The reset button is usually a red or black button on the underside of your disposal unit, directly beneath your sink

When your garbage disposal stops working or shuts off suddenly, the reset button is often the first thing to try before calling a plumber. The button sits on the motor housing itself — the cylindrical part under the sink — not on the wall or the switch above the counter. On most models, it sticks out slightly and is either red or black, about the size of a pencil eraser.

The reset button is a safety feature. When the motor gets too hot or jams, it trips automatically to prevent damage. Pressing it restarts the motor. This is different from the wall switch, which straightforward turns power on and off. You can flip the wall switch all day and nothing will happen if the reset button has tripped.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button is located on the bottom of the disposal motor housing under the sink, not on the wall switch above the counter.
  • The button is usually red or black, small, and sticks out slightly from the metal cylinder of the motor.
  • Before pressing reset, turn off the wall switch and make sure the jam or blockage is cleared from inside the disposal.
  • If the reset button pops out again within a few minutes of pressing it, the motor may be overheating and you should call a professional.
  • A tripped reset button does not mean the disposal is broken — it means the safety feature worked as designed.

How to locate the button under your sink

You will need a flashlight and a clear view under the sink. Turn off the wall switch first, then crouch down and look at the disposal unit directly. The motor is the heavy metal cylinder that hangs from the sink drain. The reset button is on the side or bottom of that cylinder, facing downward or outward.

If you have a double sink, the disposal is usually under one side only. If you cannot see the button clearly, move any pipes or cleaning supplies out of the way. On some older models, the button may be harder to spot because it does not stick out as far. Run your hand along the motor housing to feel for a small raised bump.

What to do before you press the button

Never press the reset button while the disposal is running or while your hand is anywhere near the drain opening. Turn off the wall switch and wait at least five minutes for the motor to stop completely.

Next, clear any visible jam or blockage from inside the disposal. Use tongs or pliers — never your fingers — to remove food, bones, or other objects stuck in the chamber. If you cannot see anything blocking it, run water down the drain to check for a clog deeper in the pipe. Once the chamber is clear, you can safely press the reset button.

How to press the reset button correctly

The button will be slightly recessed or flush with the motor housing. Press it firmly with your finger or thumb until you hear or feel a click. You may need to push harder than you expect — it is not a light touch. Once you hear the click, the button should pop back out slightly, and the reset is complete.

Turn the wall switch back on and run cold water while turning on the disposal. It should start normally. If it does not, turn it off again and check whether the reset button has popped out again. If it has, the motor may be overheating or there may still be a jam you cannot see.

When the reset button keeps tripping

If the reset button pops out again within a few minutes of pressing it, or if it trips repeatedly over several days, the disposal likely has a problem beyond a straightforward jam. This can mean the motor is overheating, the impellers are bent, or there is an electrical fault inside the unit.

Stop using the disposal and call a plumber. Pressing the reset button over and over will not fix an internal problem and may damage the motor further. A professional can test the motor and tell you whether it can be repaired or needs to be replaced.

Difference between reset button and wall switch

The wall switch above the counter is a straightforward on-off control. It cuts power to the disposal but does not reset the safety mechanism. If the reset button has tripped, flipping the wall switch off and on will not help — the motor will not start because the reset button is still in the tripped position.

Think of it this way: the wall switch is like a light switch, and the reset button is like a circuit breaker. The switch controls whether power flows, but the reset button controls whether the motor is allowed to run. You need both to work for the disposal to operate.

Preventing the reset button from tripping

Most reset trips happen because something jams the impellers or the motor overheats from running too long. To reduce the risk, never put bones, fruit pits, fibrous vegetables like celery, or grease down the disposal. Run cold water before, during, and after use. Do not run the disposal for more than a minute or two at a time.

If you notice the disposal is running hot or making unusual grinding sounds, turn it off when ready and let it cool. Do not keep running it hoping the jam will clear on its own. A few minutes of cooling can prevent the reset button from tripping and extend the life of the unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean if the reset button is already popped out?

It means the safety feature has tripped at some point, either recently or in the past. The motor will not run until you press it back in. This is normal and does not indicate a serious problem — it just means the disposal shut itself off for a reason.

Can I press the reset button if the disposal is jammed?

No. Always clear the jam first using tongs or pliers, never your fingers. Then turn off the wall switch, wait five minutes, and press the reset button. If you press reset while something is still blocking the impellers, the motor may jam again when ready.

Is the reset button the same on all garbage disposals?

Most disposals have a reset button in roughly the same location on the motor housing, but the exact size, color, and how far it sticks out varies by brand and model. Check your owner's manual if you cannot find it — the manual will have a diagram showing exactly where it is on your unit.

What if I cannot find the reset button under my sink?

Some older or specialty models may not have a reset button, or it may be in an unusual location. Check your owner's manual or the manufacturer's website for your specific model number. If you still cannot locate it, a plumber can show you where it is or help you troubleshoot why the disposal is not working.

Do I need to call a plumber if the reset button trips once?

Not necessarily. A single trip usually means there was a jam or the motor got hot. Clear the jam, let the motor cool, press reset, and try again. Call a plumber only if the button trips repeatedly within a short time, or if the disposal does not start after you press reset and clear any blockage.