Has your garbage disposal suddenly stopped working? Most of the time, all you need to do is reset the unit to get it back in tip-top shape. However, you may need a bit of help if it’s your first time resetting a disposer. In today’s guide, we’ll show you how to reset a garbage disposal in just a few minutes. To get a better understanding of the situation, you may also want to find out how a garbage disposal works. Without further ado, see what you have to do below!
How Do I Reset a Garbage Disposal?
Whether there was a power outage or your unit got jammed or just won’t start, find out how to reset a garbage disposal in 3 simple steps.
Step 1.
Prepare your garbage disposal for the reset. As obvious as it may seem, you should start by checking to see if it’s plugged in accordingly. You may have accidentally pulled it out when grabbing something from under the sink. After that, turn your unit off from is wall switch. Before proceeding to the next step, see whether the circuit breaker it is connected to has tripped. If it has, switch it back on from the main board in your home.
Step 2.
Locate the reset button on your garbage disposal. You can find it at the bottom of the unit on most models. If necessary, use a flashlight to find it. Press the button firmly multiple times to make sure the command goes through to the motor. Depending on the model of garbage disposal you have, the button will either pop out after you reset it or go back to its inner position. Basically, the reset button should be in the position opposite of that which it started with.
Step 3.
Turn the faucet on and run a steady stream of cold water. Move the disposer to its “ON” position from the wall switch located near your sink. If you have followed our directions to a T, your unit should now be running as normal. You can also repeat the process if it doesn’t start working again on your first try. As a side note, we always recommend maintaining water flow when testing or using a garbage disposal. For other garbage disposal problems and quick fixes check out our guide here.
Conclusion
To conclude, learning how to reset a garbage disposal can be easy as pie. If you have followed our guide and your unit still doesn’t seem to work, we recommend calling a professional or simply investing in one of the best garbage disposal models. Getting a faulty disposer repaired by a plumber will cost just as much (if not even more) than a brand new unit. We’re curious to learn about your experience. Did you succeed in resetting your disposer? Have any other tips that worked for you? Share them below!
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