The reset button is usually on the bottom of the unit—press it when the disposal won't turn on or hums without grinding

InSinkErator garbage disposals have a red or black reset button mounted on the underside of the motor housing. When your disposal stops working, hums without spinning, or trips your circuit breaker, this button is often the first thing to try. Pressing it resets the internal overload protector, which shuts down the motor when it gets too hot or jams.

The reset button is a safety feature, not a repair tool. It tells you the motor hit a limit—usually because something is stuck, the motor overheated, or the unit drew too much power. Resetting it clears that fault, but if the same problem happens again within minutes, something else needs fixing.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button sits on the bottom of the InSinkErator motor housing and is red or black; press it firmly until you hear or feel a click.
  • Always turn off the wall switch and wait at least five minutes before pressing reset, so the motor cools and the overload protector resets properly.
  • If the disposal hums but does not spin after reset, something is jammed in the grinding chamber and must be removed before the motor will work again.
  • If reset trips when ready or the unit will not turn on at all, the problem is electrical or mechanical and requires a professional or replacement.

Locate the reset button on the bottom of the motor

The reset button is on the underside of the InSinkErator unit, attached to the motor housing. You will need to look under the sink to find it. The button is usually red or black, about the size of a pencil eraser, and sticks out slightly from the metal casing. Some models have a small label next to it that says "Reset".

If you cannot see it clearly, use a flashlight. The button is never on the top of the sink flange or on the side of the drain pipe—it is always underneath, where the motor is. If you have a continuous-feed disposal (the kind you turn on with a wall switch), the button will be easier to reach than on a batch-feed model (which has a lid you twist to start).

Turn off power and wait before pressing reset

Before you touch the reset button, turn off the wall switch that controls the disposal. Do not rely on just unplugging it—use the switch. This cuts power to the motor when ready and safely.

Wait at least five minutes. The overload protector inside the motor is a thermal switch that trips when heat builds up. Waiting gives it time to cool down and reset on its own. If you press the button while the motor is still hot, the switch may not catch properly, and you will have to wait and try again anyway.

After five minutes, press the reset button firmly. You should feel or hear a small click. The button may pop back out slightly or stay flush—both are normal. Then turn the wall switch back on and test the disposal by running water and turning it on briefly.

What to do if the disposal hums but does not spin

If the motor runs but the grinding chamber does not turn, something is blocking the impellers. The reset button will not fix this—you have to remove the jam first. Turn off the wall switch when ready and do not press reset again until the blockage is cleared.

Use tongs or pliers to reach into the drain and pull out whatever is stuck. Common culprits are bones, fruit pits, fibrous vegetables like celery, or utensils that fell in. Once you have removed the blockage, turn the wall switch back on and test the disposal. If it still hums without spinning, the motor may be damaged and will need professional service or replacement.

When reset does not work or trips when ready

If you press reset and the disposal still will not turn on, or if it resets and then when ready trips again, the problem is beyond the reset button. This usually means the motor itself has failed, there is a wiring fault, or the circuit breaker is bad.

Check your home's electrical panel. Look for a breaker labeled for the kitchen or disposal that is in the "off" or middle position. If it is, flip it fully off and then back on. If it trips again as soon as you turn on the disposal, do not keep trying—call a plumber or electrician. Repeated tripping can damage the motor or create a fire hazard.

If the breaker is fine and reset still does not work, the disposal has an internal electrical or mechanical fault. At this point, replacement is usually the most practical option, since repair costs often approach the price of a new unit.

How to avoid needing a reset

Most resets happen because something gets jammed or the motor overheats. You can reduce how often you need to reset by running cold water before, during, and after using the disposal. Cold water helps the motor stay cool and moves ground waste down the drain faster.

Avoid putting bones, fruit pits, shells, or stringy vegetables like celery or corn husks down the disposal. These jam the impellers or wrap around them. Also, do not overfill the chamber—let the disposal grind what is in there before adding more. If the motor sounds strained or the grinding slows, turn it off and let it cool for a few minutes before running it again.

When to call a professional

If you have pressed reset more than twice in a week, or if the disposal will not turn on even after reset and the circuit breaker is fine, a plumber or appliance technician should inspect it. They can test the motor, check the wiring, and tell you whether repair or replacement makes sense.

Do not try to take apart the disposal yourself or force the impellers to turn by hand. The motor can suddenly engage and cause serious injury. A professional has the tools and knowledge to work safely and diagnose the real problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the reset button on an InSinkErator?

The reset button is on the bottom of the motor housing, underneath the sink. It is red or black, about the size of a pencil eraser, and sticks out slightly. Use a flashlight to see it clearly. It is never on top of the sink or on the side of the drain pipe.

Do I need to take apart the disposal to press reset?

No. The button is accessible from underneath without removing anything. You may need to reach under the sink or use a flashlight, but you do not have to disconnect pipes or remove the unit from the sink.

How long should I wait after turning off the switch before pressing reset?

Wait at least five minutes. The overload protector is a thermal switch that needs time to cool. Pressing it while the motor is still hot may not work, and you will have to wait and try again anyway.

Can I press reset multiple times in a row?

You can press it once, wait five minutes, and try again if the first attempt did not work. But if you need to reset more than twice in a week, something is wrong with the disposal itself, and a professional should look at it.

What if reset works but the disposal stops working again the next day?

This usually means the motor is failing or something keeps jamming it. Check for blockages first. If the chamber is clear and it keeps tripping, the motor has an internal fault and the unit should be replaced or professionally serviced.