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

The reset button on a garbage disposal is a small, round button located on the bottom or lower side of the motor housing — the cylindrical part that hangs beneath your sink. It is almost always red or black and sticks out slightly from the metal casing. On most models, it sits near the center of the underside, though the exact position varies by manufacturer. You will need to look underneath your sink with a flashlight to spot it clearly.

The button pops out when the motor overheats or when the disposal jams and the internal overload protection kicks in. This is a safety feature, not a malfunction. When the button is out, the disposal will not run at all — you cannot turn it on until you push the button back in.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button is a small red or black button on the underside of the motor housing, visible when you look under the sink with a flashlight.
  • The button pops out automatically when the motor overheats or the disposal jams, cutting power to protect the unit.
  • Before pressing the button, always turn off the wall switch and wait at least five minutes for the motor to cool.
  • If the button pops out again within a few minutes of resetting, the disposal has a jam or blockage that needs clearing before you try again.
  • Never reach into the disposal chamber with your hands; use tongs or pliers to remove stuck food or objects.

Why the button pops out and when you need to reset it

A garbage disposal has a thermal overload switch built into the motor. When the motor gets too hot — usually because the disposal is working against a jam — the switch automatically cuts the power and the reset button pops out. This prevents the motor from burning out or catching fire. It is the same safety feature found in many kitchen appliances.

The button also pops out if the disposal blade gets stuck on something hard or fibrous that will not grind. Bones, fruit pits, glass, metal, or tightly wound fibrous material like celery strings or corn husks can jam the blade and cause the motor to strain. When the strain reaches a certain point, the overload switch trips and the button pops.

You will know the button has popped because the disposal will not run at all when you flip the wall switch, even if you hear the switch click. There will be no sound from under the sink — no hum, no grinding, nothing.

How to safely reset the button

First, turn off the wall switch and leave it off. Wait at least five minutes. This cooling time is important because the motor is hot, and restarting it when ready can trip the overload switch again.

While you wait, look under the sink with a flashlight to locate the reset button. You do not need to remove anything or take the disposal apart. Once five minutes have passed, reach under the unit and press the button firmly until you hear or feel it click back into place. It should sit flush with the casing when fully reset.

Turn the wall switch back on and test the disposal by running water and flipping the switch briefly. If it hums and runs normally, the reset worked. If the button pops out again within a few seconds or a minute, the disposal has a jam that is preventing the blade from turning freely.

What to do if the button keeps popping out

If the reset button pops out again shortly after you press it, do not keep resetting it. The disposal is telling you that something is blocking the blade. Repeated resets will overheat the motor further and may cause permanent damage.

Turn off the wall switch and leave it off. Use a flashlight to look down into the disposal chamber from above the sink. If you can see an object — a bone, a pit, a piece of glass, or a tightly wound mass of fiber — do not reach in with your fingers. Instead, use needle-nose pliers, tongs, or a wooden spoon handle to fish out the blockage. Work slowly and carefully.

Once you have removed the visible obstruction, fill the sink with a few inches of water and turn the disposal on briefly to see if the blade spins freely now. If it does, the jam is cleared. If the button pops again, there may be a second blockage deeper in the drain line, and you should call a plumber rather than continuing to reset.

Common reasons the reset button pops and how to prevent it

Fibrous foods cause most jams. Celery, onion skins, corn husks, and artichoke leaves wrap around the blade and stop it from turning. Grind these foods in small amounts with plenty of water, or throw them in the trash instead. Hard objects like fruit pits, bones, and shells also jam the blade frequently. Remove these before they go down the drain.

Grease and starch buildup can slow the blade over time, making the motor work harder and heat up faster. Run hot water through the disposal for 30 seconds after each use to flush out food particles. Once a week, grind a handful of ice cubes and a cup of salt to help scour the chamber and drain line.

Overloading the chamber is another common cause. Do not fill the disposal more than halfway with food waste. Run it with water for a few seconds between batches to clear the chamber before adding more. A full chamber forces the blade to work much harder and heats the motor faster.

When to call a plumber instead of resetting

If the reset button pops out repeatedly even after you have cleared visible jams, the problem may be deeper in the drain line. A blockage in the P-trap or the main drain can cause the disposal to back up and strain the motor. A plumber can clear these lines with a snake or hydro-jet.

If the reset button will not stay in — if it pops back out on its own without you running the disposal — the overload switch itself may be faulty. This is a sign the motor is failing and the unit may need replacement. Do not ignore this; a failing motor can overheat and pose a fire risk.

If you smell burning plastic or rubber coming from under the sink, or if the motor makes a grinding or squealing sound that does not go away after you clear a jam, turn off the disposal and do not use it again until a professional has inspected it. These are signs of internal motor damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset the button while the disposal is running?

No. Always turn off the wall switch first and wait at least five minutes before touching the reset button. Reaching under the sink while the disposal is running or still spinning is dangerous and can cause serious injury.

What if I cannot find the reset button?

Check the manufacturer's manual for your specific model — the button location can vary slightly. If you still cannot locate it, take a photo of the underside of your disposal and bring it to a hardware store or call a plumber. Some older or commercial models may have the button in a different location or may not have one at all.

Is it normal for the reset button to pop out?

It is not normal for it to pop out during regular use of a properly functioning disposal. If it pops out once in a while when you grind something tough, that is the safety feature working as designed. If it pops out frequently or without any obvious jam, the disposal may have a problem that needs professional attention.

Can I use the disposal right after I reset the button?

Wait a few minutes after resetting before running the disposal again. The motor needs time to cool. Turn on the water first, then flip the switch briefly to test it. If it runs smoothly, you can use it normally. If the button pops again when ready, stop and investigate the jam.

What should I do if the reset button is stuck and will not pop back in?

Do not force it. A stuck button usually means the overload switch is faulty or the motor is jammed so tightly that the safety mechanism cannot reset. Turn off the disposal and call a plumber. Forcing the button can damage the switch or the motor housing.