Turning off the power to your garbage disposal is the most critical safety step. It prevents accidental activation or electrical shock while you are working near the unit. Always disconnect power at the circuit breaker or by unplugging the unit to ensure your safety.

The reset button is typically a small, red button found on the very bottom of your garbage disposal unit. You might need to look underneath your sink with a flashlight to locate it. It is designed to pop out when the motor overloads or overheats.

If pressing the reset button doesn't resolve the issue, the disposal might have a jam. Ensure power is off again, then use an Allen wrench (often provided with the disposal) to manually turn the flywheel from the bottom center hole. You may also need to remove any visible obstructions from the drain opening with pliers or tongs.

A continually tripping reset button often indicates a persistent jam or an overloaded motor. First, try to clear any obstructions thoroughly, as they might be preventing the motor from spinning freely. If the button still trips immediately after clearing jams, it could signal a more serious motor issue requiring professional repair or replacement.