If your garbage disposal isn’t working correctly, it’s probably time for a reset. Periodically resetting your garbage disposal ensures that the unit is working correctly. A reset is helpful if your garbage disposal gets clogged or jammed up. Resetting your garbage disposal will solve many common problems. If the reset doesn’t work, that may be an indication that you need a service professional.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to reset your garbage disposal. It’s an easy, simple process. We’ll go over what to do if your reset button keeps “popping out” and the disposal doesn’t seem to be resetting. Finally, we’ll help you locate the reset button on your unit and let you know when you want to reset your garbage disposal.
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How Do You Reset a Garbage Disposal?
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide that explains how to reset a garbage disposal:
1. First, turn off garbage disposal. Make sure the unit is unplugged from the wall outlet.
2. Locate the reset button on your garbage disposal. This reset button is almost always positioned underneath the unit. Reach underneath the sink and feel the underside of the unit until you touch a button protruding from the disposal. If you’re having trouble finding the button on your garbage disposal, try using a flashlight or a mirror to help you.
3. easy, simple you’ve found the reset button, give it a firm press. When you press the button, it should “stay in” and not pop back out. If this is the case, the reset is working. If the button does not retract, then you may have a larger issue – and you’ll want to read the next section of this article.
4. If after pressing the button, it stays pushed in, then it’s time to test the unit. Plug your garbage disposal back in. Run cold water from your sink’s faucet and turn the garbage disposal on.
If you’ve done everything correctly, then you’ve just successfully reset your garbage disposal!
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What Should I Do When My Garbage Disposal Reset Button Keeps Popping Out?
If during step three of resetting your garbage disposal, you noticed that the button on the bottom of your unit keeps popping back out, then you’re going to have to do a bit more work.
Chances are, some kind of food debris or foreign object has deeply jammed the motor’s whirling blades. It’s just too gunked for the reset button to clear things up.
Your next course of action is to use a garbage disposal wrench or ¼-inch hex wrench to help clear the jam. You’ll also need a wooden spoon, wooden plunger handle or equivalent wooden tool.
Here’s what you need to do:
1. Turn off the garbage disposal and make sure that it’s unplugged.
2. On the underside of the garbage disposal, locate a small circular opening on the bottom on the unit. It will probably be toward the center of the device, not far from the reset button.
3. After finding the opening, insert your tool inside the hole. Rotate the tool inside the garbage disposal. When you do this, you’re manually loosening and moving the blade of your disposal. You’re helping clear up heavy duty clogs.
4. Next, get a wooden spoon or the handle of a plunger. Insert this wooden tool in the drain through the sink. Use this tool to break up any blockage that you can feel inside the disposal. If done correctly, you should be able to use the wooden tool to rotate the blades inside your disposal. This is a good indication that the jam is broken up.
5. Remove all your tools from the unit. Press the reset button on the bottom of the garbage disposal. Now the reset button should stay down. If it doesn’t, try waiting about ten minutes, and then pressing the button again.
6. Return power to your garbage disposal. Run cold water through the unit, turn it on and see if your garbage disposal is working correctly again.
If after actualizing these steps, your garbage disposal won’t reset, the button won’t stay down, or the unit isn’t working correctly, then you may need a professional’s help.
Call the manufacturer of your disposal or a qualified service technician.
If you’ve had your disposal for a while, the unit may have reached the end of it’s life cycle – and it might be time for you to buy a new garbage disposal. Check out our garbage disposal reviews.
When Should I Reset My Garbage Disposal?
You want to reset your disposal whenever the red reset button on the bottom of your unit pops out. This is the device’s indication that there’s a jam, clog or some other problem that needs your attention.
You’ll be able to tell that your garbage disposal needs to be reset because it won’t be working correctly. It will be jammed or not grinding food waste. You may also notice a humming sound or see that your drain is always getting clogged.
Where is the Reset Button on My Garbage Disposal?
The reset button on your garbage disposal is almost always located on the bottom of your garbage disposal. Look for a red, protruding button on the underside of the unit. If you can’t find the reset button, consult your garbage disposal manual.
