The reset button is usually a red or black button on the bottom or side of the motor housing

Most garbage disposals have a reset button mounted directly on the motor casing underneath your sink. It is typically red or black, about the size of a pencil eraser, and sits on the underside or lower side of the cylindrical motor unit. If you look under the sink with a flashlight, you will see the disposal unit hanging from the drain opening — the reset button is on the body of that motor, not on the drain pipe itself.

Some older or commercial-grade disposals do not have a reset button at all. If you cannot find one after checking the entire motor housing, your unit may use a different shutoff method, such as a wall switch with a built-in breaker or a dedicated circuit breaker in your electrical panel.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button is a small red or black button on the motor housing under your sink, usually on the bottom or lower side.
  • Press the reset button only after the disposal has jammed, overheated, or tripped its internal breaker — never use it as a regular on-off switch.
  • Always turn off the wall switch or breaker before pressing reset, and never put your hand down the drain while the disposal is plugged in.
  • If the reset button pops out repeatedly after you press it, the motor is overheating or the jam is still present, and you should call a plumber.

Why the reset button trips and what it means

The reset button is a thermal overload switch. When the motor gets too hot or draws too much current because something is jamming the blades, an internal sensor triggers the button to pop out. This cuts power to the motor and protects it from burning out. You will hear or feel a click when it trips.

A tripped reset button always means something went wrong — either the disposal is jammed, the motor is working too hard, or there is an electrical fault. It is not a normal part of operation. Do not ignore it and keep pressing it back in. Each time you reset without fixing the underlying problem, you risk permanent damage to the motor.

How to safely reset the disposal

Before you touch the reset button, turn off the wall switch or the breaker that controls the disposal. Wait at least five minutes. This ensures the motor has cooled and the internal mechanism has fully stopped.

Once the power is off, look under the sink and locate the reset button on the motor. Press it firmly until you hear or feel a click — it should pop back out slightly or stay flush, depending on your model. Do not force it. If it does not respond to firm pressure, stop and call a plumber.

After you reset, turn the power back on at the wall switch or breaker. Do not turn on the disposal yet. Listen for any humming or unusual sounds. If the motor hums but the disposal does not spin, there is still a jam. If you hear nothing, the reset worked and the disposal is ready to use.

What to do if the reset button keeps popping out

If the reset button trips again within a few minutes of you pressing it, the disposal has a problem that you cannot fix by resetting alone. The motor may be overheating because of a jam you have not cleared, or the motor itself may be failing.

Do not keep pressing the reset button. Each reset attempt sends power back to an overheating motor and shortens its life. Instead, turn off the power at the breaker and leave it off. Check the drain opening from above to see if there is visible debris — a spoon, bone, or plastic wrapper — that you can remove with tongs or pliers. Never put your hand down the drain.

If you cannot see or reach the jam, or if the reset button pops out again after you clear visible debris, call a plumber. The jam may be deeper in the pipe, or the motor may need replacement.

Preventing jams that trigger the reset button

The best way to avoid a tripped reset button is to keep the disposal from jamming in the first place. Never put bones, fruit pits, fibrous vegetables like celery or corn husks, or non-food items down the drain. These are the most common causes of jams.

Run cold water while the disposal is operating, and keep it running for a few seconds after you turn off the motor. This flushes debris through the pipes and prevents buildup. Do not overload the disposal — feed food scraps in small amounts and let the motor finish grinding before adding more.

If you hear the motor struggling or grinding sounds change, turn it off when ready. A struggling motor is about to jam, and stopping early can prevent the reset button from tripping.

When to call a plumber instead of resetting

Some situations mean the reset button will not solve the problem. If the disposal makes a burning smell, the reset button will not help — the motor is damaged and needs replacement. If water backs up into your sink when you run the disposal, the jam is in the drain pipe below, not in the disposal itself, and a plumber needs to clear the line.

If the reset button is stuck and will not press at all, or if it pops out the moment you turn the power back on, do not keep trying. Call a plumber. Forcing a stuck button or repeatedly resetting a motor that when ready trips again will cause more damage and cost more to repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset the disposal without turning off the power first?

No. Always turn off the wall switch or breaker before pressing reset. The motor could restart unexpectedly while your hand is near the drain, which is a serious injury risk. Wait at least five minutes after turning off the power before you touch the reset button.

What if I cannot find the reset button?

Check the entire motor housing — bottom, sides, and back. Use a flashlight to see clearly. If the button is not there, your disposal may not have one, or it may be located on the wall switch or in the electrical panel as a breaker instead. Check your disposal's manual or call a plumber to confirm.

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

No. The reset button should never pop out during normal use. If it does, something jammed the disposal or the motor overheated. Clear any visible debris and reset once. If it pops out again, stop using the disposal and call a plumber.

Can I use the reset button to turn the disposal on and off?

No. The reset button is only for emergencies when the motor has overheated or jammed. Use the wall switch to turn the disposal on and off. Using the reset button as a regular switch will wear it out and damage the motor.

How long should I wait after pressing reset before using the disposal?

Wait at least five minutes after turning the power back on. This gives the motor time to cool completely. If you hear humming but the disposal does not spin, there is still a jam — do not force it. Turn off the power and check the drain opening again.