How To Reset Garbage Disposal?
Garbage disposals are lifesavers in the kitchen, but they can get jammed or overloaded from time to time. Knowing how to reset yours can save you time, money, and the headache of a malfunctioning unit.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about resetting garbage disposals—whether you’ve got an InSinkErator, Moen, or Waste King.
Table of Contents
- When Do You Need to Reset a Garbage Disposal?
- How To Reset Garbage Disposal: A Complete Guide
- Why Does My Garbage Disposal Keep Needing to Be Reset?
- What to Do If Resetting Doesn’t Work
- FAQs About Resetting Garbage Disposals
- Conclusion
When Do You Need to Reset a Garbage Disposal?
Wondering if your garbage disposal needs a reset? Here are a few tell-tale signs:
- The disposal won’t turn on.
- It’s making a humming sound but isn’t grinding anything.
- The reset button has popped out.
- It overheats or shuts off unexpectedly.
If you notice any of these, your garbage disposal likely needs a reset. The good news is, it’s usually a quick fix!
Important Safety Tip: Before you do anything, always unplug the disposal or turn off the power at the circuit breaker. You don’t want any accidents while you’re poking around under the sink!
How To Reset Garbage Disposal: A Complete Guide
Resetting your garbage disposal is often the quickest way to resolve jams or clogs, restoring the unit to normal operation. The process varies slightly depending on the brand.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to resetting garbage disposals from the top three brands: InSinkErator, Moen, and Waste King.
How To Reset InSinkErator Garbage Disposal?
To reset your InSinkErator garbage disposal, follow these steps:
Turn Off Power: Ensure the disposal is completely off by unplugging the power cord or turning off the circuit breaker.
Locate the Reset Button
Locate the reset button at the bottom of the garbage disposal, facing the floor. The reset button is red and square. If it has tripped, it will be slightly depressed (about a quarter of an inch).
Press The Reset Button
Gently press the reset button. Hold it down for approximately 15 seconds before releasing it. If it does not stay up, wait about ten minutes and try again.
Restore Power
- Reconnect Power: Plug the disposal back in or turn on the circuit breaker.
- Test Operation: Run water and switch on the disposal to check if it operates correctly.
Additional Troubleshooting
If your disposal still doesn’t work:
- Check for Jams: Use a wrench (often provided with your unit) to turn the blades from underneath to dislodge any jams.
- Inspect Electrical Connections: Ensure that all wiring connections are secure and that there are no blown fuses or tripped breakers.
Following these steps, you can effectively reset your InSinkErator garbage disposal and troubleshoot common issues. If problems persist, consider contacting a professional for assistance.
How To Reset Waste King Garbage Disposal?
To reset your Waste King garbage disposal, follow these steps:
Safety Precautions
- Turn Off Power: Ensure the disposal is off by unplugging or switching off the circuit breaker to avoid accidents.
Locate the Reset Button
In Waste King Garbage Disposal, you can find the reset button on the front of the unit, near the bottom, opposite the power cord. The reset button gets tripped due to overloading or overheating.
Press the Reset Button
Once you locate the reset button, press it until the button clicks and remains in the outward position. This indicates that the unit has been reset.
Check for Jams
If your disposal does not turn on after resetting, check for foreign objects.
Unfortunately, Waste King Garbage Disposals have no hex-shaped holes at the bottom like the InSinkErator. So, use a broom handle to turn the impellers manually to break free the restrictions.
Then, release the obstructions using long-handled pliers. Finally, press the reset button again.
Restore Power
- Reconnect Power: Plug the disposal back in or turn on the circuit breaker.
- Test Operation: Turn on the water and switch on the disposal to test the operation.
Additional Troubleshooting
If your garbage disposal still does not work:
- Check Electrical Connections: Ensure that all wiring connections are secure and that there are no blown fuses or tripped breakers.
- Consult Manual: Refer to your specific model’s manual for further troubleshooting steps, as there may be additional issues that require professional service.
Following these steps, you can reset your Waste King garbage disposal and resolve common issues effectively.
How To Reset Moen Garbage Disposal?
To reset your Moen garbage disposal, follow these steps:
Turn Off Power: Unplug the garbage disposal or turn off the circuit breaker to ensure safety while working on the unit.
Locate the Reset Button
The reset button on Moen Garbage Disposal is usually a red button on the bottom or side of the disposal unit, opposite the side where the power cord exits. If it has tripped, it will be slightly depressed.
Press the Reset Button
The reset button on Moen is a bit recessed. Use a screwdriver or long item to reach the reset button. Then, press the reset button until it clicks and pops back out. This indicates that the unit has been reset.
Check for Jams
- Inspect for Obstructions: If your disposal is still not working, inspect the grinding chamber for obstructions. Use tongs or needle-nose pliers to break the restrictions.
- Manual Rotation: If necessary, use a wooden broom handle to turn the impellers manually to dislodge the food buildup. After rotating the impellers manually, press the reset button again.
Restore Power
- Reconnect Power: Plug the disposal back in or turn on the circuit breaker.
- Test Operation: Run water and switch on the disposal to ensure it operates correctly.
Additional Troubleshooting
If your garbage disposal does not reset:
- Check Electrical Connections: Ensure that all wiring connections are secure and check for any blown fuses or tripped breakers.
- Consult Manual: Refer to your specific model’s manual for additional troubleshooting steps if issues persist.
Why Does My Garbage Disposal Keep Needing to Be Reset?
If you’re resetting your garbage disposal frequently, there could be a few issues at play:
- Overloading: You might be stuffing too much food down the disposal at once.
- Electrical problems: Faulty wiring or power surges could cause the unit to trip often.
- Mechanical wear: Older units may need more frequent resets due to worn-out parts.
If this keeps happening, it might be time to look into either repairing or replacing the unit.
What to Do If Resetting Doesn’t Work
Sometimes, resetting just isn’t enough. Here’s what you can try next:
- Check for a jam: Look inside the disposal with a flashlight and see if anything’s blocking the blades. Use tongs or a wooden tool (never your hand!) to remove the debris.
- Check the wiring: Loose or faulty connections can cause the disposal to malfunction. It’s best to call an electrician if you’re not comfortable with electrical work.
- Replace the unit: If your disposal is older and constantly needs resetting, it may be time for a new one.
FAQs About Resetting Garbage Disposals
How often should I reset my garbage disposal?
You should only need to reset it occasionally, like after a jam or if it overheats. If you’re doing it all the time, something else might be wrong.
What if the reset button doesn’t pop out?
This could mean the unit hasn’t overheated or jammed. Make sure there’s no clog, and check the power supply.
Can resetting damage the disposal?
No, resetting is a built-in safety feature to protect the motor from overheating or getting damaged.
Is resetting the same for all disposal brands?
The basic steps are similar for most disposals, but there are slight differences in reset button placement and troubleshooting tips depending on the brand.
Conclusion
Resetting your garbage disposal is a quick fix that can get your kitchen back in working order in no time. Whether you have an InSinkErator, Moen, or Waste King, following these steps should solve most issues. And remember—if resetting doesn’t work, it’s time to check for deeper problems or call in a professional.
Need more help? Check out our full [Garbage Disposal Manual] for in-depth troubleshooting tips and advice!
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Sohel Rana is the founder of FixTheDisposal.Com. He is a plumbing expert with 7+ years of hands-on repairing garbage disposals, water heaters, space heaters, and other appliances used in a home. Before the launch of Fix The Disposal, he wrote and provided advice on water heaters, sump pumps, and space heater repairing & troubleshooting tips for LilDutchUncle.Com.
