Why is My Dishwasher Making Loud Sounds?

Machines such as a dishwasher are designed to make life easier. Plus they get better results than hand washing and when you open the machine when they are finished everything is already dry and ready to use again.

If you are fortunate enough to use a dishwasher the probability is it’s difficult to remember the idea of not having one. And most people would ideally avoid the mountain of washing up that you would have to do if it develops a fault. If that happens, you will need to hire a dishwasher repair company to repair the appliance.

Do You Have a Rowdy Dishwasher?

It is perfectly normal to notice a variety of separate sounds while your machine is running. The water running into the machine, the motor spinning, the detergent drawer clicking open and the buzz of the grinder blades are all normal noises.

If you get a new dishwasher these noises may be unlike your old dishwasher, moreover if you have recently installed a machine they could not be the sounds you expected.

Dishwasher Sounds Include:

The Sound of Water Sloshing or Swishing

Hearing water gurgling and sloshing about is perfectly regular, these noises can sound pretty loud if you are not used to having a dishwasher but you will soon get used to them.

Water can in many cases produce a hissing noise as it pushes through the water inlet valve and a sloshing or swishing noise as the spray arms rotate. The machine will also drain and refill multiple times each time it runs.

A Pounding Sound

A pounding noise can be de to the sprayer bumping against something that is dangling or a large plate. It could also be the drain pipe bashing into the wall or cabinets.This is more likely if your machine has recently been installed.

Although this isn’t a noise a dishwasher is designed to make it is simple to sort out with a little rearrangement.

Routine Humming and Buzzing Noises

Humming noises are routine for plenty of models. This is the noise the water makes pumping out of the dishwasher. The humming is due to the vibration caused by the drain pump and thus is perfectly regular, it can also pause as the pump may not run continuously.

Buzzing could additionally be heard as a result of the fan that cools the motor while it is running.

A lot of machines also make use of a soft food grinder that can produce a buzzing sound while the dishwasher is on.

Beeping When the Cycle Has Finished

Beeping noises at the end of the cycle are perfectly routine although they may be irritating, especially if your dishwasher ends running in the middle of the night. In most cases you can turn this sound off on the control panel. Check your manual for instructions as makes will vary.

Squealing from a New Dishwasher

A new machine may produce a squealing sounds when it is first installed due to there not being any water in the machine. This may also result in a rattling noise , this can also happen if your dishwasher hasn’t been operated for a while.

You could stop this from happening by adding about a quart of water to the drum before running it for the first time or when you’ve been away.

Irregular Dishwasher Noises

If you notice funny sounds coming from your dishwasher, being a little nervous is a very normal reaction but usually, it’s nothing to worry about.

That being said, if there are loud or unusual noises coming from your machine this could require further investigation, especially if you’ve had your dishwasher for a while and therefore 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 Noises

Although some machines can produce a soft grinding noise as part of their normal cycle if your machine suddenly develops a loud or unusual grinding sound this is not considered a good sign and needs further investigation.

Most of the time the issue will be that something is caught in either the the waste disposal or the drain impeller, and therefore is knocking into the blades. If you suspect this might be the issue you need to pause the cycle and check. If you find anything, carefully take it out before re-starting the machine.

The other possible cause is that there is insufficient water in the dishwasher, in which case, you should have a look at the water inlet to try to find out the reason the machine isn’t filling with water.

Worrying Humming, Rattling or Buzzing Sounds

While humming and also buzzing noises may be perfectly routine they can also signal a fault. A broken motor may produce a high pitched humming or even squealing noise, if this happens it will often need to be replaced.

A faulty pump could also make a rattling noise.

Rattling noises emanating from a machine are often a result of plates or cutlery hitting against each other. However, particularly loud thumping may also be indicative of a plumbing problem.

If you run an empty cycle and the rattling sound persists this could be evidence of a damaged motor.

Beeping Before the Cycle is Over

Although it is completely routine for a machine to beep when it is finished, beeping half way through the cycle is commonly your machine indicating there is a fault. Many machines will alert you if they are opened half way through the cycle and the cycle is paused. Or you could need to consult your owners manual.

Knocking, Clunking and Banging Noises

A rhythmical knocking is most likely due to the spray arm hitting something inside the dishwasher and thus can be quickly rectified by rearranging your dishes. Things descending from the shelves is often the problem.

It may be a good idea to check that the arm is able to turn without obstruction regularly before starting your machine to stop this from happening as it has a side effect of meaning your dishes don’t get cleaned so well.

Banging, however, is often an indication of a plumbing problem often referred to as water hammer. The banging sound is related to the water pressure in the pipes and often happens when the valves are opening and closing.

Water hammer may also result in rattling in the pipes.

Unluckily there isn’t much you can do to solve this yourself and so it’s recommended to contact an engineer if you think this is the problem.

Mending your Dishwasher

Faulty pumps and motors are often responsible for unusual loud noises emanating from your machine. The good news is these parts are replaceable so you shouldn’t need to replace your machine. You may even be able to replace the part yourself or you might wish to call a local repair person.