admin If your garbage disposal suddenly stops working with no noise or hum—nothing at all—don’t call a plumber yet. The fix is likely a 30-second job involving the garbage disposal reset switch, a small red button located on the bottom of the unit. Most people don’t even know it exists, but it acts as a dedicated circuit breaker for the motor. Simply push it back in, and your disposal will likely spring back to life.
Here’s everything you need to know to get it working again.
What Is the Garbage Disposal Reset Switch?
The reset switch (also called the overload protector) is a small button – usually red or black – located on the bottom or lower side of the disposal unit, underneath your sink.
It functions like a circuit breaker specifically for your disposal. When the motor overloads – from jamming on food, running too long, or an electrical surge – it trips the switch to cut power and protect the motor from burning out.
When the switch trips, the disposal goes completely silent. No hum, no noise – just nothing.
Where to Find It
Look under your sink, directly at the garbage disposal unit itself (the cylindrical motor housing).
- Most models: Small button on the bottom center of the unit
- Some models: Located on the lower side of the unit
- Color: Usually red (Badger, InSinkErator) or black (some Moen and Waste King models)
If the button is popped out or sticking out slightly – it has tripped and needs to be reset.
How to Reset a Garbage Disposal: Step by Step
Step 1: Turn off the disposal switch on your wall. Make sure the unit is completely off.
Step 2: Look under the sink. Locate the small reset button on the bottom or side of the disposal housing.
Step 3: If the button is popped out (sticking out even slightly), press it firmly until you feel it click back in. If it’s already flush, it may not have tripped – move to the jam-clearing steps below.
Step 4: Wait 10-15 minutes. If the motor overheated, it needs to cool before it’ll work again.
Step 5: Turn on cold water, then flip the disposal switch back on.
Step 6: Test. It should run normally.
What If It Keeps Tripping?
If the reset button trips again shortly after you reset it, there’s likely a jam or an underlying issue.
Clear a Jam First
| What You Need | Where to Find It |
|---|---|
| Disposal wrench (hex/Allen key) | Usually taped to the unit; 1/4″ size typical |
| Flashlight | Any |
| Tongs or pliers | Kitchen drawer |
- Turn off the disposal and unplug it (or switch off the breaker)
- Look in the drain opening with a flashlight – identify any jammed object
- Insert the Allen wrench into the hole at the bottom center of the unit
- Crank it back and forth to manually free the impeller
- Use tongs to remove any debris – never put your hand in the disposal
- Plug back in, wait a few minutes, then reset the button and test
Troubleshooting: When the Reset Doesn’t Fix It
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Reset button pops back out immediately | Persistent jam or short circuit | Clear jam; check wiring |
| Disposal hums but doesn’t spin | Jammed impeller | Use Allen wrench to free |
| Reset button stays in but nothing happens | Wiring issue or dead motor | Check wall switch, outlet, or call plumber |
| Button won’t stay depressed | Motor still too hot | Wait 15+ more minutes to cool |
| Leaking after reset | Gasket or seal issue | Inspect seals under unit |
When to Call a Professional
The garbage disposal reset switch fixes most sudden shutdowns. But call a plumber or electrician if:
- The reset button keeps tripping every few days with no apparent jam
- You smell burning when the disposal runs
- The unit is more than 10-12 years old and resets have become frequent
- There’s water leaking from the motor housing (not the pipes)
Most modern garbage disposals are designed so that the average homeowner can handle this reset without any tools in under a minute. Now that you know where the button is, you’ll never be stuck with a dead disposal again.
