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

The reset button on a garbage disposal is a thermal overload switch that cuts power when the motor gets too hot. It sits on the outside of the motor casing — the cylindrical part under your sink — rather than on the sink flange or drain opening. Most units have it on the bottom center, but some models place it on the side. You'll recognize it as a small, round button that sticks out slightly, usually red or black, about the size of a pencil eraser.

The button pops out when the motor overheats, which happens when the disposal jams, runs too long, or the motor itself is failing. Pressing it back in restarts the unit. This is not the same as an on-off switch — it only appears when something has gone wrong, and pushing it won't turn on a disposal that's working normally.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button sits on the motor housing under the sink, usually on the bottom or side, and looks like a small red or black button.
  • The button pops out automatically when the motor overheats, cutting power to protect the unit from damage.
  • Before pressing reset, clear any jam from the drain opening and make sure the disposal is switched off at the wall.
  • If the reset button pops out again within a few minutes of pressing it, the motor may be failing and you should stop using the unit.

How to locate the reset button on your specific model

Start by looking directly underneath the sink at the disposal unit itself. Get a flashlight — the space under a sink is usually dim. The motor is the heavy metal or plastic cylinder that hangs from the drain opening. The reset button is on this cylinder, not on the drain flange above it.

On most InSinkErator, Waste King, and Badger models, the button is centered on the bottom of the motor. On some GE and Moen units, it's on the side. If you can't find it by looking, check your manual — the model number is stamped on the motor housing itself. You can also search the model number online with "reset button location" to see photos of your exact unit.

Steps to reset the disposal safely

Before you touch the reset button, turn off the disposal at the wall switch and wait at least five minutes for the motor to cool. Do not reach into the drain opening or try to clear a jam while the unit is plugged in or switched on.

Once the motor has cooled, look into the drain opening with a flashlight. If you see food, a utensil, or other debris, use tongs or pliers to remove it — never your fingers. If the drain is clear, locate the reset button on the motor housing and press it firmly until you hear or feel it click back into place. The button should sit flush with the housing again.

Turn the wall switch back on and run cold water into the drain for a few seconds. The disposal should start normally. If it doesn't, the motor may not have cooled enough — wait another five minutes and try again.

What causes the reset button to pop out

The most common cause is a jam. Food, bones, or a utensil gets stuck in the grinding chamber, the motor tries to turn against the resistance, and the thermal switch cuts power. Fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, and onion skins jam more often than soft scraps.

Overuse also triggers the reset. Running the disposal for more than a minute or two at a time, or running it repeatedly without breaks, heats the motor past its safe limit. The unit is designed for short bursts — typically 15 to 30 seconds per use.

Less often, the reset pops because the motor itself is wearing out. If the button pops out again within a few minutes of you pressing it, and the drain is clear with no jam, the motor bearings or windings are likely failing. At that point, the disposal should be replaced rather than reset repeatedly.

Common mistakes that prevent the reset from working

The biggest mistake is not waiting for the motor to cool. If you press the reset button while the motor is still hot, it will pop back out when ready. Wait at least five minutes, and longer if the disposal ran for a long time before jamming.

Another mistake is not clearing the jam before resetting. If something is still stuck in the chamber, the motor will jam again the moment you turn it on, and the button will pop out again. Always look into the drain with a light and remove any visible debris with tongs.

Some people also press the reset button without turning off the wall switch first. The disposal won't start if the switch is already off, so you may think the reset didn't work when it actually did. Always flip the switch off, wait, clear any jam, press reset, and then flip the switch back on.

When to replace the disposal instead of resetting it

If the reset button pops out more than once or twice a month with no visible jam, the motor is likely failing. Repeated resets are a sign that the thermal switch is doing its job — protecting a motor that can no longer handle normal use. Continuing to reset and use the unit risks a fire or complete motor failure.

If the disposal makes a grinding or squealing noise even when empty, or if it leaks water from the motor housing, replacement is the safer choice. These are signs of internal wear that resetting cannot fix. A new disposal costs between $150 and $400 installed, depending on the model and whether you hire a plumber.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I press the reset button while the disposal is plugged in?

No. Always turn off the wall switch and unplug the unit or switch off the breaker before pressing reset. Even though the reset button is on the outside of the motor, the disposal is still a powered appliance and touching it while live creates a shock risk.

What if I can't find the reset button on my disposal?

Some older or specialty models don't have a reset button — they use a different overload protection method. Check your manual or search your model number online. If your disposal has no reset button and it stops working, the issue is likely a tripped breaker or a failed motor, not a jam you can fix yourself.

Does pressing reset fix a leaking disposal?

No. A leak means water is escaping from the seal or housing, not that the motor is overheated. Resetting will not stop a leak. You'll need to tighten the mounting bolts, replace the seal, or have a plumber inspect the unit.

How many times can I safely reset the disposal?

Once or twice a month is normal if you occasionally jam it with food. If you're resetting more often than that, change what you put down the drain — avoid fibrous foods, bones, and grease. If the button pops out with nothing stuck, stop using the unit and have it inspected.

Will the reset button pop out on its own if the motor overheats?

Yes. The thermal switch is automatic — it pops out without you doing anything when the motor reaches its temperature limit. You don't have to monitor it or press it preemptively. Just wait for it to cool, clear any jam, and press it back in when you're ready to use the disposal again.