How To Fix A Insinkerator Garbage Disposal Hot !!better!! May 2026

If your InSinkErator garbage disposal is hot to the touch or has shut off due to overheating, it is usually because the motor has been overloaded by a jam or continuous use. To fix it, you must allow it to cool and then reset the internal thermal overload protector. 1. Let it Cool Down

Switch Off: Immediately turn the wall switch to "Off" and, for safety, unplug the unit or turn off the circuit breaker.

Wait: Allow the disposal to cool for 10 to 20 minutes. If the motor is still too hot, the reset button will not stay engaged. 2. Reset the Unit

Locate the Button: Find the small, red (sometimes black) square reset button on the bottom of the unit facing the floor.

Press to Reset: If the disposal overheated, the button will be protruding about a quarter-inch. Push it in until you hear or feel a click. 3. Check for Jams (If it Hums but Won't Spin) Home Resetting a Garbage Disposal how to fix a insinkerator garbage disposal hot

To fix an InSinkErator garbage disposal that is hot or has shut off due to overheating, you must first allow the motor to cool, clear any physical jams, and then manually reset the internal breaker. InSinkErator units are equipped with an automatic overload switch designed to trip and cut power before the motor sustains permanent heat damage. 1. Immediate Cooling and Safety

Before attempting any repairs, ensure the unit has had time to reach a safe temperature.

Turn Off Power: Switch off the wall switch and, for extra safety, unplug the unit or flip the circuit breaker in your electrical panel.

Wait Period: Allow the disposal to cool for 15 to 20 minutes. If your InSinkErator garbage disposal is hot to

Use Cold Water: Run cold water through the sink to help dissipate heat from the grinding chamber. 2. Check for and Clear Jams

Overheating is frequently caused by the motor straining against a jam. Even if the power is off, the motor may still be "hot" if it was recently trying to turn a stuck flywheel.

Fixing a Jammed Garbage Disposal - Support Home Page - InSinkErator

5. Run Cold Water – Always

• Hot water can cause the motor to overheat and melt grease inside, leading to jams.
• Always use cold water when running the disposal – it solidifies grease so it gets chopped and flushed.

Phase 1: The Immediate Fix (The Reset Button)

When a disposal overheats, a thermal overload switch trips to cut power to the motor. You need to reset it. Hot water can cause the motor to overheat

1. Locate the Reset Button: Look at the bottom of the garbage disposal unit (under your sink). You will see a small, usually red, button recessed into the casing.
2. Check the Button:
   • If the button is flush with the casing, the safety switch has not tripped (or it has already cooled and popped back out).
   • If the button is sticking out slightly, the overload switch has tripped.
3. Let it Cool: If the unit is hot to the touch, wait 5–10 minutes to let the motor cool down.
4. Press the Button: Push the reset button firmly until it clicks and stays flush with the casing.

Why Your InSinkErator Disposal Is Hot

A hot disposal usually means one of three things:

1. Thermal overload trip – The motor overheated and shut off.
2. Jammed / stuck impellers – Motor runs but can’t spin, generating heat.
3. Hot water poured in – Not a malfunction, but the unit transfers heat.

⚠️ Safety first – Turn off the circuit breaker or unplug the disposal before touching it. Let it cool completely (20–30 minutes).

Step 4: Clear the Mechanical Jam (The Hex Key Method)

A hot disposal is often a stuck disposal. Even after resetting, the motor will overheat again if the impellers can’t spin.

What you need: A ¼-inch hex key (Allen wrench) . InSinkErator includes one in the box, but a standard hardware store wrench works.

1. Ensure power is OFF (breaker off or unplugged).
2. Insert the hex key into the center hole at the bottom of the disposal (the motor shaft).
3. Rotate back and forth vigorously. You are trying to free a stuck grinding plate.
   • Good: It moves 360 degrees with moderate resistance.
   • Bad: It’s seized solid. You may need to remove the disposal.
4. Rotate the hex key through 10-15 full spins to dislodge any bone or glass fragments.

Alternative for no hex key: Use a wooden broom handle. Insert it into the disposal mouth (from the sink) and pry the impeller blades gently to break a jam.