Garbage disposal is one of the most useful inventions for household chores. It allows you to throw out meal remnants without scraping them into the bin.
Only by turning the switch on will the machine be ready to help you with its powerful shredding feature. As a result, the food remnants can pass through.
However, garbage disposal sometimes does not work well. Usually, people look to the internet to find out what to do with it. Pushing the reset button on the bottom is one solution.
How to Reset a Garbage Disposal
Table on Common Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Disposal not working | Check the power supply and press the reset button | The reset button keeps popping out |
| Humming noise but not grinding | Jammed impeller | Use Allen wrench to free the jam |
| Worn-out seals or connections | Overheated or severe jam | Allow cooling time, clear any blockage, and reset again |
| Grinding but not draining | Clogged drain line | Clear the drain line |
| Leaking | Worn out seals or connections | Check and replace seals or tighten connections |
1. Resetting a garbage disposal
It’s practically simple to reset a garbage disposal. Below is how to reset it :
- First, turn off the power to the machine. Never reach into the opening with your bare hands, even if you’re turning it off or have unplugged it;
- Open the lower cabinet and find a protruding red reset button outside the garbage disposal. Press it.
- Run the water faucet, then turn on the machine. If it works properly, you’re done. If it still doesn’t work or sounds humming, follow the instructions below to reset the garbage disposal with an Allen wrench.
Personal Experience Tip: From my experience, the reset button is often located on the bottom of the unit, and it’s typically red to make it easier to find. Ensure the unit is off to avoid any injuries.
2. What conditions can cause the disposal to stop working
Some factors can prevent garbage disposal from running properly. For example:
- Running the garbage disposal without any water
- Some objects are not ground well, probably some strings, dropping flatware, or bones.
- It is jammed
In the last case, that can lead the machine to stop working. Then, the reset button pops.
First-hand knowledge: Always run water while using the disposal. Items like bones or fibrous materials such as celery can cause jams and overheat the motor, triggering the reset button.
3. Other options to reset the garbage disposal
You can use the Allen wrench to reset the machine. These steps can also be done if your garbage disposal reset button gets stuck and does not work properly.
- Turn off the disposal and free the machine from any electric current;
- Get your Allen wrench and find the socket on the center of your garbage disposal underside.
- Insert it, then turn the wrench back and forth to loosen the object jammed in the disposal.
- If you feel it doesn’t work, try to look for what’s causing the impeller to get stuck. Find the object and grab it with pliers. Then, do the second and third steps.
- Press the reset button and do the steps as shown in point (2).
First-Hand Knowledge: Using an Allen wrench is very effective. If your disposal is humming but not grinding, it’s likely a jam. This method has worked for me on several occasions.
4. Other conditions that may happen
If the garbage disposal reset button is too far, you can try pinching and pulling it down slowly, although it may be tricky. It’s good if you still manage to pull it off, and the machine still works well after that.
However, if you cannot pull the button or if, even after the button has been successfully pulled off, the machine still does not work, there’s no other option left.
Read also: How to Fix Leaky Garbage Disposal
In that case, you’ll need to replace the machine as no spare parts are available. If you’re still in the warranty period, you can claim the warranty.
Personal Experience: Sometimes, the reset button might get stuck. Gently pinching and pulling it out can help. If it doesn’t work, it might be time to consider replacing the unit.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal
It’s important to use your garbage disposal properly to prevent issues. Avoid putting hard or fibrous materials like coffee grounds, bones, or corn husks down the disposal, as these can cause jams or damage the blades.
Regularly cleaning your disposal with vinegar and baking soda can help keep it running smoothly and prevent odors. If you encounter persistent problems, it may be time to consult a professional or consider replacing the unit.
Expert Advice: Regular maintenance is key. I recommend a monthly cleaning with vinegar and baking soda. Also, always run cold water while the disposal is used to solidify grease or fats, making them easier to chop up.
This is some information regarding how to reset a garbage disposal. To prevent such problems, don’t overwork your garbage disposal.
Also, string objects, bones, and grease can be prevented from going through the garbage disposal area as those things can make the machine work harder. Hence making it overheated or even damaged.
