If your garbage disposal turns suddenly off while in use, then this article is for you. There’s an easy trick that can help you get your garbage disposal working again.
It’s located at the bottom of the garbage disposal appliance.
Reset button on a garbage disposal
On most garbage disposals, you will find the garbage disposal reset button underneath the garbage disposal system. Look for a small red button. We wish we could say to look for a “big” red button but unfortunately you will need to hunt for it.
Once you identify it, simply press and hold the little red reset button.
That’s it.
That is all there is to it. You have now reset the garbage disposal.
What is the purpose of a garbage disposal reset button?
A garbage disposal can be thought of as an electrical circuit that has a circuit breaker.
The circuit breaker is triggered when there is an issue with an electrical circuit. This could be because it has become overloaded or an appliance has burned out.
Similar on garbage disposals, the red button on the disposal pops out when there is an issue. This stops the disposal from causing further damage to itself.
If you don’t fix the problem, the button will simply pop back out again or the unit might work briefly before the button pops out and then the whole thing stops working again.
This means that pressing the red button to repeatedly reset will not be helpful if the problem causing the issue isn’t fixed first.
Troubleshooting your garbage disposal button
If the red button pops out, and you put it back in, either your garbage disposal will work again or nothing will happen.
If your garbage disposal works again then you are lucky. If not, then you will need to investigate and make repairs.
Garbage disposal will not turn on
If the waste disposal does not turn on when you push the button back in, then it is likely that an electrical problem is at hand.
These are some options to consider:
1. Is it plugged in?
It may seem obvious, but you need to make sure that the unit is properly plugged into the wall outlet.
Make sure you check this before moving forward.
2. Has the circuit breaker tripped?
If the unit is plugged in properly but resetting does not work, it could be that the garbage disposal is also tripping the electrical circuit breaker.
Locate the circuit breaker electrical panel in the home and flip the switch to see if the unit is now working properly.
It is possible that the circuit breaker will trip again. You will need to investigate the cause of the circuit breaker trip. It could be an electrical problem or a blockage.
You can check to see if there is a blockage causing the problem. If so, you need to unblock it. We’ll go into more detail below.
If the blockage did not cause the circuit breaker to trip, it could be an electrical fault. Depending on your electrical skills, you might need to call someone to repair it.
3. Wiring problem?
If the disposal unit doesn’t trip the circuit breaker, it could be due to defective wiring.
You can locate the switch and take it apart if you feel you have the necessary electrical skills. You may just have a loose connection that is easy to fix. If you are unsure if you have the skills to handle the task, you might need to hire a professional such as a plumber.
4. Is the switch defective?
The switch could also be defective if the wiring is not the problem. If you have the skills to replace it, then go ahead and do so.
If the problem is not with the switch, then it is possible that the garbage disposal motor is dead. If so, it is now time to find a replacement.
Garbage disposal will turn on but not grind
The disposal unit may make a humming noise when you turn it on but will not grind. This is usually caused by a jam.
These are the steps follow:
1. All power should be turned off to the garbage disposal
Shut off the power switch on the garbage disposal. Also, turn off the main panel power. This is to ensure that the garbage disposal doesn’t get activated while you are working on it.
2. Use the included wrench to turn the flywheel
For manual turning the flywheel in case of blockage, all garbage disposal units include a garbage disposal wrench. Place it in the slot under the unit. Turn the flywheel clockwise about a quarter turn.
With any luck, the flywheel will turn normally again once the flywheel is released. Give the flywheel a gentle jiggle in both directions to loosen any stuck material.
Run some water down the drain to loosen any obstructions. Turn everything on again, and press the reset button. It should now work again.
3. Use a spoon or pliers
If you are unable to free the debris from the disposal unit by turning the flywheel then try using a spoon or pliers to dislodge the blockage.
You can visually inspect the garbage disposal interior with a flashlight. If you are able to see the problem, use a wooden spoon to remove it. You may also be able pull it out using a pair of pliers or kitchen tongs.
After clearing out all obstructions, run cold water through your garbage disposal. Switch everything back on and press the reset button to test.
It should now work again. To make sure it’s clear of any remaining blockages, just quickly turn it on and off a few more times to ensure it does not freeze up.
If still have problems and can’t find any blockages, you might need to call a plumber. Your disposal unit could be damaged and may need replacing.
Tips on how to repair, unblock and maintain garbage disposal units
Do put hands into garbage disposal
When working with garbage disposal units, the number one rule is to never to place fingers or hands inside near the shredder ring.
Although most garbage units don’t cause any serious injuries, they can still leave you with a nasty bruise.
If you have to reach inside, always use a wooden spoon instead.
Always ensure that the wall switch and main panel switch are turned off when working on the garbage disposal unit.
This is just good practice. It will eliminate any possibility of an accident due to the unit starting unexpectedly.
Avoid putting certain items into a garbage disposal
Blockages are more common with certain food items because of their hard, fibrous and sticky nature.
Blockages can be caused by bones, corn husks, fruit pits, coffee grounds, potato peels as well as eggshells, celery and artichokes.
