A damaged or inefficient garbage disposal can quickly create a sanitary hazard in your home. Fortunately, the garbage disposal reset button can temporarily fix many of the common issues that stop disposals from running. If you’re having sink issues, you’ll want to try resetting the unit before scheduling a service call — but before hitting the button, you should understand how it works. While the reset button is useful, it has some significant limitations.
The reset button is basically a circuit breaker that protects the disposal motor from overheating. When the motor isn’t running properly, the button trips, disconnecting the motor from your home’s electricity. The button might trip if the flywheel is stuck, the on/off switch provides inconsistent power, or if the motor has sustained damage.
Where Can I Find the Garbage Disposal Reset Button?
On most garbage disposals, the button is located on the bottom of the unit. It’s typically red or black. Before pressing it, make sure that the disposal switch is turned off. The button should latch in place when firmly depressed (if the button won’t latch, it’s time to make a service call).
After pressing the button, check your home’s electrical panel. Garbage disposals draw considerable electricity, and a malfunctioning motor can sometimes trip a breaker. Use a wooden spoon to clear your disposal of any obvious obstructions. You can also insert an Allen wrench (or hex wrench) into the flywheel hole in the bottom of the unit near the reset switch. Never use your hand, fingers, or metal utensils into the disposal’s grinding chamber.
Once you’ve taken these steps, turn on the tap, allow water to flow for a few seconds, then turn on the disposal. Hopefully, the reset button did its job — you’ve got a functioning garbage disposal again. However, you’ll need to diagnose the problem that stopped the disposal from working in the first place. This is a great time to call a professional. Don’t wait until the disposal breaks permanently.
When to Call in a Professional
Call a professional appliance repair service if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- The disposal makes unusual noises – When the motor or flywheel is damaged, the disposal will often make a grinding or whirring sound. Clearing away obstructions could temporarily improve the disposal’s efficiency, but operating a noisy disposal can make matters worse. The damaged component can cause overheating, damaging other parts of the disposal.
- The garbage disposal reset button keeps triggering – The reset switch monitors the electricity sent to (and received from) the motor. If the reset button keeps turning the disposal off, you likely have an issue with either the motor or the disposal’s on/off switch. Electrical issues can be dangerous, so contact a qualified professional.
- The reset button won’t latch into place – As mentioned above, the reset button might refuse to reset if the motor is clogged. Electrical issues and severe motor damage can also cause this symptom.
- The disposal has unpleasant odors – Odors mean that the garbage disposal isn’t doing its job properly. Even if the flywheel turns, the disposal might not be able to clear away all of the food. Over time, the obstruction will grow, eventually causing a clog (and tripping the reset button in the process).
Homeowners often replace damaged garbage disposals at the first sign of trouble. The good news is that most garbage disposal issues can be resolved with a single service call. Even if a disposal requires replacement, you’ll want an experienced technician to review the issue, as bad switch wiring, pipe leaks, and other issues will need to be addressed in to ensure that the new disposal works properly.
At Gulf Coast Appliance Repair, we have over a decade of experience serving Pinellas County customers. Our technicians can restore your disposal to a functional condition in a matter of hours while keeping costs under control. Contact us today at 727-510-3524 to address your garbage disposal issues today.
