If your garbage disposal quit working, you might not need a plumber: Down there in the dark recesses under your sink, most garbage disposals feature a tiny reset button that may fix your problem.
You see, that grinding sound you hear when your disposal’s working is actually a motor spinning specially designed impellers – not blades like most people think. When these get stuck, your disposal’s brain (yes, it has one) shuts everything down.
To reset your garbage disposal, you’ll shut it off, remove any debris that may be clogging it up, and then push the reset button. Let’s look at the process in a bit more detail.
What is the Garbage Disposal Reset Button
Didn’t know your disposal had a reset button, did you? Most people don’t until something stops working. It sits directly underneath your disposal.
Your disposal’s actually pretty smart about protecting itself. Most kitchens either have one that runs when you flip the switch (continuous feed) or the kind where you have to cover it first (batch feed). Both come with the reset.
When something jams it up, maybe you tried grinding too much at once, or a rogue spoon snuck down there, your garbage disposal will automatically stop to protect itself. That’s where this button comes in.
Tools You’ll Need
- A flashlight to help you see under the sink
- Tongs or pliers for safely removing debris
- An Allen wrench to make manual adjustments
- 1-2 minutes of your time
That’s it. No YouTube tutorials, no calling your neighbor who “knows about plumbing.”
Find the Reset Button
It’s not hard to find this button. It’s the red or black button on the underside or side of the disposal. If you can’t find it, your disposal might be too old. Pre-2000s models sometimes skipped the reset button.
The Reset Process
- Turn off the disposal switch.
- Stick your head under the sink. Find that button. If it’s sticking out, it needs to be reset.
- Check for obstructions. Use tongs or pliers to remove any visible debris. NEVER USE YOUR HANDS! If you’re dealing with a stubborn clog, check out How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal for more tips.
- Manually rotate the flywheel (if necessary). Insert an Allen wrench into the hexagonal hole on the bottom and turn it back and forth to dislodge any jams.
- Push the reset button. That’s literally it. Just push the button. If you hear a click, you’re golden.
- Turn the disposal back on and test it. Run some water and flip the switch.
If it works, congratulations—you just saved yourself a conversation with a plumber.
When Resetting Doesn’t Work
Sometimes your disposal is just being stubborn. Here’s what might really be wrong:
- It’s actually jammed with something that shouldn’t be in there (looking at you, avocado pit).
- It’s old and finally gave up.
- You kept mashing the reset button: Without fixing the actual problem.
- The wiring’s fried: Time to call that plumber.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
To keep your garbage disposal running smoothly and avoid frequent resets, follow these tips:
- Avoid overloading: Feed food waste gradually instead of dumping large amounts all at once.
- Run cold water: Always use cold water while operating your disposal as it helps solidify grease and prevents clogs.
- Clean regularly: Grind ice cubes and citrus peels occasionally to clean blades and eliminate odors. For a deeper clean, check out our How to Clean a Garbage Disposal article.
- Avoid problematic items: Don’t put fibrous foods like celery, grease, bones, or non-food items down your disposal.
- Use weekly: Even if unused regularly, run water through your disposal weekly to prevent rust and keep parts moving freely.
You’ve Got This
Resetting your garbage disposal is one of the easiest DIY fixes you can do. It takes less time than waiting for a plumber to show up and costs absolutely nothing. Just remember to turn off the power, find that button, and give it a push. If it works, you’re a hero. If it doesn’t, well, at least you tried.
If you’ve tried everything here and your disposal still isn’t cooperating, or if you’re not comfortable poking around under your sink, don’t sweat it. Sometimes it’s best to leave it to the experts. Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled plumbers in seconds and leave the rest to us.
Main Photo Credit: Tony Webster / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
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