How To Fix a Garbage Disposal: Reset Button Troubleshooting and Solutions
The garbage disposal reset button is your first line of defense when it stops working. Often, a simple reset will restore functionality, but knowing when and how to use it is essential.
Introduction: The Unsung Hero of Your Kitchen
The garbage disposal: a modern marvel tucked beneath our sinks, silently devouring food scraps and saving us countless trips to the trash can. But what happens when this kitchen workhorse sputters and dies, leaving you with a sink full of questionable remnants? Before you call a plumber, there’s one simple troubleshooting step you should always take: check the reset button. This small, often red, button is a safety mechanism designed to protect the motor from overheating. Understanding its function and proper use can save you time, money, and a potentially messy situation.
Understanding Why Disposals Stop Working
Garbage disposals are durable, but they’re not invincible. Several factors can cause them to shut down, and thankfully, many of these are addressed by the reset button.
- Overloading: Trying to grind too much food at once can strain the motor.
- Hard Objects: Accidentally dropping silverware, glass, or bones into the disposal is a common culprit.
- Jammed Motors: Stringy vegetables, fruit pits, and coffee grounds can bind around the impeller and stop the motor.
- Overheating: Excessive use or obstructions can cause the motor to overheat as a safety precaution, triggering the thermal overload protection.
- Electrical Issues: Although less common, internal electrical components might fail or external electrical issues can arise.
The Reset Button: Your First Response
The reset button is a thermal overload protector that trips when the motor overheats. When activated, it cuts off power to prevent damage. Finding and pressing this button is the first and easiest step in troubleshooting a dead garbage disposal. Here’s what you need to know:
- Location: Typically found on the bottom of the disposal unit.
- Appearance: Usually a small, red button, though sometimes it can be black or another color.
- Function: It restores power to the motor after it has cooled down and the obstruction (if any) has been removed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting Your Garbage Disposal
Here’s a detailed guide on how to reset your garbage disposal effectively:
- Turn off the Disposal: Ensure the disposal switch is in the OFF position. This is crucial for your safety.
- Unplug the Disposal (If Possible): If the disposal has a plug, unplug it from the electrical outlet for an extra layer of safety. If hardwired, turn off the circuit breaker controlling the disposal.
- Check for Obstructions: Use tongs or pliers to remove any visible objects from the disposal chamber. Never put your hand inside the disposal.
- Let it Cool Down: Allow the disposal to cool down for approximately 15-30 minutes. This allows the motor to dissipate heat.
- Locate the Reset Button: Examine the bottom of the disposal unit for the reset button.
- Press the Reset Button: Firmly press the reset button. You should feel or hear a click.
- Restore Power: Plug the disposal back in or turn the circuit breaker back on.
- Test the Disposal: Turn on the water and then flip the disposal switch to the ON position. If it works, congratulations! If not, proceed to the next steps.
- If it Still Doesn’t Work: Repeat the process, paying careful attention to removing any unseen obstructions. If it continues to fail, you may need professional assistance.
Beyond the Reset Button: Troubleshooting Further
If resetting the disposal doesn’t solve the problem, further investigation might be needed.
- Check the Breaker: Ensure the circuit breaker controlling the disposal hasn’t tripped.
- Inspect the Wiring: Look for any loose or damaged wires connected to the disposal. If you’re not comfortable working with electricity, call an electrician.
- Clear Jammed Impellers: Use tongs to carefully rotate the impellers to see if they are stuck. A specialized wrench (often included with the disposal) can be useful for this.
- Listen for Humming: If the disposal is humming but not spinning, it’s likely jammed.
- Check the Drain Line: A clogged drain line can put back pressure on the disposal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding these common mistakes can prevent further damage and ensure a safe and effective troubleshooting process.
- Putting Your Hand Inside: Never put your hand inside the disposal, even when it’s turned off. Use tools like tongs or pliers.
- Forcing the Impellers: Forcing the impellers can damage the motor.
- Ignoring Unusual Noises: Pay attention to any unusual noises coming from the disposal. These could indicate a problem.
- Using Harsh Chemicals: Avoid pouring harsh chemicals down the disposal, as they can damage the components.
- Grinding Inappropriate Items: Avoid grinding items like bones, coffee grounds (in large quantities), eggshells, and greasy foods.
When to Call a Professional
While resetting the disposal and clearing minor obstructions are often sufficient, some situations require professional help.
- Persistent Electrical Issues: If you suspect an electrical problem, always call an electrician.
- Significant Damage: If the disposal is visibly damaged, such as cracks or leaks, it’s best to replace it.
- Unresponsive Disposal: If the disposal remains unresponsive after multiple reset attempts and thorough troubleshooting, it may require professional repair or replacement.
- Lack of Expertise: If you are uncomfortable performing any of the troubleshooting steps, err on the side of caution and call a qualified plumber.
FAQs: Common Questions About Disposal Reset Buttons
What does the garbage disposal reset button actually do?
The reset button is a thermal overload protector. It’s designed to cut off power to the garbage disposal motor when it overheats. This prevents the motor from being damaged and potentially causing a fire. Essentially, it acts as a circuit breaker specifically for the disposal.
Where exactly is the reset button located on a garbage disposal?
The reset button is almost always located on the bottom of the disposal unit. You’ll typically find it in the center of the base or slightly off to one side. It’s usually a small, red button, but sometimes can be other colors like black or orange.
How long should I wait before pressing the reset button after the disposal stops working?
It’s best to wait at least 15-30 minutes to allow the motor to cool down completely. This ensures that the thermal overload protection has had time to reset itself. Trying to reset it too soon may be ineffective.
I pressed the reset button, but my disposal still isn’t working. What could be the problem?
If the disposal still isn’t working after pressing the reset button, there could be several other issues. The most common are a remaining obstruction in the disposal chamber, a tripped circuit breaker, or internal damage to the motor. Further troubleshooting might be required.
Can a garbage disposal be reset too many times?
Yes, repeatedly resetting the garbage disposal without addressing the underlying issue (such as a persistent jam or overloading) can eventually damage the motor. Each reset puts stress on the motor components. It’s better to identify and resolve the cause of the problem.
Are all garbage disposals equipped with a reset button?
Most garbage disposals are equipped with a reset button, especially newer models. However, older or very basic models might not have this feature. If you can’t find a reset button on your disposal, consult the manufacturer’s manual or consider upgrading to a newer model.
What kind of objects should never be put in a garbage disposal?
Certain items should never be put in a garbage disposal as they can cause damage or clogging. These include: bones, coffee grounds (in large quantities), eggshells, fibrous vegetables (like celery), grease, fruit pits, pasta, rice, expandable foods, and non-food items like plastic or glass.
Is it safe to put coffee grounds in a garbage disposal?
While small amounts of coffee grounds might seem harmless, consistently putting large quantities down the disposal can lead to clogging over time. The grounds tend to accumulate and solidify in the drainpipes. It’s better to dispose of coffee grounds in the trash or compost bin.
What’s the best way to clean a smelly garbage disposal?
To clean a smelly garbage disposal, you can try a few simple methods: Grind ice cubes to sharpen the blades and dislodge debris. Flush with cold water. You can also grind citrus peels (lemon or orange) to freshen the smell. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the disposal.
How long does a garbage disposal typically last?
With proper care and maintenance, a garbage disposal can typically last anywhere from 8 to 15 years. However, the lifespan can vary depending on the quality of the unit and how frequently it’s used. Regular cleaning and avoiding improper use can extend its life.
What is the proper way to use a garbage disposal?
The proper way to use a garbage disposal is to: Run cold water before, during, and after grinding food waste. Cut food waste into small pieces. Avoid overloading the disposal. Don’t grind hard or fibrous materials. And always keep the water running for at least 15 seconds after grinding is complete.
My disposal hums, but it doesn’t grind. What should I do?
A humming sound usually indicates that the motor is trying to turn, but something is preventing it. This often means the disposal is jammed. Turn off the power, disconnect the power source, and use tongs or pliers to carefully remove any obstructions from the disposal chamber. Then, try resetting it again.