Fix Garbage Disposal Reset Button Issues: InSinkErator, Waste King, Moen
Sometimes, your garbage disposal can stop working unexpectedly. This happens when the system gets overloaded, and a special electrical circuit inside the disposal trips to protect it from damage. Once this circuit is triggered, the power to the disposal is cut off, causing it to stop working.
All garbage disposals, whether from brands like InSinkErator, Waste King, or Moen, have this protective circuit. To make the disposal work again, you need to reset the circuit using the reset button.
When the circuit trips, the reset button pops out. Pushing it back in activates the electrical circuit, and your garbage disposal should start working again. But like any part of the appliance, the reset button can sometimes cause problems. Some common issues include:
- The garbage disposal doesn’t work after pressing the reset button
- The reset button keeps popping out
- The reset button gets stuck and won’t move
In this guide, we’ll show you easy steps to fix the reset button on your garbage disposal. If the button is stuck, keeps popping out, or isn’t working, we’ll give you simple tips to help fix it and get your disposal working again.
Why Won’t My Garbage Disposal Work After I’ve Reset It?
If your garbage disposal still isn’t working after pressing the reset button, there could be a few reasons for this. The most common causes are as follows:
- Jammed Impeller: The reset button is designed to protect the motor from overheating, but it won’t fix a jammed impeller. The impeller is the part that spins inside the disposal, and if something is stuck in it, the disposal won’t work. To check, unplug the disposal, use a flashlight to look inside, and use tongs or pliers to remove any debris.
If you don’t see anything, use a hex key to manually turn the impeller and clear any blockages. - Faulty Electrical Connection: If the reset button doesn’t seem to help, there may be an electrical issue. Make sure the outlet and power cord are working.
If you see any frayed wires or loose connections, the disposal may not be getting the power it needs. - Tripped Circuit Breaker: Sometimes, resetting the disposal isn’t enough. If the circuit breaker has tripped, you’ll need to reset it too. Go to your home’s circuit breaker panel, find the switch for the disposal, and flip it back to the “on” position.
- Burned-Out Motor: If the motor is burned out, pressing the reset button won’t help. A damaged motor will need to be replaced, which can be tricky and expensive. If you think this might be the problem, it’s best to call a professional to help fix it.
Why Does My Garbage Disposal Keep Tripping the Reset Button?
If your garbage disposal’s reset button keeps tripping, it’s often because the impellers (the spinning blades inside) are stuck due to something blocking them. When the blades are jammed, the motor struggles, and the reset button pops out to protect the disposal. The best way to fix this is to unjam the disposal. Here’s how you can do it:
Steps to Fix the Reset Button
1. Unplug the Garbage Disposal
First, make sure the power to the garbage disposal is turned off. If it’s plugged in, simply unplug it. If it’s hardwired, go to your circuit breaker and turn off the power to avoid any risk of electric shock while you work.
2. Locate the Jam
Use a flashlight to look inside the disposal through the sink hole. Check for any food, utensils, or other objects like spoons or glass that could be blocking the impellers. If you find something, carefully remove it using pliers. Never put your hand inside the disposal, even if the power is off.
3. Unjam with a Wrench
If you don’t see anything blocking it, you can try to loosen the blades. Find the hex hole underneath the disposal and insert a 1/4-inch Allen wrench. Move the wrench back and forth until the blades start moving freely. If your disposal doesn’t have a hex hole, you can use a broomstick. Stick it through the sink hole and turn the blades manually until they spin easily.
4. Push the Reset Button
Once you’ve cleared the jam, press the reset button. It should stay in place now.
5. Turn On the Garbage Disposal
Plug the disposal back in, press the reset button if needed, and turn it on. It should work like it’s supposed to.
What If the Reset Button Won’t Stay In?
If the reset button keeps popping out after you’ve cleared the jam, there might be a problem with the internal wiring or the motor. Fixing this can be expensive, and sometimes it’s cheaper to replace the whole disposal instead.
Why Is Garbage Disposal Reset Button Missing
All garbage disposals come with a reset button to keep them safe, but if yours is missing, there could be a few reasons why:
- Manufacturing Error
In rare cases, the reset button might be missing because of a mistake made during the manufacturing process. While this doesn’t happen often, if you think this is the problem, contact the manufacturer for a replacement or repair. - Tampering
Someone might have removed the reset button on purpose, maybe out of curiosity or for another reason. If this happened, it’s important to replace the button right away so your disposal remains safe to use. - Wear and Tear
Over time, the reset button can get worn out or damaged. It may become loose or even fall off. If this happens, you’ll need to replace the button to keep the safety feature working.
The reset button is an important safety feature for your garbage disposal. If it’s missing, it could be due to a manufacturing mistake, tampering, or wear and tear. No matter the cause, it’s important to replace the reset button as soon as possible to make sure your disposal is safe to use.
Conclusion
To sum up, the reset button is an important safety feature of your garbage disposal. It helps protect the unit from damage and makes sure it works properly. If your disposal isn’t working after resetting it, or if the reset button keeps tripping, the problem could be a jammed impeller, electrical issues, a tripped circuit breaker, or a burned-out motor. By following the simple steps we’ve shared, you can fix most of these issues on your own.
If the reset button is missing or broken, don’t ignore it. Replacing it quickly is important for keeping your disposal safe and working well. Whether the issue is something small like a jam or something bigger like a burned-out motor, knowing how to take care of your garbage disposal can save you both time and money.
Further Reading:
Where to Find the Reset Button on Your Garbage Disposal (All Brands)
Is Hot or Cold Water Best for Your Garbage Disposal?
Why Your Garbage Disposal Allen Wrench Won’t Turn
