Where Is the Reset Button on a Garbage Disposal? (All Major Brands)

The garbage disposal reset button is usually located on the bottom of the disposal unit, close to the motor housing. In most models, it is a small red button positioned on the underside of the garbage disposal and often facing the floor. This button works as an internal circuit breaker that automatically trips when the disposal motor overloads or overheats.

If your garbage disposal is not working, checking and pressing this red reset button should always be your first troubleshooting step before assuming a major issue.

Why Garbage Disposals Have a Reset Button

A garbage disposal reset button is built into the unit to protect the motor from damage. When the disposal motor overloads, overheats, or encounters resistance from a jammed flywheel, the internal circuit breaker shuts off power automatically. This safety feature prevents the motor from burning out.

Common triggers include a garbage disposal jam, a hard object stuck inside the unit, a clogged garbage disposal, a disposal motor overload, overheating, or even a tripped breaker. Instead of permanently damaging the unit, the disposal simply shuts down. Once the obstruction is cleared and the motor has cooled down, you can push the red reset button to restore power and resume normal operation.

Reset Button Location by Brand

Although most brands place the garbage disposal reset button on the bottom of the unit, the exact position can vary slightly depending on the model. In nearly all cases, the button is small, round, and red, and it pops out when the motor overloads.

Waste King

On Waste King garbage disposals, the reset button is located on the bottom of the disposal unit, usually toward the front. It sits slightly recessed inside a small opening. During a flashlight inspection under the kitchen sink drain, you’ll see a red button near the base of the motor housing.

InSinkErator

On most InSinkErator models — including Badger and Evolution series — the reset button is located on the underside of the garbage disposal, facing directly downward. It is typically centered on the bottom of the unit and appears as a small red button near the motor base.

To troubleshoot and reset the Insinkerator garbage disposal, learn how to reset an InSinkErator Garbage Disposal Properly

Moen

Moen garbage disposal reset button is positioned on the bottom or lower side of the unit, usually opposite the discharge pipe. It sits flush with the casing but pops out when tripped. In some GX series models, the button may feel slightly recessed and require a firm press to reset.

GE

The GE garbage disposal reset button is typically a small red (sometimes black) button located on the very bottom or lower side of the disposal unit. While most newer models place it underneath the motor housing, some versions may have a side-mounted reset button. Always check the underside first.

Whirlpool

On Whirlpool garbage disposals, the reset button is located on the underside of the unit. It is a small red button that acts as an overload protector.

WasteMaid

The reset button on a WasteMaid garbage disposal is typically found on the bottom center of the unit.

Frigidaire

On Frigidaire garbage disposals, the reset button is a small red button located on the bottom of the unit, usually near the center or slightly toward the lower back side.

How to Safely Reset Your Garbage Disposal (Quick Steps)

If your garbage disposal won’t turn on, follow these steps carefully to reset it safely.

1. Turn Off the Power

Start by turning off the disposal switch. Then unplug the disposal unit if it is plugged into a GFCI outlet. If you have a hard-wired disposal unit, switch off the circuit breaker at the breaker panel or electrical service panel.

2. Check for Obstructions

Use a flashlight to inspect the kitchen sink drain from above. Look for a hard object in the disposal, such as a utensil, bone, fruit pit, or seafood shell. Use tongs or pliers for obstruction removal and never put your hand in the disposal.

If the grinding blades appear jammed, the disposal motor overload may have tripped the internal circuit breaker.

3. Locate and Push the Reset Button

Locate the garbage disposal reset button on the bottom of disposal unit. Push the red reset button firmly inward. It should stay depressed after you release it. If it pops out immediately, the motor may still be overloaded.

4. Restore Power and Test

Turn the circuit breaker back on or plug the disposal back into the power supply. Run cold water before turning on the disposal switch. Let the water flow for several seconds, then switch the disposal on.

If you hear a loud rattling sound or garbage disposal humming noise, turn it off immediately — something may still be jammed.

5. Dislodge a Jam Manually (If Needed)

If you suspect jammed blades or a stuck flywheel:

• Insert a 1/4-inch hex key (Allen wrench) into the slot at the bottom of the disposal.
• Rotate clockwise slowly to dislodge the jam manually.
• Move the wrench back and forth until the impeller rotates freely.

What If the Reset Button Keeps Popping Out?

If the garbage disposal reset button will not stay latched, it usually means the underlying problem has not been resolved. The most common cause is a persistent garbage disposal jam. Items such as fruit pits, seafood shells, bone sediment blockage, or fibrous vegetables like celery, broccoli, and banana skins can jam the flywheel and grinding blades.

Starchy foods such as gluten-rich pasta, peanut butter buildup, and coffee grounds clog can also create thick blockages inside the disposal chamber. In many cases, fat and grease buildup or clogged pipes from grease restrict proper drainage, forcing the disposal motor overload to trip again.

Conclusion

Understanding where the garbage disposal reset button is located — usually on the bottom of the disposal unit near the motor housing — can save you time, money, and unnecessary garbage disposal repair calls. Before contacting a professional plumber, inspect the underside of the garbage disposal. A quick inspection and reset is all that’s needed to get your kitchen sink drain working again.