How to reset a garbage disposal when it won't turn on
- Garbage disposals often overheat or get jammed, which trips the overload protector.
- Resetting the overload protector is a simple process with no tools required.
- Avoid chemical drain cleaners and inserting your hand into the disposal at all costs.
When things with your garbage disposal go awry, resetting it is often the first thing professionals recommend. It's a relatively simple process that could save you the hassle and cost of a plumber's visit.
According to Lee Devlin, the director of Homecure Plumbers, there are two main causes for resetting your garbage disposal: if it is jammed with waste, or if it has overheated. If it hums when you turn it on but doesn't work, your disposal is probably jammed. If there is no humming whatsoever, overheating is likely the problem.
Though resetting is relatively simple, it's important to keep a few things in mind. "The first thing we'd tell [people] to do is turn the garbage disposal off and not to pour any harsh chemicals down like drain busters, or other trash to 'force' the blockage through," Devlin said. "Gentle cleansing soaps are fine but not thick chemicals."
Important: Under no circumstances should you reach your hand down the garbage disposal. The sharp blades can easily cut you and cause serious injury. "A wooden spoon or another tool should be used if you need to dislodge anything that's become stuck," Devlin said.
What is an overload protector?
Most garbage disposals are equipped with an overload protector, or reset button, as a safety feature. It's usually a small red button, often found on the underside of your garbage disposal unit. Double-check the manual if you're having trouble finding it.
When things are running normally, the button will be flush to the machine, or flat. When your disposal is experiencing motor issues, it will automatically trip the overload protector to prevent the machine from burning out. The button will pop out about a quarter of an inch, prompting you to reset it.
Quick tip: Don't just toss all your trash down the drain and hope for the best. According to Devlin, certain waste materials should never see the inside of your disposal, such as paint, grease, coffee grounds, bones, potato peels, pits, and eggshells.
How to reset a garbage disposal
- Cut power to the garbage disposal. Flip the wall switch to "off" or locate where the unit is plugged in underneath the sink and unplug it.
- Find and examine the overload protector. If it's sticking out about a quarter of an inch, that means it's time to reset.
- Gently push the overload protector back in. Wait 10 minutes before proceeding: this will give your disposal an opportunity to cool down if it has overheated.
- Check the overload protector again. If it is now flush, it's been successfully reset. If the button has popped back out, repeat steps three and four one more time.
- Run the sink. Once the overload protector is flush, turn on cold water so that it gets down into the garbage disposal.
- Restore power. Turn the garbage disposal back on with the wall switch or plug it back in underneath the sink. It should now run normally.
Remember: If at any point you feel overwhelmed, it's best to bring in an expert. A plumber or the manufacturer of your garbage disposal can help identify your problem and advise you on the best steps to take. There's no shame in giving them a call at any point in the process.
It didn't work. Now what?
So you've tried pushing the overload protector twice, and it still won't stay in. If your garbage disposal has overheated, the circuit that powers it may have turned itself off to prevent damage.
To reset the circuit, locate the electrical panel in your home: it's usually a gray, metal box with a latched door. Open it and find the switch that powers your garbage disposal – it will be facing the opposite way as all the other switches. Flip it back to its original setting, then check the overload protector again.
If it now stays flush when you press it, you can continue the reset process at step five. If the overload protector still won't go back in, you probably have another issue on your hands. "If it doesn't pop back in, or it keeps resetting, you likely need a replacement or a professional to fix it," Devlin said.
Insider's takeaway
Resetting your garbage disposal is necessary when the overload protector, usually a small red button found on the bottom of your disposal, is sticking out. This usually happens when the disposal is jammed or has overheated.
Follow basic safety measures: make sure the power is off, and never stick your hand down the disposal. Resetting your circuit breaker may also be necessary if the garbage disposal has overheated. Don't be afraid to contact a plumber or the manufacturer of your garbage disposal if resetting it doesn't work.