How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn off power before inspecting the unit.

Check for overheating: After a short run, feel the exterior of the disposal housing (carefully). If it becomes very hot quickly, the motor may be failing.
Reduce load: Avoid starting the disposal with a chamber full of food. Start with water running and add food gradually.
Inspect wiring: Ensure all connections are tight and there are no signs of arcing that could cause voltage drops.
Monitor reset behavior: If the reset button pops frequently even under light use, the internal overload device is likely weak.

Repeated nuisance tripping usually indicates an aging motor or overload switch; replacing the Maxmatic disposal is the long-term fix.

Garbage disposal will not run unless the reset button is pressed each time before use.

Possible Causes