How to Replace the Reset Button on a Garbage Disposer

Spread a drop cloth on the floor or table.

Unplug the disposal from the outlet. Disconnect the disposal, from the sink drain at the top and drain pipe at the bottom, using a pipe wrench. Place a support, such as an upside-down bucket or trash can, under the disposal. Disconnect the mounting bracket from the disposal with a wrench. Lift the disposal from under the sink and lay the unit on its side, on the drop cloth.

Remove the nut holding the reset button in place from the bottom of the disposal. Use a wrench. Remove the retaining ring from the neck of the disposal. Remove the screws or bolts in the flange, around the middle of the disposal, with a screwdriver or wrench. Pull the disposal case apart and remove the unit from the casing.

Turn the disposal over to access the reset button. Remove the mounting screws from the reset button bracket with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the reset button from the disposal. Disconnect the reset button wire terminals from the disposal motor.

Connect the terminals of the new reset button to the motor. Attach the bracket of the new reset button to the disposal with the screwdriver. Reinstall the disposal in the case and reassemble the flange with the wrench.

Replace the nut on the bottom of the reset button housing, at the bottom of the disposal casing, and tighten with a wrench. Reattach the retaining ring to the disposal's neck. Tighten the ring with a wrench.

Place a new rubber gasket on the neck of the disposal. Place the disposal back under the sink on the support base. Attach the disposal to the mounting bracket with the wrench.

Attach the disposal to the sink drain, then connect the disposal's outlet to the drain pipe; screw the fittings on hand-tight and then tighten both fittings with the pipe wrench.

Plug the unit into the outlet. Turn on the water in the sink, and then the disposal. Check for leaks. Tighten the top and bottom drain connections further, if needed.