The reset button is usually under the sink, and flipping it back on takes 30 seconds
Most garbage disposals have a reset button on the motor housing itself — a small red or black button located on the underside of the unit beneath your sink. When the disposal overheats, jams, or trips its internal overload switch, this button pops out and cuts power to the motor as a safety measure. Pushing it back in restores power and lets you try running the disposal again.
Before you press the reset button, you need to clear whatever caused the jam or overload in the first place. A reset without removing the blockage will just trip the switch again when ready. The button is a safety feature, not a fix — it tells you something went wrong, and you have to find out what.
Key Takeaways
- The reset button is a red or black switch on the motor housing under the sink; press it back in after clearing a jam.
- Never reach into the disposal with your hands — use tongs or pliers to fish out food, bones, or objects blocking the blades.
- If the disposal still won't run after you reset it and clear the jam, the motor itself may have failed and you will need a replacement.
- Disposals trip the reset button when they jam, overheat, or run too long; preventing jams means avoiding fibrous foods, grease, and hard objects.
Locate and identify the reset button
Get a flashlight and look at the bottom of the disposal unit. The reset button is usually a small cylinder about the size of a pencil eraser, mounted on the side or bottom of the motor housing. It will be red, black, or sometimes silver. If you cannot find it, check your disposal's manual — the brand and model number are stamped on the housing, and you can search online for the exact location.
Some older disposals do not have a reset button at all. If you cannot find one after a careful look, your unit may have a different safety mechanism, and you should check the manual or contact the manufacturer before trying other troubleshooting steps.
Turn off power before you touch anything
Flip the wall switch to OFF. Do not rely on the disposal being jammed to keep the blades still — a jam can clear suddenly, and you do not want the blades spinning when your hand is near them. If there is no wall switch, turn off the circuit breaker that controls the disposal. Leave it off while you work.
This is the step people skip, and it is the one that causes injuries. The blades are sharp and move fast. Treat the disposal as live until you have physically cut the power and verified it is off by trying the switch.
Remove the blockage from inside the disposal
Look down into the drain opening with your flashlight. You are looking for food scraps, bones, utensils, or other objects wedged against or between the blades. Do not put your hand in the disposal — use tongs, pliers, or a wooden spoon to reach down and pull out whatever is blocking it.
If you see grease buildup or sludge but no obvious jam, pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain to soften it, wait a few minutes, and try flushing it with cold water. If the disposal still feels stuck, you may have a jam deeper in the drain line, not in the disposal itself — in that case, you will need a plumbing snake or a plumber.
Once you have removed the blockage, run water down the drain for a few seconds to rinse away loose debris. The disposal should feel free to turn by hand now — you can test this by reaching in with the power still off and gently rotating the blades with a wooden spoon or stick. They should spin freely.
Press the reset button and test the disposal
Locate the reset button again and press it firmly. You should feel or hear a click as it seats back into place. Now turn the wall switch back on and run cold water. Let the disposal run for a few seconds — it should sound normal, not grinding or rattling.
If it runs smoothly, you are done. If it trips the reset button again when ready, or if it makes a grinding noise, turn it off and investigate further. A second trip usually means either the jam is not fully cleared, or the motor itself has been damaged and needs replacement.
What to do if the reset button will not stay in or keeps tripping
If the button pops back out when you press it, or if it trips again within seconds of running the disposal, the motor is likely damaged or the jam is deeper than you can reach. At this point, you have two options: call a plumber to clear the drain line below the disposal, or replace the unit.
A plumber can snake the line and remove blockages that are past the disposal itself — sometimes a jam is in the P-trap or the drain line, not in the disposal chamber. If the line is clear and the button still trips, the motor has overheated or burned out, and replacement is the only fix. Disposals typically last 8 to 15 years depending on use and maintenance.
Prevent future jams and resets
The best way to avoid pressing the reset button is to avoid jamming the disposal in the first place. Do not put fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, or onion skins down the disposal — they wrap around the blades and cause jams. Avoid bones, pits, and hard objects like bottle caps or utensils. Never pour grease down the drain; it solidifies as it cools and builds up in the line.
Run cold water while the disposal is running, and keep it running for a few seconds after you turn off the disposal itself. This flushes debris through the line. If you hear the disposal struggling or grinding, turn it off when ready — do not let it run hot. A disposal that sounds wrong is usually a disposal about to jam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reset the garbage disposal if the power switch is broken?
Yes. Turn off the circuit breaker instead of using the wall switch, then press the reset button. Once the button is reset, turn the breaker back on. If the wall switch is broken, have an electrician replace it — do not bypass it or leave the disposal without a way to cut power quickly.
What if I cannot find the reset button?
Check your disposal's manual by searching the brand and model number online. Some older models do not have a reset button; instead, they have a hex wrench socket on the bottom of the motor that you can turn to free a jammed rotor. If you cannot find either, contact the manufacturer or a plumber.
Is it safe to reach into the disposal to clear a jam?
No. Always use tongs, pliers, or a wooden spoon — never your hands or fingers. Even with the power off, a jam can suddenly clear and the blades can move. Keep your hands out of the chamber entirely.
How long does it take for a reset button to work?
The reset itself is when ready — you press it and it clicks back in. But the disposal will not run again until you have cleared the blockage. If you reset it without removing the jam, it will trip again within seconds.
Should I call a plumber if the reset button keeps tripping?
If it trips more than once after you have cleared the visible jam, yes. The blockage may be in the drain line below the disposal, or the motor may be damaged. A plumber can determine which and fix it or recommend replacement.