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

The reset button on a garbage disposal sits on the motor itself, not on the wall switch or drain pipe. Look underneath the unit where the motor hangs below the sink — you will see a cylindrical metal or plastic housing. The button is typically red or black, about the size of a pencil eraser, and protrudes slightly from the casing. On some models it is on the bottom; on others it is on the side facing the wall.

If you cannot see it from below, feel around the motor housing with your fingers. The button should be straightforward to locate once you know it is there. Do not confuse it with the dishwasher connection port or the mounting bolts, which are larger and do not move.

Reach up and press the button firmly until you hear or feel a click. You may need to use a flashlight to see what you are doing. The button will pop back out on its own after you release it. This resets the internal overload protector that trips when the motor gets too hot or jams.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button is located on the motor housing underneath the sink, not on the wall switch.
  • The button is usually red or black, small, and found on the bottom or side of the cylindrical motor casing.
  • Press the button firmly until you hear a click, then release it — the button will pop back out on its own.
  • You must turn off the wall switch and wait a few minutes before pressing reset, or the motor will not respond.
  • If the reset button pops again within a few days, the disposal likely has a jam or mechanical problem that needs attention.

Why the reset button trips and what to do before pressing it

The reset button is a safety device called a thermal overload protector. It cuts power to the motor when the internal temperature rises above a safe level. This happens when the disposal jams, when something blocks the drain line, or when the motor straightforward runs too long without cooling down.

Before you press reset, turn off the wall switch and wait at least five minutes. This lets the motor cool. If you press reset while the motor is still hot, or while the wall switch is still on, the button will not stay engaged and the motor will not restart.

After you press reset, turn the wall switch back on and test the disposal. If it runs normally, the problem has cleared. If the reset button pops again within a few hours or days, something is still jamming the motor or blocking the drain, and you should not keep resetting it — repeated resets can damage the motor.

How to reach the reset button safely

Make sure the wall switch is off before you reach under the sink. You do not want the disposal to start while your hand is near the drain opening or the motor. Leave the switch off the entire time you are working underneath.

Use a flashlight to see the motor clearly. The motor hangs from the sink drain assembly and is held in place by a large ring nut. The reset button will be somewhere on the outside of the motor casing, below or to the side. Do not try to turn any bolts or nuts — you only need to press the button.

If the space under your sink is cramped, you may need to move cleaning supplies or a bucket out of the way first. Kneel or crouch so you can see and reach comfortably. Press the button with your index finger or thumb, using steady pressure until you feel the click.

What to do if you cannot find the reset button

Some older disposal models do not have a reset button. Instead, they have a hex socket (a small six-sided hole) on the bottom of the motor. If this is your model, you will need a 1/4-inch hex wrench or Allen key to manually unjam the motor. Insert the wrench into the socket and turn it back and forth gently to free up the jam, then remove the wrench and press the reset button if one is present.

If your disposal has neither a reset button nor a hex socket, or if you cannot locate either one, check the model number on a sticker attached to the motor housing. You can search online for your specific model number plus "reset button" to see a diagram or photo of where it should be. The manual, if you still have it, will also show the exact location.

If the disposal is very old or the motor casing is damaged, the reset button may have broken off or become stuck. In that case, the disposal will need professional service or replacement.

Preventing the reset button from tripping repeatedly

The most common cause of repeated tripping is food or debris stuck in the grinding chamber or drain line. After the motor cools and you press reset, run cold water down the drain for 30 seconds while the disposal is off. Then turn it on and let it run for a few seconds. This often clears small jams.

If the disposal still jams, turn it off and use a flashlight to look down the drain. Do not put your hand in. If you see something stuck, use tongs or needle-nose pliers to pull it out. Common culprits are fruit pits, bones, fibrous vegetables like celery, and plastic or rubber items that fell in by accident.

Avoid putting starchy foods, grease, or fibrous materials down the disposal. These do not grind well and clog the drain line. Run cold water before, during, and after use to help move ground food through the pipes. If the reset button keeps tripping even after you have cleared visible jams, the drain line itself may be clogged further down, and you may need a plumber to clear it.

Difference between the reset button and the wall switch

The wall switch turns the disposal on and off. The reset button does not turn it on or off — it only resets the thermal overload protector after it has tripped. You cannot use the reset button to start the disposal. You must use the wall switch.

If you flip the wall switch and nothing happens, the reset button may have tripped. Turn the switch off, press the reset button underneath, wait a moment, then flip the switch back on. If the disposal still does not run, the problem is not the reset button — it could be a tripped circuit breaker, a broken wall switch, or an electrical fault in the disposal itself.

When to call a plumber instead of pressing reset

If the reset button pops more than once a week, or if it pops when ready after you press it and turn the disposal back on, the motor is in trouble. Repeated thermal overload usually means the motor bearings are wearing out, the motor is overloaded, or the drain line is severely clogged. Pressing reset over and over will not fix these problems and may cause further damage.

If you smell burning plastic or rubber coming from under the sink, do not press reset. Turn off the wall switch and leave it off. This smell means the motor is overheating dangerously, and the disposal needs professional inspection or replacement.

If the reset button is stuck and will not pop back out, or if you cannot reach it because the motor is damaged or misaligned, a plumber can help. Some repairs are straightforward and inexpensive; others mean the disposal needs to be replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I press the reset button while the wall switch is on?

No. The wall switch must be off. If you press reset while the switch is on, the button will not stay engaged and the motor will not restart properly. Always turn off the switch, wait a few minutes for the motor to cool, press reset, and then turn the switch back on.

What does it mean if the reset button pops out on its own?

The thermal overload protector has tripped, which means the motor got too hot. This usually happens because the disposal is jammed, the drain is blocked, or the motor ran too long. Turn off the wall switch, wait five minutes, and press reset. If it pops again right away, there is still a jam or blockage.

Is the reset button the same as the circuit breaker?

No. The reset button is on the motor itself and protects against overheating. A circuit breaker is in your electrical panel and protects against electrical overload. If the disposal does not work after you press reset and flip the wall switch, check your circuit breaker panel to see if the breaker has tripped.

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

No. The reset button only resets the thermal overload protector. To turn off the disposal, use the wall switch. The reset button is for emergency use only, when the motor has overheated and shut itself down.

What if I cannot reach the reset button because of the pipes?

Move or remove any pipes or buckets that are in the way. If the space is still too tight, you may need a plumber to access it. Some older sink configurations have very little clearance under the motor. A plumber can also show you exactly where the button is if you are having trouble locating it.