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

The reset button sits on the motor housing of your garbage disposal, mounted underneath your sink. It is a small cylindrical button, typically red or black, and protrudes slightly from the bottom or side of the unit. You will need to get under the sink to reach it — it is not accessible from above.

The button pops out when the disposal's internal overload protector trips. This happens when the motor gets too hot, draws too much power, or jams. Pressing it back in restarts the unit. If you cannot find a button on your specific model, check the manufacturer's manual or the nameplate on the unit itself, as some older or specialty models may have the reset in a different location or may not have one at all.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button is located on the bottom or lower side of the disposal motor housing, underneath your sink.
  • The button pops out automatically when the motor overheats or the unit jams, and you push it back in to restart.
  • Always turn off the wall switch and unplug the unit before reaching underneath to press the reset button.
  • If the button pops out repeatedly within a short time, the disposal may have a jam or electrical fault that needs professional attention.
  • Not all garbage disposal models have a reset button — check your manual if you cannot locate one.

How to safely reset your garbage disposal

Before you touch anything, turn off the wall switch controlling the disposal and unplug it from the outlet if it has a plug. Never reach under the sink or press the reset button while the unit is powered on. Even with the switch off, unplugging removes all power and eliminates the risk of accidental startup.

Once the unit is off and unplugged, get under the sink with a flashlight. Look at the bottom of the motor housing — the reset button will be visible as a small protruding cylinder. Press it firmly until you hear or feel a click. It should seat back into the housing. Plug the unit back in, turn on the wall switch, and test it by running water and flipping the switch briefly. If it runs normally, the reset worked.

Why the reset button pops out

The reset button is part of a thermal overload protector built into the motor. When the motor draws too much current or runs too hot, this protector automatically cuts power and pops the button out as a safety measure. This prevents the motor from burning out or catching fire.

The most common cause is a jam — something hard or fibrous stuck in the grinding chamber that forces the motor to work too hard. Other causes include a seized or worn bearing, a short circuit in the motor windings, or straightforward running the disposal for too long without a break. Occasionally, low voltage from your home's electrical panel can also trigger the overload protector.

What to do if the button keeps popping out

If the reset button pops out again within a few minutes of you pressing it back in, do not keep resetting it. Repeated resets indicate a problem that will not fix itself. Turn off the wall switch and leave it off.

Check first for a jam. Turn off and unplug the unit, then use a flashlight to look down into the drain opening. If you see something stuck — a bone, a piece of plastic, a rubber band — use tongs or pliers to remove it. Do not put your hand down the drain. Once you have cleared any visible obstruction, plug the unit back in and test it. If the button still pops out, the motor itself may be failing and you should contact a plumber or appliance repair technician.

Resetting is different from clearing a jam

A reset button restarts the motor after it has shut itself down. It does not clear a jam. If something is physically blocking the grinding chamber, pressing the reset button will not remove it — the motor will just shut down again as soon as you try to run it.

If your disposal is jammed, you must clear the obstruction first. Turn off and unplug the unit, look into the drain with a flashlight, and remove any visible debris using tongs or a retrieval tool. Only after the jam is cleared should you reset the button and test the unit.

When to call a professional instead of resetting

If the reset button will not stay in, pops out repeatedly, or if the disposal does not run even after a successful reset, the problem is beyond the reset button. A plumber or appliance repair technician can diagnose whether the issue is a motor fault, a wiring problem, or damage to the grinding mechanism.

You should also call a professional if you cannot locate the reset button on your unit, if you suspect a jam but cannot safely remove it, or if the disposal leaks water from the bottom. These are signs of internal damage or a design variation that requires specialist tools and knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset the garbage disposal with the wall switch?

No. The wall switch controls power but does not reset the overload protector. You must physically press the reset button on the motor housing. The button is a separate mechanical component that must be manually reseated.

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

If the space is too tight or the button is not accessible, you may need to remove the P-trap or adjust your position. If that does not work, a plumber can access it or help you determine whether your model has the reset in a different location. Some older units may not have a reset button at all.

Is it safe to reset the disposal myself?

Yes, as long as you turn off the wall switch and unplug the unit first. The reset button itself is safe to press — it is just a mechanical switch. The danger comes from the spinning blades, so always may support the unit is powered off before reaching underneath.

How often should I reset my garbage disposal?

You should rarely need to reset it. If you are resetting more than once or twice a year, something is wrong — either you are jamming it frequently, or the motor is failing. A single reset after a jam is normal; repeated resets suggest you should have a technician inspect it.

Will resetting the garbage disposal fix a leak?

No. A leak means water is escaping from a seal or connection, not that the motor has shut down. Resetting will not stop a leak. If your disposal is leaking from the bottom or from the connections, turn it off and call a plumber.