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

Most garbage disposals have a reset button located on the motor housing itself — the cylindrical part that hangs under your sink. Look for a small, round button, typically red or black, protruding slightly from the bottom or side of the unit. It is not always straightforward to spot because it blends into the metal casing, and you may need a flashlight to see it clearly. The button sits flush most of the time and pops out when the motor overheats or trips.

If you cannot find a button on the disposal itself, check whether your unit has a reset switch on the wall outlet or power cord instead. Some older or commercial-grade disposals use an outlet-mounted reset rather than a unit-mounted one. This switch looks like a standard electrical outlet but with a small red or black button in the center — similar to a GFCI outlet you might see in a bathroom.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button is usually a small red or black circle on the bottom or lower side of the disposal motor, directly under your sink.
  • You press the reset button only after clearing any jam or blockage and ensuring the disposal is turned off at the wall switch.
  • If the button pops out again when ready after you press it, the motor may be damaged and the unit may need replacement.
  • Some disposals have the reset mechanism on the wall outlet or power cord instead of on the unit itself.

When and why the reset button pops out

The reset button is a safety device that trips when the motor overheats or when the disposal is jammed and drawing too much power. When either condition occurs, the button pops outward automatically, cutting power to the motor. This prevents damage to the motor and reduces fire risk. You will know it has tripped because the disposal will not run, even though the wall switch is on.

The most common reason for a reset trip is a jam — something hard or fibrous caught in the grinding chamber that prevents the blades from turning. Overheating can also trigger it, usually because the motor has been running continuously for too long or because the unit is old and the bearings are wearing out. In rare cases, an electrical fault in the wiring or motor itself will cause the button to pop.

How to reset the disposal safely

Before you press the reset button, turn off the wall switch and wait at least five minutes for the motor to cool. Do not skip this step — pressing reset while the motor is still hot or while power is flowing can damage the unit or cause injury.

Next, look into the disposal chamber with a flashlight and remove any visible debris by hand or with tongs. Never reach into the chamber while the power is on or while the disposal is plugged in. Once the chamber is clear, turn the wall switch back on and press the reset button firmly. You should hear a click as the button resets. Turn the wall switch off again, then back on, and test the disposal with cold water running.

If the button pops out again within a few seconds of pressing it, the motor is likely damaged or the jam is more severe than you can clear from above. At that point, stop attempting to reset it and contact a plumber or consider replacing the unit.

What to do if you cannot find the reset button

If you have looked under the sink and cannot locate a button on the disposal itself, check the wall outlet or power cord. Some units, particularly older models or commercial disposals, do not have a unit-mounted reset. Instead, the reset mechanism is built into the outlet or a separate switch box mounted on the wall near the sink.

If your disposal has neither a unit button nor an outlet reset, it may have a thermal overload switch inside the motor that resets automatically after cooling. In this case, you cannot manually reset it — you straightforward turn off the wall switch, wait 15 to 20 minutes for the motor to cool, and then turn it back on. If the disposal still does not run after cooling, the motor may be faulty.

Resetting does not fix all disposal problems

A reset will restore power to the motor after a jam or overheat, but it will not fix underlying issues. If the disposal hums but does not grind, the blades may be stuck or broken. If water leaks from the seals, resetting will not stop it. If the motor smells like burning plastic or makes grinding noises even when empty, the unit is likely damaged and needs replacement.

Resetting is a one-time fix for a temporary problem — usually a jam or brief overheat. If you find yourself resetting the disposal more than once every few months, something is wrong with the unit itself, and you should have it inspected by a plumber.

Preventing the reset button from tripping

Most reset trips can be avoided by using the disposal correctly. Run cold water before, during, and after grinding. Do not put fibrous materials like celery, corn husks, or onion skins down the disposal — they wrap around the blades and jam the motor. Avoid putting bones, pits, shells, or hard plastic in the chamber. Do not grind large volumes of food at once; feed scraps gradually while the water is running.

If your disposal jams frequently, it may be undersized for your household or reaching the end of its lifespan. Most disposals last 8 to 15 years depending on use and model. If you are resetting it regularly, replacement may be more cost-effective than repeated repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the reset button keep popping out?

Repeated trips usually mean the disposal is jamming regularly or the motor is overheating. Clear any visible debris from the chamber and make sure you are not putting fibrous or hard foods down the drain. If it continues, the motor bearings may be worn and the unit may need replacement.

Can I reset the disposal while it is plugged in?

No. Always turn off the wall switch and wait several minutes before pressing reset. If your disposal is hardwired (no plug), turn off the circuit breaker instead. Resetting while power is on can damage the motor or cause electrical shock.

What if the reset button is stuck and will not pop out?

A stuck button usually means the motor has cooled but the reset mechanism is jammed. Turn off the wall switch, wait 10 minutes, and try pressing the button again with firm, steady pressure. If it still will not move, do not force it — the unit may need professional service.

Is the reset button the same as the on/off switch?

No. The wall switch turns the disposal on and off during normal use. The reset button restores power after a safety trip. They are separate controls with different purposes.

Do all garbage disposals have a reset button?

Most modern disposals have one, but location and type vary. Some have a button on the motor housing, others have a reset outlet, and older models may have only an internal thermal switch that resets automatically. Check your manual or the manufacturer's website if you cannot locate yours.