How to Reset a Garbage Disposal (30-Second Fix)

Your garbage disposal suddenly stops working. You flip the switch and nothing happens — no hum, no sound, nothing. Before you panic or call a plumber, try the reset button. This fixes the problem about 80% of the time and takes less than 30 seconds.

Where Is the Garbage Disposal Reset Button?

The reset button is a small red or black button on the bottom of the disposal unit. You'll need to look under your sink:

1. Open the cabinet under the sink.
2. Look at the very bottom of the garbage disposal (the cylindrical unit attached to the drain).
3. The reset button is on the bottom center. It's usually red and about the size of a pencil eraser.

If the button is popped out (sticking down farther than flush), the disposal has tripped its internal circuit breaker. This is normal — it's a safety feature that protects the motor from burning out.

How to Reset Your Garbage Disposal

1. Turn off the disposal switch on the wall. Make sure it's in the OFF position.
2. Wait 3–5 minutes. The motor needs time to cool down before it will reset successfully.
3. Press the reset button firmly. Push it in until you feel it click and stay flush with the bottom of the unit.
4. Run cold water into the sink for 15 seconds.
5. Turn the disposal switch back on. It should run normally.

Reset Button Keeps Popping Out?

If the reset button pops back out immediately or within a few seconds of running the disposal, one of these things is happening:

Something is jammed

The most common reason. An object is stuck between the impeller blades and the grinding ring, preventing the motor from turning. The overload protector trips to prevent motor damage.

Fix: Turn off and unplug the disposal. Use the Allen wrench socket on the bottom of the unit (1/4-inch Allen wrench) to manually rotate the blades back and forth until they move freely. Remove the stuck object with tongs. Then try the reset again. See our full garbage disposal unclogging guide for detailed steps.

The motor is overheating

If you've been running the disposal for a long time or trying to grind something tough (like bones or fibrous vegetables), the motor may need more time to cool down.

Fix: Wait a full 15–20 minutes, then try the reset again. If it holds this time but the disposal runs slowly, the motor may be weakening.

Electrical problem

If the reset button won't stay in and nothing is jammed, check your electrical panel. The circuit breaker for the disposal may have tripped. Reset it at the panel and try again.

Motor failure

If none of the above works, the motor has likely burned out. This is more common in disposals over 8–10 years old. Replacement is more cost-effective than motor repair. See our garbage disposal replacement guide.

Why Do Garbage Disposals Trip?

The built-in overload protector (the reset button) trips when the motor draws too much current. Common triggers:

• Jammed blades — a bone, fruit pit, or utensil stuck in the grinding chamber
• Overloading — too much food at once forces the motor to work harder than it can
• Running without water — water lubricates the grinding process; without it, friction increases
• Grinding tough items — fibrous vegetables (celery, corn husks), large bones, or starchy foods (pasta, potato peels in bulk)
• Extended run time — running the disposal for several minutes straight can overheat the motor

Preventing Future Trips

• Always run cold water before, during, and for 20 seconds after using the disposal
• Feed food gradually — small amounts at a time, not all at once
• Avoid problem foods: grease, fibrous vegetables, large bones, coffee grounds in bulk, and eggshells
• Run the disposal regularly even when empty — this prevents rust and keeps parts lubricated
• Clean monthly with ice and salt to prevent buildup. See our cleaning guide for 5 methods

When to Call a Plumber

The reset method and Allen wrench fix handle most garbage disposal issues. Call a professional if:

• The reset button won't stay in after clearing jams and waiting for cooldown
• The disposal leaks from the bottom (seal failure)
• Strange grinding or metallic noises even when empty
• The disposal trips its circuit breaker at the electrical panel (not just the reset button)
• The unit is over 10 years old and problems are recurring

A garbage disposal replacement typically costs $250–$500 installed in Los Angeles. Browse verified plumbers near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the reset button on a garbage disposal?

On the bottom of the disposal unit, underneath the sink. It's a small red or black button about the size of a pencil eraser. You may need a flashlight to see it.

Why won't my garbage disposal reset?

The most common reason is a jam preventing the blades from turning. Clear the jam using the Allen wrench method, wait 5 minutes for the motor to cool, then try the reset again. If it still won't hold, the motor may have failed.

Can a garbage disposal burn out?

Yes. If the motor is repeatedly overloaded or runs jammed for too long, it can burn out permanently. The reset button protects against this, but it can't prevent all failures. A burned-out motor means the unit needs to be replaced.

How often should I reset my garbage disposal?

You shouldn't need to reset it regularly. If you're resetting more than once a month, something is wrong — either you're overloading it, putting problem foods in it, or the motor is starting to fail.