Where is the reset button on a garbage disposal?

On most models, the reset button is located on the bottom of the unit. Some models place it on the side. It is typically red and roughly the size of a pencil eraser, though some units use a black button instead. If you are having trouble finding it, check near the manufacturer's logo or consult your owner's manual.

Why does my garbage disposal hum but not grind?

A humming disposal that will not grind is almost always a sign that the unit has seized up due to a jam. The motor is receiving power and trying to run, but something lodged in the grinding components is preventing the plate from turning. Cut power at the breaker, use an Allen wrench in the hex socket on the bottom of the unit to manually free the jam, then clear the blockage with tongs before resetting and restoring power.

Why won't the reset button stay in after I press it?

If the reset button pops back out immediately after pressing, the motor is likely still too hot from the overload that triggered the shutdown. Wait 10 to 20 minutes to allow the motor to cool completely, then try again. If the button continues to refuse to latch after multiple attempts with adequate cooling time, the unit may have a mechanical problem that requires a licensed plumber.

Is it safe to put my hand in the garbage disposal to remove a jam?

No. Never put your hand into the disposal, even with the power switched off at the wall. Always cut power at the circuit breaker first, and use tongs or needle-nose pliers to remove any visible blockage. For jams you can see but cannot reach, use an Allen wrench in the hex socket on the bottom of the unit to free the grinding plate.

How long should I wait before resetting a hot disposal?

Wait at least 10 to 20 minutes after the disposal shuts down before attempting to press the reset button. This gives the motor enough time to cool sufficiently for the overload protector to reset. Trying too soon will result in the button popping back out immediately.

What should I never put down the garbage disposal?

Avoid putting coffee grounds, cooking grease or fat, eggshells, bones, metal objects, banana peels, and fibrous vegetables such as celery and broccoli down the disposal. These items either resist grinding, wrap around the impellers, or accumulate inside the unit over time. A sink strainer can help catch stray items before they reach the disposal.

My disposal keeps tripping after I reset it. What does that mean?

A disposal that resets successfully but trips again quickly after use is signaling an underlying problem. Common causes include a worn motor nearing the end of its service life, a persistent jam that was not fully cleared, or internal components that are failing. If the unit is older than 10 to 15 years and tripping frequently, replacement is often more practical than continued repairs.

Can I use bleach or drain cleaner to clean my garbage disposal?

No. Bleach and commercial drain cleaners can damage the impellers and internal components of the disposal over time. For safe cleaning methods, refer to our guide on how to clean your disposal.

How long do garbage disposals typically last?

With regular use and proper maintenance, most garbage disposals last between 10 and 15 years. Frequent jams, repeated tripping, unusual noises, or water leaking from the base or sides are signs that the unit may be nearing the end of its useful life and worth having a licensed plumber assess.

The One-Touch Solution to Resetting a Garbage Disposal

Q: Do all garbage disposals have a reset button?

Yes. Every residential garbage disposal includes a reset button. It is a built-in overload protector designed to cut power automatically when the motor is strained by a jam, overheating, or electrical irregularity.

If you've had your garbage disposal stop working while entertaining guests or during a hurried dinner cleanup, you know how frustrating it can be. Luckily, the fix is usually as simple as pressing the garbage disposal reset button. Before you throw in the dish towel, follow these tips for resetting a garbage disposal and getting your kitchen running smoothly again.

Why Did Your Garbage Disposal Stop Working?

Most garbage disposals have a built-in sensor that automatically cuts off power whenever it detects something that could damage its components or burn out its motor. This automatic shutdown works much like a GFCI outlet cuts off power when it detects a short. The disposal isn't broken. It's doing exactly what it was designed to do.

There are a few common reasons your disposal's overload protector may have tripped:

A jam: A hard object like a bone, utensil, or bottle cap is lodged between the impellers, causing the motor to stall.
Overheating: Running the disposal for an extended period or grinding a large volume of food at once can cause the motor to overheat and shut down automatically.
An electrical issue: In less common cases, a tripped circuit breaker or a wiring problem may be the culprit.
Age or wear: Older disposals may trip more frequently as internal components begin to wear out.

Garbage disposals don't always give up immediately. If you hear a buzz or hum when you turn on the disposal but nothing grinds, that's usually a sign the unit has seized up while trying to work through something lodged in the grinding components. To get it working again, you'll need to clear any jam and reset the disposal manually.

What You'll Need

Before you get started, we recommend grabbing:

Tongs or needle-nose pliers
An Allen wrench, also called a hex wrench
A flashlight

How to Reset Your Garbage Disposal in Four Steps

Step 1: Cut Off Power to the Disposal

Never work on a disposal without completely cutting off power at the breaker first. Turn off the circuit breaker connected to the disposal. Keep in mind that this may also cut power to nearby outlets and appliances, so have your flashlight ready just in case.

Step 2: Look for the Blockage

Use the flashlight to look deep into the disposal for any lodged items. The most common culprits are stray eating utensils, metal lids, jewelry, or bones. Use the tongs or pliers to remove any blockage you find.

Do not put your hand down the disposal, even with the power off. It is simply not worth the risk.

If you can see that something is stuck but can't remove it with tongs, this is where the Allen wrench comes in. Most garbage disposals have a small hex socket on the bottom of the unit, usually in the center. Insert a quarter-inch Allen wrench into this socket and work it back and forth to manually rotate the grinding plate and free whatever is causing the jam. Once the wrench turns freely in both directions, the jam has been cleared. Remove the wrench before restoring power.

Step 3: Reset the Garbage Disposal

Most disposal reset buttons are located on the bottom of the unit, though on some models, you'll find them on the side. The button is typically red and about the size of a pencil eraser, though some units have a black button instead. If you're having trouble locating it, check near the manufacturer's logo or consult your owner's manual.

Do all garbage disposals have a reset button? Yes. Every residential garbage disposal includes one.

Once you've found the button, press it firmly until you feel it click and stay in place. If the button immediately pops back out after pressing it, the disposal motor is likely still too hot from the overload. Wait 10 to 20 minutes for it to cool down and then try again. If the button refuses to stay latched after multiple attempts, there may be a deeper mechanical issue that requires professional attention.

Step 4: Restore Power and Test the Disposal

Return the breaker switch to the on position, run cold water down the disposal, and try turning the unit on.

If the disposal sounds normal and grinds smoothly, you're all set. If it's still making buzzing or grinding sounds, turn it off immediately. Repeat these steps or call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for a helping hand.

When a Reset Isn't Enough

In many cases, a simple reset is all it takes to restore your disposal to working order. But there are situations where the reset button alone won't solve the problem. Watch for these signs that something more serious may be going on:

The disposal resets successfully but keeps tripping again after a short period of use
The motor hums but the unit still won't grind after the reset and jam clearing
You notice water leaking from the base or sides of the unit
The disposal makes loud rattling or grinding sounds even without food in it
The reset button will not stay latched no matter how long you wait

These issues may point to a worn motor, a cracked housing, a damaged seal, or internal components that have simply reached the end of their service life. Continuing to force a struggling disposal can cause additional damage to the unit and put added strain on your kitchen drain. If you recognize any of these warning signs, it's worth having a licensed plumber take a look before the problem gets worse.

You can also learn more about what might be going wrong by reviewing our guide to common garbage disposal problems.

When to Consider Replacing Your Disposal

Garbage disposals typically last 10 to 15 years with regular use and proper maintenance. If yours is older and experiencing frequent jams, tripping repeatedly, or making sounds it never used to make, replacement may be the more practical and cost-effective solution compared to ongoing repairs.

Our licensed plumbers can assess your unit and give you an honest recommendation. Whether you need a straightforward disposal repair or a full new disposal installation, we'll help you choose the best path forward for your home and budget.

How to Avoid Garbage Disposal Problems

A few simple habits can go a long way toward preventing jams, overloads, and the need for future resets. Follow these tips to keep goes down the drain. Avoid putting coffee grounds, fat or grease, eggshells, metal objects, bones, banana peels, or fibrous vegetables like broccoli and celery down the disposal. Consider using a sink strainer to control what makes it into the unit in the first place.

Skip the harsh chemicals. Avoid using bleach or other commercial drain cleaners to clean or unclog the disposal. These chemicals can damage the impellers and other internal components over time. For safe cleaning tips, check out our guide on https://www.benjaminfranklinplumbing.com/expert-tips/disposals/how-to-clean-your-garbage-disposal/how to clean your disposal.
Always use cold water. Run cold water every time you operate the disposal, and keep it running for several seconds after the grinding stops. Cold water helps solidify any grease or fat so it can be broken down and flushed through the drain. Hot water can soften grease and allow it to coat and build up inside the unit.
Don't overload it. Feed food scraps in gradually rather than stuffing the disposal all at once. Cutting larger items into smaller pieces before putting them in reduces strain on the motor and helps prevent jams.
Run it regularly. Even when you're not grinding food, running the disposal briefly once a day can help prevent rust, corrosion, and the kind of buildup that leads to jams and odors.

Keep Your Whole Home Running Smoothly with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

The kitchen is the hub of the home, and your garbage disposal is a valuable part of keeping it functional. Keep home life rolling with practical plumbing tips and punctual service from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. Our trained, friendly plumbers provide trustworthy maintenance and repairs that keep your family on the move.

Whether you need a quick reset assist, a repair, or a full replacement, our team is available 24/7 and ready to help. We stand behind our work with industry-leading guarantees.

https://www.benjaminfranklinplumbing.com/locations/Find a location near you or call us anytime at (800) 259-7705.

You can also book an appointment online to get started right away.

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