Waste King Chronic Overload / Overheating

Garbage disposal trips the red reset button frequently during normal use.

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Possible Causes

Grinding inappropriate materials (bones, fibrous vegetables), Running disposal without enough water, Internal motor windings weakening, Undersized circuit causing voltage drop

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn OFF the disposal before pressing the reset button.

  • Step 1 – Adjust usage habits: Avoid putting fibrous foods (celery, corn husks, onion skins), large bones, or large quantities of starchy foods into the Waste King unit. Feed small amounts at a time with cold water running.
  • Step 2 – Ensure adequate water flow: Always run a strong stream of cold water before, during, and after grinding to help carry waste through the drain.
  • Step 3 – Press reset: After a trip, allow the unit to cool for 5–10 minutes, then press the red reset button on the bottom until it clicks.
  • Step 4 – Check for partial jams: Use the jam-buster wrench to rotate the motor shaft and ensure it spins freely. Remove any debris from the grinding chamber with tongs.
  • Step 5 – Evaluate motor health: If the unit trips even with light loads and proper water flow, the motor may be failing. Replacement of the disposal is recommended.
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Repair Difficulty

Easy 2/5
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