How to Reset a Garbage Disposal

Your garburator has a tough job, grinding up leftover organic material into liquefied waste so that it can easily flow through your wastewater pipe. As with any other appliance, a number of things can go wrong with your disposal which may cause it to malfunction or break down—but unlike your stove or refrigerator, you may be able to solve the issue yourself with the touch of a button. Before you call a professional for repair, take your cue from the experts at Mr. Appliance® and try resetting the garburator using the steps outlined below.

What Can Go Wrong?

You can avoid most issues with your garburator by choosing a high-quality appliance, having it professionally installed, and being diligent about what types of materials you put down the drain. To prevent most clogs avoid placing the following at your disposal:

• Bones
• Grease
• Banana peels
• Potato peels
• Coffee grounds
• Celery
• Eggshells
• Pasta
• Oatmeal

Your disposal has an internal breaker that will trip when overloaded. Whether the disposal becomes clogged, runs for an extended period of time overheats, or has a mechanical issue, the overload protector is designed to cut the power to the unit. Most of the time resetting the disposal will solve the problem, although you may have a more serious issue such as a clogged drain. Before picking up the phone to call Mr. Appliance for diagnosis or repair, try the method outlined below.

How to Reset a Garbage Disposal

*Before you begin any type of maintenance or repair on your garburator disconnect the power by turning the switch to the "OFF" position and unplugging the unit from the wall.

1. Once you have turned off the power to your disposal shine a flashlight down the drain to peer inside. If you see any foreign objects such as flatware or jewelry or see any obvious signs of a clog, try to remove the item with a pair of needle-nosed pliers. Never place your hand down the disposal, which can lead to serious injury or dismemberment.

2. Locate the red reset garburator button located on the bottom of the unit. If you have trouble locating the button consult your owner's manual.

3. Gently press the button inwards to reset the unit.

4. If the button won't depress or it pops back out again, wait for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to allow the unit to cool down and try it again.

5. Once the button remains in and the unit has reset, run cold water down the drain and resume power to the disposal.

6. Run the disposal to ensure it has resumed its normal function.

7. If the reset button will not stay in or continuously needs to be rest, disconnect the power and schedule professional garburator repair.

Schedule Appliance Repair or Replacement

If your efforts to reset your garburator fail to resolve the problem,contact us to schedule service, or call the experts at your local Mr. Appliance for fast, reliable appliance services including maintenance and repair.