You know, life would be so much simpler if our garbage disposals had feelings, too. Unfortunately, as much as we’d like them to, they can’t just “tell” us when they’re struggling. I know, a perfect world, right?
Unfortunately, instead, they throw a tantrum and stop working, leaving us wondering what we did wrong. So, if you’ve found yourself in the unenviable position of needing to reset your garbage disposal, you’ve come to the right place.
I did my share of garbage disposal resets with brands like Waste King and InSinkErator and in most cases, the process is pretty straightforward.
Step 1: Locate the Mysterious Red Button
First things first: Put on your detective hat and embark on a thrilling scavenger hunt to locate the reset button. Here’s a hot tip: it’s usually red and located on the bottom of the garbage disposal unit. I know, I know, it’s like searching for a needle in a haystack (except it’s not really).
Step 2: Play “Is It Safe to Touch?”
Before you start poking around down there, you’ll want to make sure the power is off. You could risk a nasty shock otherwise, which would definitely put a damper on your day. So, flip the switch or unplug the unit to ensure you won’t accidentally become a human conductor. We’re trying to fix the garbage disposal, not give you superpowers.
Step 3: Press the Red Button
Once you’ve ensured the power is off and you’ve found the elusive red button, go ahead and give it a firm press. Hear that satisfying click? That’s the sound of sweet, sweet progress. If the button doesn’t stay in, don’t panic – just wait 10 minutes for the motor to cool down before trying again. It’s like giving your garbage disposal a much-needed timeout.
Step 4: “What’s That Noise?”
Now that you’ve reset your trusty garbage disposal, you’ll want to test it out. Plug it back in or flip the switch, and listen for the melodious hum of a functioning appliance. If it’s still being stubborn and refuses to work, you might have a jam on your hands (or rather, in your disposal). In that case, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and channel your inner plumber.
Step 5: The Art of Unjamming
At this point, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed, but don’t worry – we’re in this together. Grab a flashlight and take a peek inside the disposal to see if there’s anything lodged in there. If you spot the culprit, gently use a pair of pliers or a wooden spoon to dislodge it. Remember: NEVER use your fingers, unless you’re a fan of impromptu amputations.
You can also check my guide on how to unjam your disposal like a pro.
Step 6: Bask in the Glory of Your Success (or Failure)
Once you’ve successfully navigated the treacherous world of garbage disposal repair, it’s time to bask in your newfound expertise. Pat yourself on the back and enjoy the sweet sound of a functioning garbage disposal.
If you’re still having issues, don’t be too hard on yourself. It might be time to call in a professional. After all, we can’t all be garbage disposal whisperers.
You can also check this quite useful video by homesteady:
Peace out.