InSinkErator is the largest garbage disposal manufacturer in the US and the company that invented the residential food waste disposer in the 1920s, so if you don’t know your brand offhand, there’s a good chance it’s an InSinkErator. The reset procedure and jam-clearing process are nearly identical across the company’s entire lineup, from the entry-level Badger line up to the premium Evolution series.
We’re assuming here that you’ve already worked through Garbage Disposal Not Working and Jammed, which walk through every cause in order. From here on, it’s all about where InSinkErator puts its parts and how the lineup differs. You’ll find it alongside the other brand guides in our garbage disposal troubleshooting hub.
InSinkErator Reset Procedure
Every InSinkErator model has a red overload protector button on the bottom of the unit. Switch off the wall switch, locate the button, and press it firmly until it clicks. If it won’t stay in, clear any jam first with the hex wrench before trying again; forcing the reset button repeatedly without addressing the jam just trips it again.
Clearing a Jam
InSinkErator includes a 1/4 inch hex wrench, sometimes branded the “Jam-Buster” wrench, with every new unit, and it fits into a hex-shaped socket at the bottom center of the disposal. Insert it and turn firmly in both directions to work the flywheel free before removing any debris from the top with tongs, never your hand.
Model Lines and What Differs
The Badger series (Badger 1, Badger 5, Badger 500) is InSinkErator’s entry-level line: single-stage grind, 1/3 to 1/2 horsepower, and the units most commonly found in rental properties and builder-grade kitchens. See our dedicated Badger troubleshooting guide for line-specific notes. The Evolution series sits above it with multi-stage grinding, sound insulation, and on some models an auto-reverse feature (SoundSeal or Septic Assist branding) that automatically reverses the flywheel if it senses a jam, reducing how often you’ll need the manual wrench. Contractor and Pro series units add higher horsepower and are commonly found in higher-end kitchen renovations.
Where InSinkErator Units Tend to Struggle
Single-stage Badger models jam more readily on fibrous waste like celery and corn husks than the multi-stage Evolution line, simply because they grind in one pass instead of several. On Evolution models with auto-reverse, a unit that seems to hum and stop repeatedly on its own before you even reach for the wrench is often the auto-reverse feature working as designed, not a new fault. Across the lineup, the reset button and hex socket are both accessed from directly underneath the sink with no need to remove the unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
This guide offers diagnostic help only and isn’t a substitute for a qualified professional’s evaluation.
