Why is My Dishwasher Making Loud Sounds?

Home Appliances like a dishwasher are there to be seen and not heard. Plus they are more hygienic than washing up by hand and when you open the machine in the morning everything is dry and ready to use again.

If you use a dishwasher the chances are it’s unpleasant to remember life without it. And you would prefer not to the piles 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 repair the kitchen appliance.

Is Your Dishwasher Noisy?

It is completely routine for your dishwasher to produce an array of distinct noises while running. The water running into the drum, the motor working, the dishwasher tablet compartment clicking open as well as the noise of the grinder blades are all regular noises.

If you get a new dishwasher these sounds may be inconsistent from your old dishwasher, furthermore if you have recently installed a machine they may not be the noises you were expecting.

Dishwasher Sounds Include:

A Water Sloshing or Swishing Noise

Water sloshing sounds are perfectly normal, they may seem rather intrusive at first but they are nothing to worry about.

Water will regularly produce a hissing sound as it enters the machine and a sloshing or swishing noise as the spray arms rotate. The machine will also repeat this process during the cycle.

A Thumping Noise

A pounding sound can be the result of the spray arm bashing against something that is dangling or a large plate. It could also be the drain pipe thumping into the wall or cabinets.This is more likely if your dishwasher has recently been installed.

Despite the fact that these aren’t noises your machine is designed to make it is not difficult to rectify with a little adjustment.

Normal Humming and Buzzing Sounds

Humming sounds are regular for plenty of models. This is the noise the water makes draining out of the machine. The buzzing is due to the vibration caused by the drain pump and is perfectly normal, it may also stop and start as the pump may not run continuously.

Humming may additionally be heard from the fan keeps the dishwasher pump motor cool while it runs.

A lot of machines also have a food disposal grinder that may make a buzzing noise while the dishwasher is on.

Beeping When the Cycle Has Finished

Beeping sounds when the cycles finishes are perfectly regular although they can be irritating, especially if your dishwasher ends running while you’re in bed. You should be able to turn the beeping off on the dishwasher controls. .

Squealing Sound from a New Dishwasher

A new machine could produce a squealing sounds the first few times it is run due to there not being any water in the drum. This may also result in a rattling sound and can also occur if your machine hasn’t been operated for a while.


Abnormal Dishwasher Noises

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

On the other hand, if your machine starts making louder than normal or unusual noises this may require additional investigation, in particular when you’ve had your machine for a while and know how it usually sounds.

Remember, always cut the power to your machine before taking it apart.

Loud or Unusual Grinding Noises

Although plenty of dishwashers can make a grinding noise as part of their routine cycle if your machine all of a sudden starts making a louder than normal or strange grinding noise this is not considered a good sign and thus needs further investigation.

Most of the time the cause will be an item such as an olive stone or corn kernel is caught in either the the waste disposal or the drain impeller, and is grinding against the blades. in this case you need to stop the machine and have a look. If you find anything, remove it carefully before re-starting the dishwasher.

Another possible cause is a lack of water in the drum, in which case, you should check the water inlet valve to try to find out why the machine doesn’t have enough water.

Worrying Humming, Rattling or Buzzing Noises

While humming and also buzzing noises may be completely normal they could also indicate a fault. A broken motor may make a high pitched humming or even squealing sound, in this case you may need a replacement part.

A damaged pump can also produce a rattling sound.

Rattling noises emanating from a machine are usually caused by dishes or cutlery bashing into one another. Nevertheless, particularly loud rattling can also be indicative of a plumbing issue.

To check, run an empty cycle and if the rattling sound continues this could be evidence of a damaged motor.

Beeping Before the Cycle is Over

Although it is absolutely routine for a machine to beep at the end of the cycle, beeping during the cycle is commonly your machine indicating there is a fault. Many dishwashers will alert you if they are opened mid-cycle and the cycle is paused. Or you can need to have a look at the owners manual.

Knocking, Clunking and Banging Noises

A regular thumping is usually due to the arm hitting an obstruction inside the machine and may be easily rectified by adjusting your dishes. Items descending from the racks is the most likely cause of this.

It can be a good idea to check that the arm can spin freely each time you use your machine to prevent this from being an issue as it has a side effect of meaning your dishes aren’t being cleaned effectively.

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

Water hammer could also be the reason behind banging in the plumbing.

Unfortunately there isn’t much you can do to resolve this on your own and so it’s best to phone a plumber if you think this is the problem.

Fixing your Dishwasher

Faulty pumps and motors are the most likely cause of sudden loud sounds coming from your dishwasher. The good news is these parts are replaceable so you shouldn’t need to replace your machine. You could even be able to to the repair on your own or you might wish to call a local engineer.

More Dishwasher Problems:

  • Dishwasher Leaking
  • Dishwasher Not Turning On
  • Dishwasher Not Draining
  • Dishwasher Not Drying