Got a jammed garbage disposal?
Don’t stress—it’s easier to fix than you think.
With just a quick reset, you can have it running like new in no time.
Reset your garbage disposal: easy steps to keep it running are all you need to follow to ensure it stays smooth and stress-free.
Key Takeaways
- Always turn off the power before working on your garbage disposal.
- Inspect the disposal for food bits and foreign objects causing jams.
- Use tongs, not your hands, to remove anything stuck in the blades.
- Press the red reset button to restart the motor after a jam or overheating.
- If the blades are stuck, use a hex wrench to rotate them manually.
- Check the drain and plumbing for blockages before resetting the disposal.
- Avoid overloading the disposal with too much food waste at once.
- Always run cold water while using the disposal to prevent jams.
- Reset your disposal if the motor overheats or the blades get jammed.
- If resetting doesn’t work, call a professional for serious electrical issues.
How To Safely Reset Your Garbage Disposal
Here’s how to safely reset your garbage disposal step by step.
It’s easy, quick, and gets things running smoothly again.
Step 1: Turn Off The Power
Safety comes first!
Start by cutting off the power for garbage disposal.
Unplug it from the outlet under your sink.
Otherwise, turn off the circuit breaker that powers the disposal.
This step ensures you won’t accidentally turn it on while working, keeping your hands safe.
Step 2: Inspect The Disposal For Visible Issues
Take a look inside the disposal to spot any problems.
Use a flashlight to check for food bits, foreign objects, and anything stuck in the blades.
If you find anything, carefully remove it using tongs (gripping tool)—never use your hands.
Clearing out blockages is key to getting your disposal running smoothly again.
Step 3: Press The Reset Button
Locate the small red reset button on the bottom of the disposal unit.
This button is like a safety switch that turns off the motor when it overheats and jams.
Press it firmly to reset the motor.
Once pressed, the disposal is ready to start fresh, and the issue is often immediately fixed.
3 Additional Tips For A Successful Reset
Here are three extra tips to help your garbage disposal reset smoothly.
These steps can fix jams and prevent future issues.
Follow them to keep your disposal running like new.
1. Manual Rotation
If the blades are stuck, you can move them manually.
Look for a small hex hole at the bottom of the disposal.
Insert a hex wrench and turn it back and forth a few times.
This helps loosen anything blocking the blades.
2. Check The Drain And Plumbing Connections
Make sure the drain and pipes aren’t clogged.
A blockage in the pipes can stop the disposal from working properly.
Clear any clogs before resetting to avoid further problems.
3. Avoid Overloading Your Disposal
Don’t put too much food waste in the disposal at once.
Cut large pieces into smaller ones, and avoid hard and thin items like bones.
Always run cold water while using it to prevent jams and keep it working well.
Why Your Garbage Disposal Needs A Reset
Sometimes, your garbage disposal stops working, and a reset is the solution.
This could happen after a jam or if the motor overheats.
Here’s when and why you should reset it.
1. When And Why To Reset Your Garbage Disposal
A reset is needed when your garbage disposal isn’t working properly.
This usually happens if the motor overheats or the blades get jammed.
The reset button is a safety feature that shuts off the motor to prevent damage.
Pressing the button allows the motor to restart and work normally again.
2. Signs Your Garbage Disposal May Need A Reset
There are a few signs that show your disposal needs a reset.
If you press the switch and nothing happens, the motor might have shut off.
You may also hear a humming sound, which means the motor tries to work, but the blades aren’t turning.
Another sign is water backing up in the sink, which could mean a jam or a blockage.
Resetting the disposal can help solve these problems.
When To Call A Professional
If your garbage disposal still isn’t working after resetting, it might be time to call a professional.
Some problems are too complicated to fix on your own.
Here’s when you should seek expert help.
1. Persistent (Constant) Issues After Resetting
If resetting your garbage disposal doesn’t work, there might be a bigger issue.
The issue might be more than a simple jam and motor overheating.
In this case, it’s best to call a professional for help.
They can diagnose and fix problems that a reset can’t solve, such as electrical and mechanical issues.
2. Common Problems Requiring A Plumber’s Help
Some problems are too big to handle on your own.
If you have clogged pipes, the disposal might not drain properly, even after a reset.
A damaged motor can also stop the disposal from working, and faulty wiring can cause the motor to fail.
These are all situations where a plumber or professional should be called in to fix the issue safely.
Contact us at OP Plumbing Hub for high-quality services.
Conclusion
This blog is a step-by-step guide on how to keep your garbage disposal running smoothly.
It is easy with a simple reset.
You can quickly solve common issues by following the steps and tips.
If the problem continues, don’t hesitate to call a professional.
A little care goes a long way in keeping your disposal in good shape. Contact us at OP Plumbing Hub for expert services.