicks, turn the wall switch back on, and test with cold water running.

What if my disposal has no reset button at all?

Older models often lack a reset button. Use your home's circuit breaker instead: switch off the breaker for the kitchen or disposal for 30 seconds, then switch it back on. This achieves the same result as pressing a reset button.

Is it safe to reach into the disposal to clear a jam?

No. Always turn off the wall switch and unplug the unit first. Use tongs, pliers, or a wooden spoon to remove blockages — never put your hand or fingers down the drain, even with the power off.