Why is My Dishwasher Making Loud Sounds?

Machines such as a dishwasher are there to be seen and not heard. On top of that they are more hygienic than hand washing and when they are finished everything is dried up and ready to put away.

If you are fortunate enough to own a dishwasher the likelihood is it’s unpleasant to remember the idea of not having one. And you would ideally avoid the mountain of washing up that you would be required to do if it breaks down. If that happens, you’ll need to call a dishwasher repair company to fix the appliance.

Do You Own a Noisy Dishwasher?

It is absolutely routine for a dishwasher to produce a number of different noises while running. The water entering the machine, the motor running, the detergent drawer opening and closing and the buzz of the grinder are all routine sounds.

If you get a new dishwasher these sounds may be inconsistent from your old dishwasher, furthermore if you have installed a machine for the first time they could not be the sounds you expected.

Dishwasher Sounds Include:

A Water Sloshing or Swishing Noise

Water sloshing noises are perfectly regular, these sounds might sound quite loud if you are not used to having a dishwasher though you will soon get used to them.

Water can often make a hissing noise as it comes through the water inlet and a sloshing or swishing sound as the spray arms rotate. The machine will also repeat this process multiple times each time it runs.

A Thumping Sound

A pounding noise can happen because of the sprayer bumping into an object that is dangling or an oversized dish. It could also be the drain pipe bashing into the wall or cabinets.This is more likely if your dishwasher has just been installed.

Despite the fact that these aren’t noises your machine is designed to make it is easy to sort out with a little rearrangement.

Regular Humming and Buzzing Noises

Humming noises are routine for lots of models. This is the sound of water emptying out of the machine. The humming is due to the vibration caused by the drain pump and thus is perfectly normal, it could also stop and start as the pump helps push food debris and water out of the machine.

Humming can also be heard from the fan that cools the dishwasher pump motor while it is running.

A lot of dishwashers also make use of a food disposal grinder that can make a buzzing sound during the cycle.

Beeping When the Cycle Has Finished

Beeping noises when the cycles has finished are absolutely routine despite the fact they can be annoying, especially if your machine finishes running in the middle of the night. You should be able to turn the beeping off using the dishwasher controls. Check your owners manual for details as makes will all be slightly different.

Squealing Sound from a New Dishwasher

A new dishwasher can make a squealing noise the first few times it is run because there is no water in the machine. This may also cause a rattling sound and may also occur if your dishwasher hasn’t been operated for a while.

You can stop this from happening by adding about a quart of water to the machine before running it for the first time or after you’ve not used it for a while.

Worrying Dishwasher Noises

If you hear strange noises emanating from your dishwasher, being a little uneasy is a very normal reaction although usually, it’s nothing to worry about.

However, if there are louder than usual or unusual noises coming from your dishwasher this could require additional investigation, in particular when you’ve had the machine for a while and know what is normally sounds like.

Remember, if you are going to start taking your machine apart you should always turn off the power first.

Loud or Unusual Grinding Sounds

Although many dishwashers may make a soft grinding noise as part of their normal cycle if your machine suddenly begins to emit a loud or unusual grinding sound this is generally not a good sign and needs checking out.

The most likely issue will be an item such as an olive stone or corn kernel has become lodged in either the waste disposal or the drain impeller, and is grinding against the blades. in this case you need to pause the cycle and have a look. If you discover anything, carefully remove it before re-starting the cycle.

An alternative potential issue is a lack of water in the drum, in which case, you should check the water inlet valve to try to determine why the dishwasher isn’t filling with water.

Worrying Humming, Rattling or Buzzing Noises

While humming and also buzzing sounds can be absolutely regular they can also indicate an issue. A faulty motor may produce a loud humming or even shrieking noise, in this case you may need a replacement part.

A broken pump could also make a rattling noise.

Rattling noises coming from a dishwasher are usually a result of dishes or cutlery knocking into one another. Nonetheless, unusually noisy thumping may also be a water issue.

To check, run an empty cycle and if the rattling sound is still there this may indicate a damaged motor.

Beeping During the Cycle

Although it is completely routine for a machine to beep when it is finished, beeping half way through the cycle is commonly your dishwasher letting you know there is an error. Many dishwashers will beep if they are opened mid-cycle so that the cycle is paused. Or you can need to have a look at your owners manual.

Knocking, Clunking and Banging Noises

A regular clunking is usually due to the spray arm hitting something inside the dishwasher and therefore could be easily fixed by rearranging your dishes. Things descending from the shelves is often the problem.

It could be worthwhile checking the arm can turn without obstruction regularly before starting your machine to prevent this from happening as it also means your dishes aren’t being cleaned effectively.

Banging, on the other hand, is more often a result of a plumbing problem known as water hammer. The banging sound is related to the water pressure in the pipes and thus often happens when the valves are opening and closing.

Water hammer may also be the reason behind banging in the pipes.

Unfortunately there isn’t much you can do to resolve this without professional help and so it’s best to contact a plumber if you imagine this is the problem.

Fixing your Dishwasher

Damaged pumps as well as motors are often responsible for strange loud sounds emanating from your dishwasher. The good news is these parts can be replaced so you shouldn’t need to replace your machine. You could even manage replace the part on your own or you may need to call a local engineer.