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

Your garbage disposal has a red or black reset button on the bottom or side of the motor housing. When the disposal jams, overheats, or trips its internal overload switch, this button pops out and cuts power to the unit. Pushing it back in restores power and lets you try running the disposal again. This is the first thing to do before calling a plumber.

The reset button is a safety feature, not a sign of failure. It stops the motor from burning out when something goes wrong. Most of the time, resetting works because you've already cleared the jam or the motor has cooled down enough to run safely again.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button sits on the bottom or lower side of the disposal motor and pops out when the unit overheats or jams.
  • Before pressing reset, turn off the wall switch and use tongs or pliers to remove any visible debris from the drain opening.
  • Press the reset button firmly until you hear or feel it click back into place, then turn the switch back on and run cold water.
  • If the button pops out again when ready or the disposal still won't run, the unit may need professional repair or replacement.

Locate the reset button on your disposal

The reset button is a small cylinder, usually red or black, mounted on the underside or lower side of the disposal motor. On most units it sits near the center of the bottom. On some models it's on the side facing the wall. You may need a flashlight to see it clearly, and you might have to reach under the sink or crouch down to access it.

If you cannot find it, check your disposal's manual or look for the brand name and model number on the unit itself—you can search online for "[brand] [model] reset button location" to see a photo. The button is always on the motor housing itself, never on the drain pipe or the sink flange above.

Clear the drain before you reset

Before pressing the reset button, turn off the wall switch and make sure the disposal is completely stopped. Wait a few seconds. Then look down into the drain opening with a flashlight and remove any visible debris—food scraps, bones, utensils, or fibrous material like celery strings or corn husks. Use tongs, pliers, or a straightened wire coat hanger to fish out what you can see. Never put your hand down into the drain.

Jams are the most common reason the reset button pops out. If you reset without clearing the blockage, the motor will jam again as soon as you turn it on, and the button will pop right back out. Removing the debris first gives the reset a chance to work.

Press the reset button firmly until it clicks

Push the reset button straight in with steady pressure. You should feel or hear a click as it seats back into place. It may take a second or two—do not just tap it. Once it clicks, the button should be flush with the motor housing again, not sticking out.

If the button does not seem to click or move at all, the motor may be too hot. Wait 15 to 20 minutes for it to cool, then try again. If it still will not move, do not force it—forcing can damage the switch mechanism.

Turn the disposal back on and test it

Once the button is reset, turn the wall switch back on. Run cold water down the drain for a few seconds before turning on the disposal, then let the disposal run for 10 to 15 seconds while water flows. Cold water helps flush debris and keeps the motor cool. If the disposal runs smoothly and the water drains normally, the reset worked.

Turn off the disposal and the water, and you are done. If you hear grinding or the water backs up, turn everything off when ready and check for debris again.

What to do if the reset button pops out again

If the button pops out a second time during the same use, or pops out repeatedly over a few days, the disposal has an underlying problem that reset cannot fix. This usually means a jam that is deeper in the drain line, a motor bearing that is wearing out, or an electrical fault in the overload switch itself.

At this point, you have two options: call a plumber to inspect and repair the unit, or replace the disposal if it is old or the repair cost is high. A plumber can clear a deep jam or determine whether the motor is salvageable. If the disposal is more than 10 years old and the reset keeps failing, replacement is often cheaper and more reliable than repair.

How to prevent the reset button from popping out

Run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal. Hot water softens food waste and makes it stick to the blades and walls of the chamber. Cold water keeps everything firm and helps it flush through cleanly.

Feed food waste slowly and in small amounts rather than dumping a full sink at once. Avoid fibrous materials like celery, corn husks, onion skins, and potato peels—these wrap around the blades and cause jams. Never put bones, fruit pits, shells, or hard objects down the drain. Do not pour grease or oil down the disposal; they solidify as they cool and clog the drain line downstream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset the disposal if it is still running?

No. Turn off the wall switch first and wait for the blades to stop completely. Trying to reset a running disposal is unsafe and will not work because the motor is still powered. Always switch off before you touch the reset button.

What if I cannot reach the reset button?

You may need to remove items stored under the sink or adjust your position. A small flashlight and a mirror can help you see the button without contorting yourself. If the disposal is mounted high or in an awkward spot, a plumber can access it more easily and can also check whether the unit needs repair while they are there.

Is it normal for the reset button to pop out?

It is normal for it to pop out occasionally if you jam the disposal with something hard or feed it too much at once. If it pops out every time you use the disposal, or pops out on its own without you running it, the unit likely has a mechanical or electrical problem that needs professional attention.

Will resetting the disposal erase any settings?

No. The reset button only cuts and restores power to the motor. It does not affect any timer, sensor, or control board. Your disposal has no settings to erase—it is a straightforward motor with an on-off switch.

Should I call a plumber if the reset button is stuck?

If the button will not move at all after you have waited 20 minutes for the motor to cool, yes. A stuck button usually means the motor is too hot, the switch is damaged, or there is an electrical problem. A plumber can diagnose the issue and repair or replace the unit.