Project Source Motor Overload / Overheating

Red reset button on bottom of Project Source disposal keeps tripping after a few seconds of operation

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Possible Causes

Persistent jam in grinding chamber, Overloading with hard or fibrous food, Worn motor windings drawing high current, Restricted rotor movement due to corrosion

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn off power at the breaker or unplug the disposal before attempting any clearing.

  • Clear the chamber: Remove any visible debris from the grinding chamber using tongs. Avoid putting hands inside.
  • Free the rotor: Insert a 1/4" hex wrench into the bottom hex socket and work the rotor back and forth until it spins freely through a full revolution.
  • Run with water: Restore power, run a strong stream of cold water, and turn the disposal on with only small, soft food scraps to test.
  • Allow cooling time: If the overload trips again, let the unit cool for 15–20 minutes before pressing reset again.

If the overload continues to trip with light loads and a free rotor, the motor windings are likely failing and the entire disposal assembly should be replaced.

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Repair Difficulty

Easy 2/5

Required Part

Motor Assembly
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