What Does the Red Button on the Garbage Disposal Do? A Comprehensive DIY Guide

As a home improvement expert with over 10 years of experience in repairs and renovations, I often get questions about garbage disposal troubleshooting. One of the most common is "what does the red button on my disposal do?" This reset button is your first line of defense when something goes wrong. Knowing when and how to use it can save you the cost and hassle of a service call. In this detailed guide, I‘ll cover everything you need to know as a DIYer about resetting your garbage disposal.

What Is the Garbage Disposal Reset Button?

Garbage disposals contain a red reset button to restart the motor and blades if the unit jams, overheats, or malfunctions. The reset button acts like a circuit breaker, cutting power briefly to reset the disposal‘s internal components. It‘s a safety feature designed to help clear up minor issues and avoid motor damage.

The reset button is typically located on the bottom, side, or back of the main disposal unit. It may be recessed under the sink or found near the power cord. Other common names for this button include "overload protector" or "overload reset."

When Should You Use the Reset Button?

Try pressing the reset button any time your garbage disposal:

• Makes a loud humming noise but won‘t run
• Spins slower than normal or seems underpowered
• Shuts off suddenly while in use
• Won‘t turn on at all or start with the switch

Resetting the disposal gives the motor and blades a quick restart. It takes just a few seconds and lets you retry the disposal to see if the issue clears up. This simple fix can save you from needing costly repairs.

While the reset button works great for minor hiccups, it is not a fix for major mechanical problems. If the disposal requires frequent resets, keeps jamming, leaks, produces foul odors, or has other serious issues, it likely needs professional service. Don‘t just keep hitting reset without addressing underlying problems.

How To Reset a Garbage Disposal – Step-By-Step

Follow these simple steps to safely reset your garbage disposal unit:

1. Locate the Reset Button – Flip off the wall switch or unplug the cord. Look for a red button on the bottom, side, or back of the main disposal body. It should be noticeable once you look inside the cabinet.

2. Press the Reset Button – Use your finger or a blunt tool to push in the red button firmly until it clicks. Hold for a few seconds then release. You may need to press hard. This resets the circuit.

3. Clear Any Jams – Double check the disposal chamber and blades for obstructions like silverware, bones, glass, etc. and remove them carefully. This will prevent immediate re-jamming after reset.

4. Restore Power – Plug the disposal back in or flip the wall switch to turn power back on.

5. Test the Disposal – Turn on the cold water and press the disposal switch/wall button to start it. The disposal should now run normally without issues. Let it run 30 seconds to be sure.

If the disposal still doesn‘t run properly, repeats the same problems, or the reset button doesn‘t click, it likely needs service. Call a professional plumber rather than continuing to reset it over and over.

When Should a Garbage Disposal Be Serviced?

While the reset button works great for minor jams, there are some garbage disposal problems that require professional service. Call a plumber if your disposal:

• Needs frequent resets/restarts during normal use
• Has persistent jamming issues despite resets and clearing obstructions
• Leaks from the bottom, sides, or discharge pipe connections
• Produces loud grinding or rattling noises when running
• Emits a foul sewage odor, even after cleaning
• Has corroded or damaged blades
• Does not power on at all, even after resetting
• Trips your home‘s circuit breaker when turned on

Forcing the blades to turn when severely jammed or damaged can destroy the motor or shredder components. Avoid the temptation to keep hitting reset if there is clearly a larger mechanical issue present.

How Much Does It Cost To Repair a Garbage Disposal?

Table showing average costs of common garbage disposal repairs, per HomeAdvisor.

The most common garbage disposal repairs average between $140-$220, according to HomeAdvisor. More complex fixes like replacing the motor or shredder can run over $500. Make sure to get an upfront estimate.

What Are Garbage Disposal Internal Components?

Understanding how a garbage disposal works internally will help you diagnose issues. Key components include:

Grind Chamber – The main compartment where waste is ground up by the shredder ring and blades. Jams often occur here.

Blades – Also called an impeller or shredder ring. The blades smash and chop debris. They can jam if overloaded.

Motor – Provides power and torque to turn the blades. It can overheat and require resetting.

Waste Line – The drain line that discharges waste particles into the plumbing system. Leaks here are common.

Reset Button – Part of the circuit breaker that cuts power to reset components. Located on bottom/side.

When the disposal senses a jam or overheating, the reset button helps restart this system. Think of it like rebooting a computer.

Garbage Disposal Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance can prevent many issues requiring resets. Here are some best practices:

• Run cold water – Always run cold water when operating the disposal; hot water causes premature wear.

• Avoid hard items – Never put bones, celery, corn cobs, onion skins, eggshells, or other dense waste down the disposal. Slice/chop larger items.

• Clean regularly – Use ice cubes, citrus peels, baking soda, and vinegar to periodically clean the grind chamber and deodorize.

• Inspect blades – Check the blades for obstructions and buildup. Carefully remove debris with long-handled tongs.

• Sharpen blades – Use a grindstone bit or disposal sharpening tool annually to sharpen dull blades.

• Check connections – Visually inspect all drain line connections for leaks or corrosion. Fix immediately before major damage occurs.

Proper garbage disposal care will significantly reduce problems, extend the appliance lifespan, and make resets only an occasional need.

Frequently Asked Garbage Disposal Reset Button Questions

Here are answers to some other common questions homeowners have about resetting their unit:

What if the red reset button doesn‘t work?

• Try pressing it 2-3 times firmly. If no click, there could be an electrical issue. Have an appliance repair technician inspect the disposal.

Where is the garbage disposal reset button located?

• It‘s always on the main body, typically the bottom, side, or back. Check your manufacturer instructions. If you really can‘t find it, your model may not have one.

Do all garbage disposals have a reset button?

• Most modern disposals include a reset button as a safety feature. However, cheaper or older basic models may not have one. Check your manual.

Can I replace the reset button myself?

• No, the reset button is connected internally to the motor wiring. Only a qualified technician should replace the button or do any electrical work.

My new disposal already needs frequent resets – what‘s wrong?

• More resets are normal when a disposal is brand new. It takes time to break-in all the components. But constant jamming is not normal. Have it looked at.

How often should I need to press the reset button?

• The reset button is for occasional use, such as a couple times a year. Needing it more often likely indicates a larger problem needing repair.

Why does my reset button keep popping back out after I press it?

• If the button won‘t stay pressed in, the disposal likely needs repair. This suggests the internal switch or connections are faulty. Call a technician.

How do I know if my garbage disposal has power?

• If the reset button doesn‘t work, check your home circuit breaker and test outlets to see if power is getting to the disposal. If no power, that needs addressing first.

When to Call In a Professional

As you can see, a garbage disposal reset button is easy to use and provides a convenient first step in troubleshooting. But if pressing the red reset button doesn‘t solve the problem, don‘t continue hitting it over and over. Persistent issues signal a need for professional repair.

In addition to the problems covered earlier, call a plumber right away if your disposal:

• Emits burning smells or smoke

• Causes circuit breakers to trip

• Results in leaking that persists after resets

• Produces alarming noises like loud grinding or clanging

Resetting cannot fix severe mechanical damage or electrical issues. Allow an expert to properly diagnose the problem. Continuing to reset around major repairs will likely escalate damage.

Let Your Garbage Disposal Reset Button Be Your First Line of Defense

For occasional jams or hiccups, a quick press of the red reset button can get your garbage disposal humming again. But be sure to use it properly and pair it with preventative maintenance. Comprehensive garbage disposal care will keep you from overusing that reset function. Lean on the reset button for minor issues, but call in professional assistance when needed. Follow the tips in this guide and your disposal will give you years of reliable service.