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Locate and Understand the Reset Button — Restore Power and Test Garbage Disposal

Beginner15 mins

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Garbage Disposal Not Working? Quick Reset Guide · Step 3 of 4

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In this video

Look underneath the garbage disposal unit to find a small, typically red, button. This is the reset button, which functions as a circuit breaker. When the disposal motor jams, it can overheat, causing this button to trip and pop out to prevent the motor from burning out. You must wait for the motor to cool down (typically 30-60 seconds) before you can successfully press this button back in to reset the unit.

Goal: Identify the reset button and its function

  • If the disposal motor overheats, you will often hear a 'click' sound when the reset button's internal breaker trips.
  • The reset button will not stay depressed if the motor is still too hot. Allow it more time to cool before trying again.

Used in this video

  • Flashlight (Tool Type: Flashlight, Power Source: Battery) · optional — To better see the components on the bottom of the garbage disposal.
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FAQs

Why is it so important to disconnect power at the circuit breaker before attempting this reset?

Disconnecting power at the circuit breaker is crucial to prevent electrical shock, which can be severe or even fatal. Even if the disposal seems off, live wires are present. This step ensures no accidental activation while your hands are near the unit, prioritizing your safety above all else.

I can't find the reset button on my garbage disposal. Where is it usually located?

The reset button is typically a small, red button located on the very bottom or underside of the garbage disposal unit. You might need to get down on your knees and use a flashlight to spot it, especially if your sink cabinet is dark or cluttered. It's designed to be easily accessible from below.

What if my garbage disposal still doesn't work after pressing the reset button?

If resetting doesn't work, first check your circuit breaker again to ensure it hasn't tripped. The disposal might also be jammed; use an Allen wrench (usually provided with the disposal) to try turning the impellers from the bottom center hole. If issues persist, it may indicate a motor problem or a need for professional service.

Why does a garbage disposal's reset button trip in the first place?

The reset button is a safety feature that trips when the motor overheats or overloads, often due to a jam, continuous running, or attempting to grind something too hard. It protects the motor from permanent damage by temporarily shutting it down. Clearing any jams and letting the motor cool down usually allows it to reset.

Transcript
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here we are underneath the kitchen sink you can see the garbage disposal here and so we'll get take a look underneath it and you'll see the cord goes in to it and one thing I want to point out I'm going to use this little allen wrench tool here to point this out right here and on the bottom of the garbage disposal there's a reset button it's a little red button use your finger and push that in if when the garbage disposal jams up you'll leave a switch on too long you'll hear a click and it'll it's a protection inside the motor that shuts the motor down there's a little circuit breaker built inside the unit and that protects the motor from burning out so after that click goes the motor will cool down generally about 30 seconds to one minute you'll hear another click sometimes you don't hear the click then come and push this in if you push it in now nothing will happen you won't hear anything but when it kicks out it's kind of like a circuit breaker it'll pop out a little bit and then you push it in it'll click and you'll reset that circuit breaker and then you can use your switch to turn it out again so that's just a little reset button on the bottom of the garbage disposal so if you're jammed you take

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