How to Reset Your Garbage Disposal Quickly and Safely

Garbage disposals are intuitive little appliances—if they overheat, are clogged, or have faulty wiring, they’ll automatically shut off. Luckily, if you know how to reset a garbage disposal, a button helps you determine the cause of a shutoff. Before you call in a pro, try these quick and effective ways to reset your garbage disposal and get it back up and running in no time.

Why Do I Have to Reset My Garbage Disposal?

If your garbage disposal requires resetting, it typically indicates a larger problem with your appliance. You’ll have to troubleshoot your garbage disposal issue, which could include: 

• Overheating

• Clogging

• Dull grinder blades

• Motor malfunctions

• Leaky hose or pipes

• A leaky seal or flange

• Electrical issues

• Unit completely burned out (requires replacement)

The garbage disposal reset button will automatically pop out when one of these issues occurs. You’ll need to inspect your garbage disposal right away—the last thing you want to do is leave your unit open to electrical issues, serious clogs, leaks, or foul odors. 

Nip the problem in the bud and avoid having to replace your garbage disposal by quickly and efficiently resetting your appliance.

Signs You Need to Reset Your Garbage Disposal

If your garbage disposal stops working, these are the signs that you need to reset your unit:

• The garbage disposal doesn't turn on.

• You check underneath the garbage disposal, and the little red reset button has popped out 1/4 of an inch.

• Your unit hums but doesn’t grind.

• Your unit has overheated.

• There’s waste clogging your garbage disposal.

• You notice a tripped circuit breaker (the circuit breaker box is hot to the touch, and you smell something burning).

How to Reset Your Garbage Disposal

There are several ways to reset and repair your garbage disposal. With a little determination, handy homeowners can find a solution.

1. Press the Red Reset Button

The simplest fix is to grab a flashlight, get beneath your garbage disposal, and press the popped-out red reset button. Wait 10 minutes, turn on the water, and try running the garbage disposal. If everything works, the red button will stay flush underneath the unit. But if it’s popping out again, it’s an indication of another problem.

2. Check Your Electrical

If your garbage disposal doesn’t turn on after resetting the garbage disposal reset switch, it might be overheated or have an electrical issue. Before you call a local electrician, try these methods:

Check the Plug 

Look at your wall outlet, and see if your unit is plugged in. If it is, check to see if the outlet has power. You can test it by plugging in another appliance and seeing if it works. 

Examine the Circuit Breaker

After checking the plug, locate your circuit breaker if there's still no power. Turn off all appliances, find the switch for your garbage disposal outlet, and check to see if it's flipped to "off." If so, flip the switch from "off" to "on" and check to see if the garbage disposal works.

If your garbage disposal works but continues to trip the circuit breaker, you may have an electrical problem, such as a fault (when appliances short circuit due to aging electric or wiring issues). For this issue, it’s best to call in a pro.

Check the Outlet’s Wiring

If the circuit breaker switch wasn’t flipped from “on” to “off,” there may be a problem with your outlet’s wiring. Check your outlet for burning smells or burn marks. You should also check to hear if it’s buzzing or hot to the touch. Again, in this case, we recommend calling in a pro to diagnose the issue.

See If There’s a Bad Switch 

If wiring isn’t the issue, the switch itself may have gone bad. If your switch makes snapping, crackling, or popping noises when you turn it on, it’s a sign that you need to replace your switch. You can expect to pay between $100 and $200 for the cost of replacing a switch.

3. Clear Out a Small Blockage

If the issue isn’t electrical, the next likely culprit is a blockage. To check, press the reset button and turn on your disposal. If it starts to hum but doesn’t grind, it’s time to troubleshoot it:

1. Turn off all power, including the garbage disposal power switch and the circuit breaker switch.

2. Locate the hole beneath the garbage disposal that turns the flywheel. The flywheel is a rotator that spins the impellers—and the impellers shred garbage disposal waste. If the flywheel doesn’t rotate, food will get clogged in your disposal.

3. Look next to the red reset button. Take a garbage disposal wrench (these typically come with your unit), or you can use an Allen wrench and turn the flywheel clockwise.

4. Move the flywheel back and forth to free up any excess debris. This movement should unclog your garbage disposal.

5. Grab your flashlight, and look down into the unit to see if everything’s clear. Run the water, turn the power back on, press the red button, and test it out.

4. Clear Out a Large Blockage

If testing the flywheel doesn’t clear up a blockage, you’ll have to try a more invasive method.

1. Same as above. Turn off all power, including the garbage disposal power switch and the circuit breaker.

2. Grab a flashlight and look down the garbage disposal. If you see the blockage, try dislodging it with a wooden spoon, kitchen tongs, or a pair of pliers. Never put your fingers or hand inside the garbage disposal near the shredder ring.

3. Once the blockage is clear, run the water, turn the power back on, press the reset button, and test out your garbage disposal. Test it out a few times to ensure it’s working properly.

Tips to Avoid Resetting Your Garbage Disposal

To reduce the likelihood of a clog, always avoid putting these items down your garbage disposal: 

• Bones

• Fruit pits

• Potato peels

• Coffee grounds

• Cooking oil or grease 

• Expandable foods (pasta, rice, and oatmeal)

• Nuts

• Eggshells

• Fibrous foods (celery, pumpkin, corn husks, artichokes, and asparagus)

• Seafood shells

• Large quantities of food

• Trash

• Paint

• Harsh cleaning chemicals

In addition, you should always run cold water down the drain to prevent sludge buildup. And always run the water before running the garbage disposal and for 15 seconds afterward. 

DIY vs. Hire a Pro

DIYers comfortable with checking the electrical and dislodging waste can save between $90 to $250 in labor costs. However, if you’re uncomfortable checking it out yourself, call a garbage disposal repair company near you to diagnose the issue and provide solutions. The average cost of repairing a garbage disposal is $250. If you need to replace your garbage disposal entirely, you can expect to pay between $150 and $950.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I find the garbage disposal reset button?

The garbage disposal reset button is a red button located at the bottom of the garbage disposal. If the switch is flat against the unit, everything is working correctly. If the red button sticks out 1/4 of an inch, you know there's a problem.

What can I use to dislodge a clog in my garbage disposal?

When it comes to best practices for garbage disposal maintenance, never stick your hands or fingers down the shredder ring, even if all your power is off. There is still a chance the unit can kick on and cause serious injury. Instead, always use a wooden spoon, a pair of pliers, or kitchen tongs.