How to reset a garbage disposal

Most garbage disposals have an inbuilt system that automatically turns them off if they’re clogged, have faulty wiring, or overheat. And like most home appliances, the essential functions of a garbage disposal are usually overlooked, until the device stops working. 

Luckily, there are various troubleshooting and repair steps you can do yourself before contacting a professional to fix the issue. However, the easiest and most effective method to repair a garbage disposal that has stopped working is to reset it. 

But how exactly do you go about it? Well, continue reading this blog post to learn how to reset a garbage disposal step-by-step. In addition, I’ll show you everything you need to know about the reset button of a garbage disposal! 

What is a reset button/ overload protector in garbage disposals? 

As already mentioned, most garbage disposals have a reset button or an overload protector as a safety feature. Typically, this is a small red button that is usually located on the underside of a garbage disposal unit. 

When the appliance is operating normally, the reset button is flat or flush to the machine. However, when the unit is experiencing some garbage disposal problems, the button automatically pops out about a quarter of an inch to prevent the appliance from burning. More importantly, this indicates that you need to reset your garbage disposal. 

When do I need to reset my garbage disposal? 

A garbage disposal that needs resetting usually means that there is a larger problem with the device. Typically, when the safety system of a garbage disposal is triggered, the small button on the side or bottom of the unit pops out. If nothing is wrong with the unit, pressing this button will reset the disposal in no time. 

However, if this is a problem with your appliance, you need to troubleshoot the issue first before you can reset the garbage disposal. Some of these issues include; clogging, overheating, leaky pipes/hoses, electrical issues, motor malfunctions, a leaky seal/ flange, and dull grinder blades. 

Therefore, if you notice the following signs, there is a good chance the garbage disposal needs a reset; 

• The garbage disposal is producing a humming sound but it doesn’t grind food waste
• Your garbage disposal is not turning on
• The unit has overheated
• Garbage disposal keeps tripping the circuit breaker 
• There is food waste clogging the unit

How to reset a garbage disposal

Step 1: Gather your tools 

To reset a garbage disposal, you’ll need the following tools; tongs, pliers, a flashlight, and an Allen wrench. 

Step 2: Turn off the power to the garbage disposal. 

Safety should always be a priority when you’re dealing with electrical appliances, including garbage disposals. For that reason, you should not reset the device while the power is on. Instead, you should turn off power to the disposal, both at the wall outlet and circuit panel if the unit is hardwired. Also, avoid sticking your hand into the unit while it’s connected to the power to prevent electrocution. 

Step 3: Check for obstructions 

One of the main reasons that can cause the reset button to pop out is a stuck item in the disposal. This includes things like a fork, large bones, or even a piece of jewelry that finds its way into the shredder plate. Use a flashlight to spot any visible obstructions and lift it out with a set of tongs or a pair of long pliers. 

Step 4: Locate the reset button in your garbage disposal 

All garbage disposals have reset buttons. However, the location of these buttons tends to vary from one manufacturer to another. 

Where is the reset button garbage disposal located? 

Most garbage disposals have a reset button on the front-facing side of their housing and are either red or black. However, some models like the Insinkrator at the bottom of the unit. 

That said, here are the reset button locations of some of the most popular garbage disposal brands on the market; 

Waste King.

 The reset button on all Waste King garbage disposal is located on the front-facing side, right below the logo. This button is red and easily accessible. More notably, Waste King garbage disposal models have a small opening towards the bottom of the unit to prevent the reset button from being pressed unintentionally. 

Insinkerator.

The reset button for Insinkerator garbage disposals is located on the bottom of the unit and is red. Unfortunately, this button is not easy to locate as it’s hidden from view. For that reason, you have to either feel it or crouch down and use a flashlight. 

Moen

Lastly, the reset button on most Moen garbage disposal models is located toward the bottom of the side. However, the reset button of the GX series is inside a hole and can only be reached with an Allen key or screwdriver. 

Step 5: Push the reset button 

After locating the reset button, wait about 10 minutes before you press it. As mentioned earlier, the reset button pops out the unit’s safety system has been triggered by overheating or jam. Waiting 10 minutes will give it enough time to cool down if the safety system was triggered by overheating. Once the unit has cooled down, gently push the button back in to reset your garbage disposal. 

Step 6: Test your garbage disposal 

Now that you’ve reset your garbage disposal, you need to test it to ensure that it is working correctly. Some turn the power to the appliance back on, run cold water down the sink for a few seconds and turn on the switch. 

If the device is working properly, it will start working immediately and sound normal. However, if it’s producing a humming sound, you should turn it off immediately since it’s jammed. 

Step 7: Dislodge the jam, reset, and retest 

Assuming you’ve turned off the power to the disposal, use a 1⁄4” Allen wrench to unjam the unit. Specifically, you should insert the Allen wrench into the flywheel opening and turn it in the clockwise direction until the flywheel or impeller is free. 

Next, press the reset button, turn the power back on, run cold water into the unit and quickly flip the switch on and off. This will rapidly spin the flywheel, dislodge any obstructions and push them down the drain to prevent your unit from jamming again. 

Hopefully, after undertaking the steps above, our garbage disposal will now run normally!