Flashlight
Use it for: To look into the sink opening and check for a blockage without putting your hand inside.
Shop flashlightsGarbage Disposal Reset
How to Reset a Garbage Disposal
If your garbage disposal suddenly stopped, hums without spinning, or will not turn on after a jam, you can often reset it by turning off power, clearing the jam, pressing the reset button on the bottom of the unit, and testing it again.
A disposal reset is usually a quick fix after the motor overload trips. The key is making sure the chamber is clear before you restore power, so you do not reset a jammed unit and trip it again right away.
Before you start: Match the part or procedure carefully before you start. Stop if the repair becomes unsafe or unclear.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-04
Safety first
- Always turn the wall switch off before checking the disposal.
- Unplug the disposal or switch off the breaker before reaching near the grinding chamber or working underneath.
- Use pliers or tongs instead of your hand to remove objects from the disposal.
- Do not keep flipping the switch on a humming disposal. Clear the jam first to avoid overheating the motor.
Tools you may need
Needle nose pliers or tongs
Use it for: To pull out a utensil, bone, or other object from the disposal safely.
Shop needle-nose pliers
Hex key for disposal jam socket
Use it for: Many disposals can be turned from the bottom with a small hex key to free a jam.
Shop disposal hex keys
Bucket or towel
Use it for: To catch drips if you need to work under the sink.
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Step-by-step fix
Step 1: Make sure a reset is the right fix
- Try the wall switch once and listen closely.
- If the disposal is completely dead or it hums but does not spin, a reset is a reasonable next step.
- Look under the sink for obvious leaks, a loose plug, or a tripped outlet button if the disposal plugs into a receptacle.
- Turn the disposal switch off before you touch anything else.
If it works: You have a stopped disposal and the switch is off, so you can check it safely.
If it doesn’t: If the disposal runs normally, you do not need a reset. If the sink is leaking heavily or the unit is hanging loose, fix that problem first.
Stop if:
- You smell burning insulation or see smoke marks around the disposal or wiring.
- The disposal housing is cracked, badly rusted through, or pulling away from the sink mount.
Step 2: Cut power and check the chamber for a blockage
- Unplug the disposal if it has a cord. If it is hardwired, turn off the correct breaker.
- Use a flashlight to look down through the sink opening.
- Remove any visible object with pliers or tongs. Common culprits are utensils, bottle caps, fruit pits, and bones.
- Do not put your hand into the disposal chamber, even with power off.
If it works: The disposal is disconnected from power and the grinding chamber is clear of obvious foreign objects.
If it doesn’t: If you cannot see well enough to confirm the chamber is clear, improve the lighting and check again before moving on.
Stop if:
- You find damaged wiring, melted insulation, or signs of water dripping onto electrical parts.
- A hard object is wedged so tightly that you cannot remove it without forcing parts or damaging the unit.
Step 3: Free the jam from below if the motor will not turn
- Place a towel or bucket under the disposal if needed.
- Insert the correct hex key into the jam socket on the bottom center of the disposal, if your unit has one.
- Work the wrench back and forth until the motor turns more freely.
- If your disposal uses a manual turning feature instead of a hex socket, use that feature as designed to rotate the motor and break the jam loose.
- Check the sink opening one more time with the flashlight and remove anything that worked loose.
If it works: The motor can be turned by hand from below and the jam feels cleared.
If it doesn’t: If the motor will not budge after several careful attempts, the disposal may have a seized motor or internal damage and may need service or replacement.
Stop if:
- The wrench socket strips, the motor will not move at all, or the unit makes grinding metal-on-metal sounds while turning by hand.
Step 4: Press the reset button
- Keep the wall switch off.
- Find the small reset button on the bottom of the disposal housing.
- Press it firmly once. It may click and stay in.
- Restore power by plugging the unit back in or turning the breaker on.
If it works: The reset button stays in and power is restored to the disposal.
If it doesn’t: If the button will not stay in, wait a few minutes for the motor to cool and try once more. If it still will not stay in, the overload may be tripping because of a deeper electrical or motor problem.
Stop if:
- The reset button immediately pops back out repeatedly after the jam has been cleared.
Step 5: Test the disposal with water running
- Turn on a steady stream of cold water.
- Flip the disposal switch on for a short test run.
- Listen for normal spinning instead of a hum, buzz, or harsh grinding.
- Let it run for several seconds, then switch it off and let the water run briefly to flush the chamber.
If it works: The disposal starts, spins normally, and drains without tripping again.
If it doesn’t: If it only hums, trips again, or will not start, turn it off right away. Recheck for a jam once more. If it still fails, the motor, switch, outlet, or wiring may need diagnosis.
Stop if:
- The disposal leaks from the body, smokes, trips the breaker repeatedly, or makes loud metal impact noises during the test.
Step 6: Confirm the repair holds in real use
- Run cold water and feed a small amount of normal food waste that the disposal is meant to handle.
- Listen for smooth operation and watch that the sink drains at a normal rate.
- Check under the sink for drips around the disposal body, drain connection, and dishwasher hose connection.
- Turn the unit off and on one more time to make sure it starts consistently.
If it works: The disposal handles a normal short run, starts reliably, and shows no leaks or repeat trips.
If it doesn’t: If the disposal works only intermittently or jams again right away, stop using it until you address the underlying blockage, dull internal parts, or failing motor.
Stop if:
- The disposal repeatedly overheats, leaks from the housing, or loses power again during normal use.
Verify the repair
- The reset button stays in after power is restored.
- The disposal starts without just humming.
- Water drains normally during and after the test run.
- There are no leaks, burning smells, or repeated trips during normal use.
FAQ
Where is the reset button on a garbage disposal?
It is usually a small button on the bottom of the disposal housing. You may need a flashlight to see it clearly under the sink.
Why did my garbage disposal need a reset?
The motor overload likely tripped to protect the unit after a jam, overheating, or a brief overload. Resetting only works if the cause has been cleared.
What if my disposal just hums after I press reset?
A hum usually means the motor has power but the grinding plate is stuck. Turn power off again, clear the chamber, and free the jam from below before testing again.
Can I use my hand to pull something out of the disposal if the power is off?
It is safer not to. Use pliers or tongs instead. Even with power off, the grinding components can have sharp edges and trapped objects can shift suddenly.
How do I know the disposal is bad instead of just tripped?
If it will not turn by hand from below, keeps tripping after the jam is cleared, leaks from the housing, smells burned, or makes harsh metal noises, the problem is likely beyond a simple reset.