InSinkErator Garbage Disposal Reset Button: Location, Functionality, and Resetting Procedure

Every InSinkErator Garbage Disposal has a red, square reset button. The reset button is a safety mechanism that cuts the electric supply off when the unit experiences a jam.

This guide on InSinkErator Garbage Disposal Reset Button will explain everything you need to know about the safety feature, including:

• The location of the reset button
• How to use the reset button to reset your garbage disposal
• What causes the reset button to trip repeatedly

In This Article:

• Where Is The Location of Reset Button On Insinkerator Garbage Disposal?
• How To Reset Insinkerator Garbage Disposal?
• Why Does the Reset Button On Insinkerator Garbage Disposal Keep Tripping?
  • Clogged or Jammed Garbage Disposal
  • Overloaded Grinding Chamber
  • Motor Gets Burnt Out
• FAQs
•  Conclusion

Where Is The Location of Reset Button On Insinkerator Garbage Disposal?

The reset button on Insinkerator Garbage Disposal is underneath the garbage disposal (at the bottom of the unit), facing the floor. 

Overload protector is another name for the reset button. The reset button is red and square. It typically works like the circuit breaker of your home.

When your garbage disposal gets jammed, it strains the motor and causes the engine to overheat. Fortunately, the reset button gets triggered due to overheating to protect the unit from burning.

In short, the reset button on garbage disposal is a safety feature. It automatically cuts off the electric supply and shuts down the garbage disposal when the unit gets overheated due to a clog or jam. 

How To Reset Insinkerator Garbage Disposal?

To reset your Insinkerator Garbage Disposal, follow these instructions:

1. Turn off your garbage disposal at the circuit breaker.

2. Locate the reset button. You can find it at the bottom of the unit, which is red and square.  

3. Press the reset button gently and release it. Generally, the reset button comes down to a quarter of an inch when it gets tripped. If the reset button won’t stay in, wait ten minutes and press the button again. 

4. Restore the power to your garbage disposal by flipping the circuit breaker to the On position.

5. Run cold water and turn on your garbage disposal. It should come on, which indicates that you reset the unit successfully. 

Why Does the Reset Button On Insinkerator Garbage Disposal Keep Tripping?

Insinkerator Garbage Disposal Reset Button keeps tripping due to one of the following reasons: 

Clogged or Jammed Garbage Disposal

A restriction in the grinding chamber is the number 1 reason that causes the reset button to trip continuously.  

Due to restrictions, the impellers fail to grind the food waste efficiently. In other words, the unit overworks to pulverize the food waste and overheats the motor. 

Consequently, it triggers the safety device called an overload protector or reset button on your garbage disposal. 

How To Fix: 

Generally, the garbage disposal gets jammed if you put unprohibited food waste like pasta, rice, or other fibrous foods. 

Read this article on What Not To Put In Garbage Disposal to explore the complete list of unprohibited food waste. 

Stop yourself from putting those avoided foods (mentioned in that article) in the grinding chamber and operate the unit like a charm. 

However, if the garbage disposal gets jammed, remove the restriction. 

To remove the blockage, turn off the unit. Insert an Allen Wrench into the center hole at the bottom of the unit and rock it back and forth until the clog breaks free. 

Then, release the restriction by using long-handled pliers. 

Overloaded Grinding Chamber

Putting excess food waste in the grinding chamber can trip the reset button. 

When you put extra food particles more than the disposal’s capacity, the unit can’t handle or grind the food waste efficiently. Consequently, it strains the motor and overheats, which trips the reset button. 

The reset button gets tripped to protect your garbage disposal from burning out the unit. 

How To Fix: 

To avoid this issue, never overload the unit with food waste. 

Instead, gradually feed the food waste into the garbage disposal. Cut the food particles if required. 

Run cold water before, during, and after using the garbage disposal to flush the food waste smoothly. 

Motor Gets Burnt Out

The garbage disposal will trip the reset button if the motor or motor bearings become worn out.

Unfortunately, the disposal’s motor is not replaceable. It means you need to replace the entire unit. 

Relevant: InSinkErator Reset Button Not Working

FAQs

What does the reset button do on an InSinkErator garbage disposal?

The reset button at the bottom of your Insinkerator Garbage Disposal works as a safety device. It cuts the electric supply off to the unit to prevent overheating or damage when experiencing a jam. 

Why does my InSinkErator garbage disposal need to be reset?

You need to reset your Insinkerator Garbage Disposal when you overload the system or the unit gets jammed. Generally, the unit becomes clogged if you put fibrous, starchy, and non-food items in the grinding chamber. 

What should I do if pressing the reset button doesn't fix the problem?

If pressing the reset button doesn’t bring luck, follow these troubleshooting steps:

• Check the grinding chamber to see if there is any restriction. Insert an Allen wrench into the center hole at the bottom of the unit and work it back & forth.
• Remove the blockage using long-handled pliers.
• Verify that you plug the unit securely into the electric outlet.
• Ensure that the circuit breaker for the garbage disposal doesn’t get tripped. 

Can I reset the InSinkErator garbage disposal while it's still plugged in?

I recommend you unplug the garbage disposal before pressing the reset button to ensure safety. 

How often should I use the reset button on my InSinkErator garbage disposal?

You should press the reset button infrequently. If you press the reset button frequently, understand there is a problem with your garbage disposal. For example, the unit may get clogged often. 

Is it safe to use my InSinkErator garbage disposal after pressing the reset button?

Yes, it’s safe for you to use your InSinkErator Garbage Disposal after pressing the reset button. 

Read Also: InSinkErator Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting

Conclusion

The reset button on your InSinkErator Garbage Disposal is a safety feature.

With the help of the reset button, you can fix the garbage disposal with a single press. 

To reset the InSinkErator Garbage Disposal, what you need to do first is- unplug the garbage disposal from the power source. Then, locate the reset button at the bottom of the unit and press it inward. 

Next, reconnect the garbage disposal with the electric power source. Run the cold water supply and turn on your garbage disposal. 

If resetting the garbage disposal doesn’t fix a problem, verify that the grinding chamber is free from restriction.