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Last Revised: 7/11/2025
Is your garbage disposal suddenly silent when you turn it on? Or maybe it still makes a humming noise but no longer grinds. Before you assume it’s broken – have you tried resetting it?
When your garbage disposal stops mid-use or doesn’t respond at all, it’s usually not broken. In most cases, it’s usually just a built-in safety switch that’s tripped and must be reset.
At Mattioni, we’ve spent over 75 years helping homeowners keep their utility systems in working order. We know just how frustrating it can be when a part of your daily life is disrupted.
In this article, you’ll find a clear, step-by-step walk-through of how to reset your garbage disposal safely and effectively. We’ll also explain why disposals trip in the first place, what to do if a reset doesn’t solve the problem, and when it’s time to call a professional.
Because nothing grinds out gears quite like a garbage disposal’s gear that won’t grind. Let’s dive into the issue – clearly, safely, and step-by-step.
Why Garbage Disposals Stop Working Suddenly
Garbage disposals might seem like simple machines, but they include built-in protection to prevent overheating, damage, or injury. If your disposal shuts off without warning or refuses to start, it’s likely doing its job – protecting itself. The most common causes of this include:
- Overload Protection: Disposals are designed with a switch that trips when the motor gets too hot (it’s called the thermal overload switch). This switch can trip if the disposal runs too long, is overloaded with food waste, or encounters a jam that causes it to stall under strain.
- Jams: Items like silverware, bones, or tough vegetable peels can lodge in the disposal’s main grinding chamber. When this happens, the blades stop turning, and the motor turns itself off to prevent further damage.
- Electrical Interruption: Sometimes the issue isn’t with the disposal itself, but with the power source. A tripped circuit breaker or loose wire can cut electricity to the unit entirely.
Understanding these safety mechanisms can actually be reassuring: the disposal isn’t dead, it’s doing what it’s supposed to. And in many cases, a reset is all you need to get things working again.
How to Safely Reset Your Garbage Disposal
Resetting a garbage disposal is usually quick, safe, and easy – if you know what to look for. Before you start, always prioritize safety: you’re dealing with a powerful motor that operates in a tight space.
Here’s how to reset your disposal, step by step:
1. Turn off the power switch
Always begin by shutting off the disposal at the wall switch. If your unit plugs into an outlet under the sink, unplug it. If it’s hardwired, flip the circuit breaker off at your panel. This step prevents accidental startup and keeps your hands safe.
2. Locate the reset button
Under your sink, look at the bottom of the garbage disposal. You’ll find a small button – usually red – about the size of a pencil eraser. It’s typically centered on the bottom of the unit. This is the reset button.
3. Press the reset button
Press the button – if it was tripped, you’ll feel it click and stay in place. If it doesn’t move or was already engaged, the issue may lie elsewhere.
4. Restore power and test
Plug the unit back in or flip the breaker back on. With cold water running, turn on the disposal at the wall switch. If it hums and spins normally, the reset worked.
Safety Reminder: Never, ever put your hand inside the disposal. Even when off, the blades can still move. Use tongs or a wooden spoon if you need to dislodge visible debris.
What if the Reset Doesn’t Work?
If your disposal still doesn’t run after resetting, don’t panic – but don’t keep hitting the switch either. This could signal a deeper issue that needs more than a quick fix.
There are a few common failure scenarios:
- It hums but doesn’t spin: This is a classic sign of a jammed flywheel. To address it, turn off the power and look for a hex-shaped hole underneath the unit. Insert a ¼” Allen wrench and gently rotate it back and forth to free the jam. Once loosened, reset it and test it again.
- It’s completely unresponsive: If there’s no sound, no humming, and the reset button didn’t help, check your electrical panel. The circuit may have tripped. Also, inspect for a loose wire or faulty switch.
- It keeps tripping: If your disposal resets but continues to shut off after brief use, the motor may be overheating from internal wear – or it may be undersized for the way your kitchen uses it. Frequent resets often point to a motor nearing the end of its service life.
Garbage disposals typically last 8-12 years. If yours is on the older side and no longer responds consistently, it may be time to consider replacement.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried the reset button and checked for jams, but your disposal still won’t cooperate, it’s time to bring in an expert. While they may seem straightforward, garbage disposals sit at the intersection of plumbing and electric – meaning one misstep can quickly lead to an injury or damage to your home.
A specialist can quickly determine whether the issue is mechanical, electrical, or simply wear and tear. Common reasons for a service call include:
- Diagnosing persistent humming or stalling
- Repairing internal components like flywheels (the part that rotates) or seals
- Addressing leaks or water damage under the sink
- Replacing a disposal that’s aged beyond repair
Avoid forcing a jammed unit or experimenting with electrical connections. A trained technician will get it right the first time – safely and efficiently.
Need expert help? Mattioni’s licensed plumbers are available to assess your disposal and restore your kitchen’s function quickly and cleanly.
Final Takeaways: A Quick Reset, a Clear Answer
If your garbage disposal suddenly stops working, don’t assume the worst. In many cases, a simple reset is all it takes to get things running again. Taking a few safe, deliberate steps can save you time, stress, and the cost of an unnecessary replacement.
And if the reset doesn’t work, knowing when to call in a professional ensures the issue gets handled without guesswork.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- A reset is often all you need to restore power after an overload or jam.
- Persistent humming or frequent tripping usually points to a deeper mechanical or electrical issue.
- Never put your hand inside the unit – use tools or let a professional handle the jam.
- If your disposal is over 10 years old, it may be nearing the end of its lifespan.
- Professional help is your best move when the reset doesn’t resolve the problem or the unit shows signs of failure.
Still stuck? Let Mattioni help. Call (610) 400-8510 or schedule service online – we’ll get your kitchen back in motion quickly, cleanly, and safely.
