What it means when your garbage disposal reset button keeps popping

If your garbage disposal’s reset button keeps popping, it’s trying to tell you something isn’t right. This little button is a safety feature designed to protect the motor when things get tough. The good news? Most of the time, it’s an easy fix. Keep reading to learn what causes the reset button to trip and how you can get your disposal back to work like a pro.

Please note: The information provided here may not align perfectly with your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful tips for a wide range of DIY appliance repairs, different models and setups may require unique troubleshooting steps, error codes, or part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we recommend consulting the user manual for your appliance or contacting us with any questions.

Cause 1: Overloading the disposal

Your garbage disposal is designed to handle food scraps, but it has its limits. If you overload it by putting in too much at once or trying to grind up large, tough pieces of food, the motor can struggle and trip the reset button as a safety measure. Foods like fibrous vegetables, starchy items, or anything too dense can quickly overload the system.

How to fix it:

1. 1. Unplug it or flip the breaker off to ensure it’s completely powered down.

1. 1. Use tongs or pliers to pull out any large chunks or debris from the disposal. Never use your hands.

1. 1. Once the chamber is clear, locate the reset button on the bottom or side of the disposal. Press it firmly until it clicks.

1. 1. Turn on cold water and switch on the disposal to see if it runs normally.

Cause 2: Jammed blades

Sometimes, items like bones, utensils, or large food scraps can get stuck in the disposal, preventing the blades from spinning. When this happens, the motor can overheat, triggering the reset button to shut things down for safety.

How to fix it:

1. 1. Unplug the disposal or switch off the circuit breaker to make sure it’s safe to work on.

1. 1. Shine a flashlight into the disposal chamber to look for any visible blockages.

1. 1. Look for items like silverware, tough food scraps, or other objects that don’t belong.

1. 1. Use tongs or pliers to carefully remove anything that’s stuck.

1. 1. Avoid putting your hands inside the disposal, even if the power is off.

1. 1. Locate the hex-shaped hole at the bottom of the disposal unit.

1. 1. Insert an Allen wrench into the hole and turn it back and forth to manually rotate the flywheel and loosen the jam.

1. 1. Press the reset button, plug the disposal back in, and turn it on while running cold water.

Read more: How To Install A Garbage Disposal

Cause 3: Electrical issues

Sometimes the problem isn’t with the disposal itself but with the electrical system powering it. Power surges, a tripped breaker, or loose wiring can cause the reset button to trip as a protective measure.

How to fix it:

1. 1. Look under the sink to ensure the disposal is securely plugged into the outlet.

1. 1. Test the outlet by plugging in another device, like a lamp or phone charger, to confirm it’s working.

1. 1. If it’s a GFCI outlet and not working, press the reset button on the outlet to restore power.

1. 1. Go to your home’s electrical panel and check if the breaker for the garbage disposal has tripped.

1. 1. If the breaker is off, flip it back on.

1. 1. If you’re comfortable, check the wiring connections under the disposal (after turning off the breaker).

1. 1. Tighten any loose wires or connections you can access safely.

1. 1. Once the power issue is resolved, press the disposal’s reset button and test it with cold water running.

Cause 4: Worn-out motor

Over time, the motor in your garbage disposal can wear out, especially if the unit has been used heavily or is an older model. A failing motor can overheat easily, causing the reset button to trip frequently even with light use.

How to fix it:

1. 1. Try running the disposal with cold water and a small amount of soft food scraps to see if it operates smoothly.

1. 1. If the reset button pops again despite minimal strain, the motor may be failing.

1. 1. Ensure there are no clogs, jams, or electrical problems contributing to the overload.

1. 1. If everything else checks out, the motor itself is likely the problem.

If the motor is worn out, replacing the disposal may be more practical than attempting to repair it. Consider the age of the unit; if it’s over 8–10 years old, a new disposal might be a better long-term solution.

Read more: Maximizing Your Kitchen Efficiency: Can You Run the Garbage Disposal and Dishwasher Together?

Cause 5: Clogged drain or buildup

A clogged drain or excessive grease and food residue buildup in the disposal or pipes can create backpressure. This strains the motor, causing it to overheat and trip the reset button.

How to fix it:

1. 1. Disconnect the P-trap under the sink using a wrench and place a bucket beneath it to catch any water.

1. 1. Check for clogs in the P-trap and drainpipe and remove any debris using a brush or running water.

1. 1. Reattach the P-trap securely before testing the disposal.

1. 1. Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar into the disposal to break down grease and buildup.

1. 1. Allow it to sit for 10–15 minutes, then flush with hot water.

1. 1. If the clog is further down the drain, use a cup plunger to create suction and dislodge the blockage.

1. 1. Fill the sink with a few inches of water, place the plunger over the drain, and pump firmly several times.

1. 1. Press the reset button on the disposal, run cold water, and turn it on to see if the issue is resolved.

Read more: How to Clean a Garbage Disposal That Smells Bad

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