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

On virtually every residential unit, the garbage disposal reset button is located at the bottom of the unit. It is a small, round button — usually red positioned near the center of the underside, close to the motor housing. Knowing the exact garbage disposal reset button location makes it much easier to quickly restore power when the unit trips.

This is true across all major brands: InSinkErator, Waste King, Moen, GE, Whirlpool, WasteMaid, and Frigidaire.

Reset Button Location by Brand

Brand	Location	Button Color
InSinkErator (Badger, Evolution, Pro)	Bottom center, facing down	Red
Waste King	Bottom, toward the front	Red
Moen (GX, EX, GT series)	Bottom, front face (opposite power cord)	Red (some match housing color)
GE	Bottom or lower side	Red or black
Whirlpool	Bottom center	Red
WasteMaid	Bottom center	Red
Frigidaire	Bottom, near center or lower back	Red

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.

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 Reset Your Disposal (Any Brand)

1. Turn off the power — flip the wall switch off. Unplug the disposal or switch off the breaker.
2. Check for jams — look inside with a flashlight. Remove visible debris with tongs or pliers.
3. Press the reset button — push firmly inward until it clicks and stays depressed.
4. Restore power — plug in or turn on the breaker.
5. Run cold water, then turn on the disposal to test.

What If the Reset Button Keeps Popping Out?

The button pops back out because the underlying problem is not resolved:

• Motor still overheated — wait 15-20 minutes for it to cool, then try again
• Jam still present — free the grind plate:
  1. Turn off power
  2. Insert a 1/4″ Allen wrench into the hex socket on the bottom center
  3. Turn back and forth until the plate rotates freely through a full 360°
  4. Press reset and test
• Electrical issue — check the GFCI outlet and circuit breaker. Test the outlet with another appliance.
• Motor failure — if cool, unjammed, and electrically powered but still won’t reset, the motor has likely failed. Replace the disposal.

What Causes the Reset Button to Trip?

• Jammed impellers (foreign object or tough food)
• Motor overheating (ran too long, too much food at once)
• Electrical overload or power surge
• Failing motor (draws excessive current)

Conclusion

The reset button is on the bottom of the disposal, regardless of brand. Red, round, slightly recessed. Press it firmly after clearing any jam and letting the motor cool. If it keeps tripping, the motor is either overloaded, overheated, or failing.

FAQ’s