Step 4 · Reset Disposal and Test

After freeing the blades, locate the small, typically red or black, reset button on the bottom of the disposal unit, near where you used the Allen wrench. This button is a mini-circuit breaker that may have tripped when the motor was overloaded. Press the button firmly until it clicks and stays in. Now, you can restore power at the circuit breaker or by plugging the unit back in. Turn on the cold water and then briefly flip the disposal switch. If it runs freely, the jam is cleared. Let the water run for a minute to flush any remaining debris. If the water still doesn't drain, the clog is further down the pipe.