Blog How to Easily Reset Your Kenmore Garbage Disposal: A Step-by-Step Guide Apr 09, 2025

Garbage disposals are a modern kitchen convenience that helps make cleanup a breeze, but when they stop working, they can turn into a frustrating hurdle. Kenmore garbage disposals, known for their reliability, sometimes need a quick reset to get back in working order. If your unit isn't functioning properly, don’t worry. Dutton Plumbing, Inc. is here to guide you through the simple process of resetting your Kenmore garbage disposal, saving you time and the potential cost of a professional repair.

Before diving into the reset process, ensure you're taking the necessary safety precautions. Always make sure the disposal is turned off at the wall switch. For added safety, unplug the unit or turn off the circuit breaker connected to the garbage disposal. This ensures there’s no accidental activation during your repair attempts.

Begin by locating the reset button. Typically, the reset button on your Kenmore garbage disposal is a small, red button located underneath the unit. It acts almost like a circuit breaker, designed to trip and cut power to the disposal in case of an overload.

Before pressing it, take a look under your sink for any clogs or visible jams in the disposal unit. Often, stuck food particles or debris cause the disposal to stop working. If this is the case, use an Allen wrench, commonly provided with new units, to manually rotate the motor shaft. Insert the wrench into the hole at the center of the bottom of the disposal and turn it clockwise. This action can help dislodge blockages and free a stuck flywheel.

Once you have cleared any obstructions, press the reset button. A single press should do the trick. If successful, you’ll feel a slight click as the button resets. After resetting, reconnect the unit to the power supply and test the disposal. Run a small amount of cold water into the disposal and flip the wall switch. If the disposal hums but does not grind, it may still be jammed, requiring further attention.

If resetting and manual turning do not resolve the issue, the problem might be more severe. It could require a professional diagnosis and repair. At Dutton Plumbing, Inc., we’re always ready to help identify and fix the issue with friendly, expert services.

Remember, avoiding jams and keeping your disposal in peak condition is fairly simple. Regular maintenance goes a long way. For instance, running cold water through the disposal while it's in use and occasionally grinding citrus peels can help keep it clean and smelling fresh. Avoid grinding fibrous or hard items like bones and corn husks, as these can cause clogging and damage your unit.

In conclusion, resetting your Kenmore garbage disposal is straightforward with a few simple steps. Follow this guide from Dutton Plumbing, Inc., and you'll have your disposal up and running in no time. However, for more complicated issues, do not hesitate to contact professional help. Our team is dedicated to providing you with top-notch plumbing support, ensuring every appliance in your home is in optimal condition. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to issues will extend the life of your disposal, keeping your kitchen running smoothly.

Ready to get started? Book an appointment today.