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

The reset button sits on the motor housing of the garbage disposal itself, not on the wall or counter. Look under your sink at the cylindrical metal unit hanging from the drain pipe. The button is typically located on the bottom or lower side of that motor housing. It may be red, black, or yellow depending on the manufacturer. If you cannot see it when ready, run your hand along the bottom of the unit—the button will protrude slightly and feel like a small cylinder you can press.

The reset button exists because garbage disposals have a built-in thermal overload switch. When the motor gets too hot from jamming, overuse, or electrical strain, this switch automatically cuts power to protect the motor from burning out. The reset button manually restores that power once the motor has cooled down.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button is located on the bottom or side of the motor housing under your sink, not on the wall or counter.
  • The button pops out automatically when the motor overheats, and you push it back in to restore power after the unit cools.
  • Always turn off the wall switch before pressing the reset button, and never put your hand down the drain.
  • If the reset button pops out repeatedly within a short time, the disposal has a jam or electrical problem that needs professional attention.

How to reset your garbage disposal safely

Start by turning off the wall switch that controls the disposal. This is the most important step—never attempt to reset the unit while it has power. Wait at least five to ten minutes for the motor to cool completely. A hot motor will trip the overload switch again when ready, and you will just be pushing the button repeatedly without solving the problem.

Once the motor has cooled, locate the reset button on the underside of the unit. Press it firmly until you hear or feel a click. The button should stay pressed in. Turn the wall switch back on and test the disposal by running water and flipping the switch briefly. If the disposal runs normally, the reset was successful. If the button pops back out within seconds or the disposal does not turn on, the problem is more serious than a straightforward overheat.

What causes the reset button to pop out

The most common cause is a jam inside the disposal. Food, bones, or fibrous material like celery strings can wedge between the grinding ring and the impellers, forcing the motor to work harder until it overheats. Grease buildup can also cause the motor to strain. If you suspect a jam, turn off the wall switch and do not reach into the drain with your hand. Instead, use tongs or pliers to remove any visible debris from the drain opening.

Electrical problems can also trigger the overload switch. A short circuit, a failing motor, or a loose wire connection will cause the motor to draw too much current and heat up quickly. If the reset button pops out even when there is no jam, or if it pops out repeatedly over several days, the disposal likely has an electrical fault that requires professional repair or replacement.

Less commonly, the reset button itself can fail and stick in the popped position. If you press it and it does not click or stay in, the switch mechanism may be broken and the unit will need to be serviced.

When to call a professional instead of resetting

If the reset button pops out more than once in a week, do not keep resetting it. Repeated overheating means something is wrong with the motor, the electrical circuit, or the grinding mechanism. Continuing to reset and run the disposal will only make the damage worse and may create a fire hazard.

If you smell burning plastic or rubber coming from under the sink, turn off the disposal when ready and do not use it again until a plumber has inspected it. That smell indicates the motor insulation is breaking down from heat or electrical arcing. If the reset button will not stay pressed in no matter how hard you push it, the switch itself is faulty and the unit needs to be replaced or repaired by a professional.

If there is a jam you cannot remove with tongs, or if the disposal makes grinding or scraping noises that sound different than normal, call a plumber. Trying to force the impellers to turn or disassembling the unit yourself can cause injury or further damage.

Preventing the reset button from popping out

Run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal. Cold water helps solidify grease so it grinds into small particles instead of coating the impellers. Hot water keeps grease liquid, and it will stick to the motor and grinding surfaces, causing strain.

Feed food slowly into the drain while the disposal is running. Do not dump a full sink of scraps at once. The motor is designed to handle a steady stream, not a sudden load. Avoid putting bones, fruit pits, shells, or fibrous vegetables like celery, corn husks, or onion skins down the disposal. These materials jam easily and force the motor to work much harder than it should.

Run the disposal for a few seconds after the grinding sound stops, then turn it off and let the water run for another five seconds. This clears the drain line and prevents buildup inside the unit. Once a month, grind a handful of ice cubes to help clean the impellers and grinding surfaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset the garbage disposal without turning off the wall switch?

No. Always turn off the wall switch before touching the reset button. If the disposal is still receiving power, pressing the button could cause the motor to suddenly start while your hand is near the drain or the button, which can cause serious injury.

How long should I wait before pressing the reset button?

Wait at least five to ten minutes for the motor to cool. If you reset it while the motor is still hot, the overload switch will trip again when ready and the button will pop back out. Patience is necessary for the reset to work.

What if the reset button is stuck and won't pop out?

If the button is stuck in the pressed position and will not pop out even after the motor overheats, the switch mechanism is broken. The disposal will need to be repaired or replaced by a plumber. Do not force the button or try to disassemble the unit yourself.

Is it normal for the reset button to pop out occasionally?

Occasional popping—once every few months—can happen if you accidentally jam the disposal or run it with a heavy load. But if it pops out more than once a week, or if it pops out when you are not using the disposal, the motor or electrical system has a problem that needs professional attention.

Can I use the garbage disposal while waiting for a plumber?

If the reset button keeps popping out, do not use the disposal. Continuing to run it will damage the motor further and may create a fire hazard. Wait for a professional to diagnose and repair the problem.