Skip to main content
Keepstead
Menu
DIY Repairs

How to Reset a Garbage Disposal (And When It Needs More Than a Reset)

Garbage disposal not working? Find the reset button, clear jams with an Allen wrench, and decode humming, silence, or a tripped breaker.

Difficulty
Beginner-friendly
Time
10–20 minutes
Est. cost
$0
Season
year round

By Keepstead Editorial Team · Published October 19, 2026 · 4 min read

Last reviewed October 19, 2026

You flip the switch. Nothing — or worse, a dull hum and the smell of hot motor. Before you call a plumber, know this: most "dead" garbage disposals are fixed in ten minutes with a button on the bottom of the unit. Here is the full sequence, in order, from simplest to most involved.

Safety first — non-negotiable

  • Never put your hand inside the disposal. Not to feel for the jam, not "just for a second." Use tongs or pliers from above, or an Allen wrench from below.
  • Turn the wall switch OFF before touching anything, and unplug the unit if it has a plug (many do, under the sink).
  • If water is standing in the sink, bail most of it out first so you can see what you are doing.

Step 1: Press the reset button

Every disposal has a thermal overload protector — a small red or black button on the very bottom of the unit. When the motor overheats (from a jam or overload), this button pops out and cuts power.

  1. Crawl under the sink with a flashlight and locate the button on the unit's underside.
  2. Press it firmly until it clicks and stays depressed.
  3. Flip the wall switch to test.

If it runs — done. This alone fixes the majority of dead disposals. If the button pops right back out, or the unit hums, move to step 2.

Step 2: Free the jam with an Allen wrench

A humming disposal has power but a stuck flywheel. On the bottom center of the unit is a hex-shaped socket — insert a 1/4-inch Allen wrench (most disposals shipped with one; check under the sink or in a drawer).

  1. With the switch OFF, insert the wrench and work it back and forth.
  2. You will feel resistance, then a release as the flywheel breaks free.
  3. Remove the wrench, press the reset button again, and test.

Fish out the culprit with tongs if you can see it — often a bone chip, bottle cap, or twist tie.

Step 3: Check the breaker

If the unit is completely silent — no hum, reset button does nothing — check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker. Reset it once. If it trips again immediately, stop: that signals a short or a seized motor, and it is electrician territory.

Also check: is the unit actually plugged in? Under-sink plugs get knocked loose by cleaning supplies more often than anyone admits.

What the symptoms mean

SymptomLikely causeYour move
Silent, reset does nothingTripped breaker / unplugged / dead motorCheck breaker and plug
Hums but doesn't grindJammed flywheelAllen wrench, then reset
Runs but drains slowlyPartial clog downstreamPlunger or P-trap check
Resets constantlyFailing motor or persistent jamInvestigate or replace
Leaks from bottomCracked housing / worn sealReplace the unit
Leaks from topLoose sink flange or drain connectionTighten mounting ring

When to stop and call a pro

  • Water leaking from the bottom of the unit (internal seals are gone)
  • The breaker trips every time you run it
  • The motor sounds labored or grinding even with a clear chamber
  • The unit is 8–10+ years old and problems keep recurring

A plumber visit costs $150–$300; a new disposal is $80–$200 plus installation. For an old unit with a dead motor, replacement wins on economics.

Keeping it healthy

  • Run cold water before, during, and 15 seconds after grinding — it keeps fats solid so they flush through instead of coating the pipes.
  • Grind in small batches, not a full sink at once.
  • Never put down: grease/oil, coffee grounds in quantity, fibrous foods (celery, artichokes, corn husks), bones, or expandable starches (pasta, rice, potato peels).
  • Ice cubes + citrus peels monthly: the ice scours the chamber, the citrus deodorizes. It is maintenance, not a repair — it will not fix a jam.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the reset button on a garbage disposal?
On the bottom of the disposal unit, under the sink — a small red or black button, sometimes recessed. You may need a flashlight and a small mirror to spot it. Press it firmly until it clicks and stays in.
Why does my garbage disposal hum but not grind?
Humming means the motor has power but the flywheel is jammed — usually by a bone fragment, utensil, or fibrous food. Turn it off immediately (a stalled motor overheats), then free the jam with an Allen wrench in the bottom socket before pressing reset.
Can I put my hand in the garbage disposal to clear it?
Never. Even with the power off, the blades are sharp and the unit can shift. Always use tongs, pliers, or an Allen wrench from below — never fingers, even if you are "sure" it is off.
How many times can I press the reset button?
Once or twice is fine. If the disposal trips the reset repeatedly, something is wrong — a persistent jam, a failing motor, or an electrical issue. Repeated resets on a struggling motor can burn it out; investigate the cause instead.
When should I replace instead of resetting?
If the unit is over 8–10 years old, leaks from the bottom housing, needs resets weekly, or the motor sounds labored even when clear, replacement is usually cheaper than another repair call. A new unit costs $80–$200 plus installation.

Related guides

This guide is for general informational purposes. Conditions vary by home, local codes, and equipment. See our disclaimer.