How to Reset a Garbage Disposal — Find the Button & Fix It Fast

The reset button fixes most garbage disposal problems in about 30 seconds. Your disposal has a built-in safety switch that trips when the motor overloads or overheats. Here’s how to find it and get your disposal running again.

This guide covers everything about the reset button: where to find it, how to use it, and what to do when resetting doesn’t solve the problem.

The 30-Second Reset

Turn off the wall switch — Make sure the disposal is off
Find the red button — Look on the bottom of the disposal unit under your sink
Press firmly until it clicks — The button should stay in when released
Turn on cold water — Let it run
Flip the switch — Your disposal should run normally

That’s it. If it works, you’re done. If the button won’t stay in or the disposal still doesn’t work, keep reading.

Video Guide

Video: “How to Fix a Stuck, Humming or Broken Garbage Disposal” by The Fixer 2

Where Is the Reset Button?

The reset button is on the bottom of the disposal unit under your sink. It’s a small button about the size of a pencil eraser.

By brand:

Brand	Button Color	Location
InSinkErator	Red	Center bottom
Waste King	Red	Side or bottom
Moen	Red	Bottom
GE	Black	Bottom
KitchenAid	Red	Bottom
Whirlpool	Red	Bottom
Frigidaire	Red/Black	Bottom
Kenmore	Red	Bottom

If you can’t find it, grab a flashlight and look at the very bottom of the cylindrical disposal unit. The button is recessed slightly to prevent accidental pressing.

Pro tip: If your disposal is mounted high under the sink, you may need to feel around the bottom rather than look directly at it. The button has a distinctive shape — small, round, and slightly raised.

Step-by-Step Reset Instructions

For those who want the detailed walkthrough:

Step 1: Turn Off the Disposal

Flip the wall switch to the off position. If you want extra safety, unplug the disposal from the outlet under the sink or turn off the circuit breaker.

Why this matters: You don’t want the disposal to suddenly start while you’re reaching underneath it. The switch should be clearly in the off position before you proceed.

Step 2: Wait 5 Minutes

If the disposal was running when it stopped (especially if it made a humming noise), the motor may have overheated. Give it 5 minutes to cool down before resetting.

Why overheating happens:

The disposal ran for too long continuously
The flywheel was jammed and the motor strained
You put too much food down at once
Hot weather combined with extended use

The motor has a thermal overload protector that trips when it gets too hot. Letting it cool ensures the reset will work.

Step 3: Locate the Reset Button

Look at the bottom of the disposal unit under your sink. You’ll see a small red or black button, typically in the center. It may be recessed about 1/4 inch.

If the button is sticking out: This means the thermal overload has tripped. The disposal won’t work until you press it back in.

If the button is flush: The overload may not have tripped, and your problem might be something else (see troubleshooting section below).

Step 4: Press the Button

Push the reset button firmly with your finger. You should feel it click and stay in position.

What you’re feeling:

Initial resistance as you push
A distinct “click” as it engages
The button stays in place when you release

If it pops back out immediately, there’s likely a jam that needs clearing first. The thermal protector can’t reset while the motor is under load.

Step 5: Test the Disposal

Turn on the cold water
Flip the wall switch on
The disposal should run normally
Let it run for 15-20 seconds to clear any debris

What to listen for:

Normal: Grinding/whirring sound
Problem: Humming but not spinning (jam)
Problem: Complete silence (power issue)

Reset Button Won’t Stay In? Here’s Why

If the button pops back out as soon as you release it, the disposal is still jammed or overloaded. The reset can’t engage while the flywheel is stuck.

Most common cause: Something is wedged in the disposal, blocking the flywheel. Even if you don’t see anything, there may be a bone fragment or other debris caught between the impellers and grind ring.

To clear a jam:

Turn off power completely (switch AND breaker/unplug)
Insert a 1/4” Allen wrench into the hex hole on the bottom of the disposal
Rotate back and forth until the flywheel moves freely
Remove any debris from inside (use pliers, never your hand)
Try the reset button again

Still won’t stay in?

Let the motor cool for 15-20 more minutes
Check for additional hidden obstructions
If it keeps popping out after cooling and clearing jams, the motor may be damaged

For detailed jam-clearing instructions, see our complete troubleshooting guide.

Reset Didn’t Work? Try These Next

If resetting doesn’t solve the problem, the issue might be something else:

Disposal is completely silent (no sound at all)

This is a power issue, not a reset issue.

Check these in order:

Is it plugged in under the sink?
Reset the GFCI outlet (the outlet with Test/Reset buttons)
Check the circuit breaker in your electrical panel
Test the outlet with a lamp or phone charger

See our guide on power issues for detailed troubleshooting.

Disposal makes a humming sound but won’t spin

The flywheel is jammed. The motor is getting power, but something is preventing it from spinning.

Quick fix:

Turn off all power
Insert 1/4” Allen wrench in bottom hex hole
Work back and forth until free
Reset and test

See our humming disposal guide for full instructions.

Disposal works but drains slowly

This is a clog, not a reset issue. The disposal is grinding, but the drain line is blocked.

See our clogged disposal guide.

Disposal still doesn’t work after trying everything

The motor may be burned out (you might smell burning). Signs include:

Burning or electrical smell
Unit went from humming to completely silent
Reset keeps tripping immediately after resetting
Unit is over 10 years old

If it’s over 10 years old or shows signs of motor damage, replacement is likely the best option. See our guide on when disposals stop working.

Why Disposals Need to Be Reset

Your garbage disposal has a thermal overload protector built into the motor. This is a safety feature, not a defect.

It trips when:

The flywheel jams against something hard
You overload the disposal with too much food at once
The motor overheats from extended use
Electrical issues cause a surge

When the overload trips, it cuts power to the motor to prevent damage. Think of it like a circuit breaker for your disposal — it protects the motor from burning out.

If the reset keeps tripping:

You may have a recurring jam (something stuck)
You’re putting problem foods down the disposal (bones, fibrous vegetables)
The motor is wearing out and struggling
You’re running the disposal for too long at once

Repeated resets without addressing the underlying issue can eventually damage the motor. If you’re resetting more than once a month, something needs to change — either your disposal habits or the disposal itself.

How to Avoid Needing to Reset

Prevent overloads and jams with these practices:

Run cold water generously — Start water flowing before you turn on the disposal, keep it running while grinding, and let it run for 15 seconds after you turn off the disposal. This helps flush debris and keeps the motor cool.

Feed food gradually — Don’t dump a pile of scraps in at once. Feed them slowly while the disposal runs. This prevents overloading.

Avoid problem items:

Bones (except small chicken bones)
Fruit pits
Fibrous vegetables (celery, corn husks)
Coffee grounds (build up over time)
Pasta and rice (expand with water)
Grease and oil

Don’t run it dry — Always have water flowing when the disposal is on.

Don’t let it run too long — A minute of continuous grinding is plenty. If food isn’t clearing, turn it off and investigate rather than letting it strain.

Monthly maintenance:

Grind ice cubes to clean the impellers
Grind citrus peels for freshness
Check for buildup with a flashlight

FAQ

Where is the reset button on a garbage disposal?

On the bottom of the unit, directly underneath the sink. Look for a small red or black button about the size of a pencil eraser. Most brands place it in the center, though Waste King sometimes puts it on the side.

Why does my garbage disposal keep tripping?

Repeated tripping usually means you’re overloading the disposal, putting hard items (bones, pits) down it, or the motor is struggling due to age. Address the cause rather than just resetting repeatedly.

What if the reset button won’t stay pushed in?

The flywheel is still jammed. You need to clear the obstruction first using a 1/4” Allen wrench in the bottom hex hole, then try the reset again. If it still won’t stay in after clearing the jam, let the motor cool for 15-20 minutes.

Can I reset a garbage disposal without the button?

No. The reset button is the only way to restore the thermal overload. If the button is broken or missing, the disposal needs replacement.

How often should I have to reset my garbage disposal?

Ideally, rarely. If you’re resetting more than once a month, either your usage habits need to change or the disposal is showing signs of wear. Occasional resets after a tough jam are normal.

Is it safe to press the reset button while the disposal is plugged in?

Yes, it’s safe. The reset button is on the bottom of the unit, away from any moving parts. Just make sure the wall switch is off before reaching under the disposal. For extra safety, unplug it or turn off the breaker first.

What does the reset button actually do?

It restores the circuit on the thermal overload protector. When the motor gets too hot or draws too much current (from a jam or overload), this protector trips to prevent motor damage. The reset button reconnects the circuit so the motor can run again.