Garbage disposals are an essential part of modern kitchens, providing a convenient way to manage food waste. These devices help keep our kitchens clean, reduce the amount of waste going to landfills, and even protect our plumbing.
However, like any appliance, they can sometimes run into issues and require a reset. This is a common solution when your garbage disposal stops working or behaves unusually.
There are several reasons why garbage disposal might need resetting. It could be due to a power surge, overloading, or a jam caused by non-food items or hard food particles. In some cases, the disposal might just need a little ‘reset’ to get it back up and running.
Safety Precautions
Before we dive into the process of resetting your garbage disposal, it’s crucial to talk about safety. Garbage disposals are powerful devices, and mishandling can lead to injury.
Firstly, never put your hand or any other body part in the garbage disposal. Even when it’s not running, the blades inside are sharp and can cause serious harm. Always use a tool or utensil to retrieve anything stuck inside.
Secondly, always ensure the garbage disposal is turned off before you start working on it. If you’re going to be resetting it, you should also unplug it or turn off the circuit breaker to ensure there’s no power going to the unit.
Identifying the Problem
Before you can fix a problem, you need to know what the problem is. If your garbage disposal is not working, it might need a reset. But how can you tell?
One common sign is that the garbage disposal simply doesn’t turn on. You flip the switch, but nothing happens. This could mean that the disposal’s internal breaker has tripped and needs to be reset.
Another sign is if the garbage disposal is making a humming noise but isn’t working. This could mean that the disposal is jammed. After clearing the jam, you’ll likely need to reset the disposal to get it working again.
Remember, if your garbage disposal is leaking, or making unusual noises, or you’re experiencing other issues not resolved by a reset, it might be time to call in a professional.
A garbage disposal is a complex appliance, and sometimes the problem might be beyond a simple reset.
Locating the Reset Button
The reset button is a crucial component of your garbage disposal. It’s essentially a built-in circuit breaker that trips when the disposal motor becomes overloaded or overheated, preventing damage to the unit.
The location of the reset button can vary depending on the model of your garbage disposal. However, it’s typically found on the bottom of the unit.
It’s usually a small, red or black button. For some models, like those from InSinkErator, the reset button is red and located near the center of the bottom of the disposal. On Waste King models, the reset button is usually black and located on the front, bottom side of the disposal.
The reset button plays a vital role in the functioning of the garbage disposal. When the disposal is overloaded, the reset button pops out, cutting power to the motor. Once the issue causing the overload is resolved, you can press the reset button to restore power to the disposal.
Resetting the Garbage Disposal
If your garbage disposal has stopped working or is humming but not disposing, it might need a reset. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Ensure Safety: Before you begin, make sure the garbage disposal is turned off. If possible, unplug it or turn off the circuit breaker to ensure there’s no power going to the unit.
- Locate the Reset Button: As mentioned earlier, the reset button is usually located on the bottom of the garbage disposal. It should be relatively easy to find.
- Press the Reset Button: Push the reset button firmly until it clicks and stays in place. This means the disposal’s internal breaker is reset.
- Test the Disposal: Restore power to the unit and test it to see if it’s working. You should hear the normal grinding noise if it’s functioning correctly.
If the reset button doesn’t work or is missing, it might be time to call in a professional. A malfunctioning or missing reset button could indicate a more serious issue with the garbage disposal that requires professional attention. Remember, safety should always be your top priority when dealing with appliances like garbage disposal.
Troubleshooting Other Issues
Even after resetting, your garbage disposal might still face some issues. Here’s how to handle some of the most common ones:
Garbage Disposal is Humming
If your garbage disposal is humming but not working, it’s likely jammed. Turn off the power and try using a garbage disposal wrench or a 1/4 inch Allen wrench to turn the blades manually from the bottom of the unit. This can help dislodge whatever is causing the jam.
Garbage Disposal Won’t Turn On
If your garbage disposal won’t turn on even after a reset, check the power source. Make sure it’s plugged in and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. If it’s still not working, it might be time to call a professional or consider a replacement.
Clogs and Other Common Issues
Clogs are a common issue with garbage disposals. Avoid putting fibrous or hard materials like corn husks, bones, or coffee grounds in the disposal. If it’s clogged, you can try using a plunger or a garbage disposal wrench to clear the jam.
Maintenance Tips for Garbage Disposal
Proper maintenance can extend the life of your garbage disposal and prevent many common issues. Here are some tips:
- Clean Regularly: Regular cleaning can prevent build-up and odors. Try running some dish soap and cold water through the disposal after use.
- Use Cold Water: When running the disposal, use cold water. It helps solidify any fats or oils that might otherwise stick to the sides of the disposal.
- Run Regularly: Run your garbage disposal regularly to prevent rust and corrosion.
- Avoid Certain Materials: Avoid putting non-food items, fibrous materials, or hard food items in the disposal. These can cause jams or dull the blades.
Remember, a well-maintained garbage disposal is less likely to need a reset. Regular maintenance and proper use can keep your disposal running smoothly for years to come.
FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about garbage disposal:
Where is the reset button for the garbage disposal?
The reset button is typically located on the bottom of the garbage disposal unit. It’s usually a small, red or black button. However, the exact location can vary depending on the model of your garbage disposal.
What do you do when your garbage disposal won’t reset?
If your garbage disposal won’t reset, it could indicate a more serious problem. Ensure the unit is turned off and unplugged, then check for any obvious issues like clogs or jams. If it still won’t reset, it might be time to call a professional.
Why does my garbage disposal need to be reset?
Your garbage disposal might need to be reset if it’s overloaded or overheated. The reset button acts as a built-in circuit breaker, cutting power to the motor to prevent damage.
How do you fix a humming garbage disposal?
The humming garbage disposal is likely jammed. After ensuring the power is off, you can use a garbage disposal wrench or a 1/4 inch Allen wrench to manually turn the blades and dislodge the jam.
Final Thoughts
Garbage disposals are a convenient kitchen appliance, but like any device, they can run into issues. Understanding how to reset your garbage disposal and troubleshoot common problems can save you time and potentially costly repairs.
Remember, safety should always be your top priority when dealing with appliances like garbage disposal. Regular maintenance and proper use can keep your disposal running smoothly for years to come.