How to Reset Your Garbage Disposal (And Actually Fix It)

That humming, dead, or jammed disposal? Here's your 5-minute fix.

I'm Justin Sims, and garbage disposal calls are some of the most common service requests I get. Here's the secret: about 80% of them are fixable in under 5 minutes, without any tools you don't already have.

Let me walk you through exactly how to troubleshoot your disposal like a pro.

Understanding Your Disposal

Before we fix it, let's understand what we're working with. Your garbage disposal has:

• **A motor** (inside the housing below the sink)
• **An impeller plate** with lugs that spin and grind food
• **A reset button** (thermal overload switch on the bottom)
• **A hex socket** on the bottom for manually turning the motor
• **A splash guard** (that rubber thing you see looking down into it)

When something goes wrong, it's usually:

1. Motor overheated and tripped → needs a reset
2. Something's jammed → needs to be freed
3. Motor's dead → needs replacement (less common)

Scenario 1: Disposal Won't Turn On at All

**Symptoms:** Flip the switch, nothing happens. No sound at all.

Step 1: Check the power

• Is it plugged in? (Look under the sink—some plug into outlets there)
• If it's hardwired, check your breaker panel

Step 2: Find the reset button

The reset button is on the bottom of the disposal unit, usually red. You might need a flashlight.

Step 3: Press and release

Push it in firmly. You should feel/hear a click if it was tripped.

Step 4: Try again

Run cold water and flip the switch.

**Did it work?** Great! Your motor overheated, probably from running too long or grinding something tough. It reset itself via the thermal overload.

**Still nothing?** Check the outlet with another device. If the outlet works, your disposal's motor or switch may be dead. Time to call a plumber.

Scenario 2: Disposal Hums But Won't Grind

**Symptoms:** You hear humming when you flip the switch, but the blades don't spin. Maybe a burning smell.

This is a jam. Turn it OFF immediately.

Running a jammed disposal can burn out the motor. Don't keep flipping the switch.

Step 1: Turn off the power

Flip the switch off. Better yet, unplug it or turn off the breaker to be safe.

Step 2: Get a disposal wrench or Allen key

Most disposals have a hex socket on the very bottom. If you don't have a disposal wrench, a 1/4" Allen (hex) key usually fits.

Step 3: Insert and turn

Put the wrench in the socket and turn it back and forth. You're manually rotating the motor to free whatever's jammed. Keep at it until it moves freely.

Step 4: Look for the obstruction

Using a flashlight, look into the disposal from above. If you can see what's stuck (often a bone, fruit pit, or small utensil), use tongs or pliers to remove it.

**NEVER put your hand in the disposal.** Even unplugged, those blades are sharp.

Step 5: Reset and test

Press the reset button, turn the power back on, run cold water, and test.

Scenario 3: Disposal Is Leaking

**Symptoms:** Water under the sink, possibly connected to running the disposal.

Where's the leak coming from?

From the top (sink flange):

The mounting ring where the disposal meets the sink has failed. The flange or putty needs resealing.

From the side (dishwasher connection or drain):

A hose clamp is loose or the fitting needs tightening.

From the bottom:

The internal seals have failed. This usually means the unit needs replacement—not worth repairing.

**When to call:** Bottom leaks and flange leaks are best handled by a pro unless you're comfortable with under-sink plumbing.

Things That Shouldn't Go in Your Disposal

Prevention is the best repair. Here's what to keep out:

Never:

• Grease or cooking oil (coats and hardens)
• Coffee grounds (build up in pipes)
• Eggshells (myth that they sharpen blades—they don't)
• Bones larger than chicken wing bones
• Fruit pits (peach, avocado, etc.)
• Pasta and rice (expand and clog)
• Fibrous vegetables (celery, artichokes, corn husks)
• Potato peels in quantity (starchy paste)
• Glass, metal, or plastic (obviously)

Yes:

• Soft food scraps
• Small amounts of most cooked food
• Citrus peels (actually help clean and freshen)
• Ice cubes (help knock off buildup)

Keeping Your Disposal Happy

Run cold water, not hot

Cold water solidifies grease so it can be chopped up, rather than coating the pipes.

Run water before, during, and after

Start the water, then the disposal, then the food. Keep running for 15 seconds after grinding stops.

Grind citrus occasionally

A lemon or orange peel run through the disposal freshens it naturally.

Ice cubes help too

Throw a few ice cubes in periodically. They help knock off buildup on the impellers.

Never use bleach or drain cleaner

These can damage the seals and components.

The Lifespan Question

How long do garbage disposals last?

With average use: 8-12 years. Heavy use or abuse: 5-8 years. Light use with good maintenance: 12-15 years.

Signs it's time for replacement:

• Frequent resets
• Persistent jamming
• Leaking from the bottom
• Unusually loud operation
• Won't grind effectively anymore

Replacement isn't a major job—we can usually do it in about an hour.

The Bottom Line

Most garbage disposal problems come down to two things:

1. **It tripped the reset** — Press the button
2. **Something's stuck** — Use the wrench and clear it

That covers 80% of calls. The other 20% involve leaks, worn motors, or other issues that usually mean it's time for a new unit.

**Disposal giving you grief?** Give us a call at (512) 665-0250 — we give a 💩 about even the little stuff.

*Justin Sims is a Master Plumber and owner of SimsCo Mechanical & Plumbing, serving Westlake Hills, Bee Cave, Lake Travis, and Dripping Springs.*