Why is My Dishwasher Making Loud Sounds?

Machines like a dishwasher are there to save you time and make your life easier. Not to mention the fact that they are more hygienic than hand washing and at the end of the cycle all the dishes is already dry and ready to use again.

If you have a dishwasher the chances are it’s unpleasant to imagine the idea of not having one. Moreover you would ideally avoid the mountain of washing up you would have to do if it develops a fault. In this case, you will want to hire a dishwasher repair company to repair the appliance.

Do You Own a Noisy Dishwasher?

It is perfectly normal to pick up a variety of different noises while your machine is running. The water filling the drum, the motor running, the detergent compartment clicking open as well as the noise of the grinder blades are all normal noises.

If you replace your machine these sounds are likely to be inconsistent from your old machine, moreover if you have installed a machine for the first time they could not be the sounds you were expecting.

Dishwasher Sounds Include:

Water Sound

Water sloshing noises are completely routine, they can appear pretty noisy to begin with although you will soon get used to them.

Water can regularly make a hissing sound as it enters the machine as well as a sloshing or swishing sound as the spray arms spray it around the machine. The dishwasher will also repeat this process during the cycle.

A Thumping Noise

A thumping sound could be the result of the sprayer hitting into an object that is dangling or an oversized plate. Alternatively, it may be the drain pipe bashing against the wall or cabinets.

Although this isn’t a noise a machine should be making it is easy to fix with a little rearrangement.

Regular Humming and Buzzing Sounds

Humming noises are routine for plenty of machines. It is the sound of water draining out of the machine. The humming is due to the drain pump vibrating as it operates and thus is completely regular, it could also stop and start as the pump helps push food debris and water out of the machine.

Humming may additionally be heard as a result of the fan keeps the dishwasher motor cool while it works.

A lot of machines also have a soft food grinder that may make a humming noise during the cycle.

Beeping When the Cycle Has Finished

Beeping sounds at the end of the cycle are perfectly regular although they could be irritating, particularly if your dishwasher finishes running in the middle of the night. In most cases you can turn this sound off using the control panel. Check your owners manual for details as models will vary.

Squealing Noise from a New Dishwasher

A new dishwasher can produce a squealing noise on first use because there is no water in the machine. This can also cause a rattling noise , this could also happen if your dishwasher has been out of action for a while.

You can avoid this by putting water in the dishwasher before turning it on for the first time or after you’ve not used it for a while.

Worrying Dishwasher Noises

If you notice unusual noises emanating from your dishwasher, being a little nervous is a very natural reaction though usually, it’s there’s no cause for concern.

However, if your dishwasher starts making louder than normal or unusual noises this can call for additional investigation, in particular if you’ve had your machine for some time and therefore know how it usually sounds.

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

A Loud or Unusual Grinding Noise

Despite the fact that plenty of dishwashers can make a soft grinding noise as part of their routine cycle if your machine all of a sudden begins to emit a loud or strange grinding sound this is often a sign of an issue and thus needs further investigation.

The most likely cause will be an item such as an olive stone or corn kernel has become stuck in either the waste disposal or the drain impeller, and is grinding into the blades. If you suspect this might be the issue you need to stop the machine and check. If you find anything, carefully remove it before re-starting the cycle.

An alternative possible issue is that there is insufficient water in the drum, in which case, you can have a look at the water inlet valve to try to determine the reason the machine doesn’t have enough water.

Abnormal Humming, Rattling or Buzzing Sounds

While humming and also buzzing sounds can be perfectly normal they could also be a sign of a fault. A broken pump could produce a loud humming or even shrieking noise, in this case you may need a replacement part.

A damaged pump can also make a rattling sound.

Rattling noises coming from a dishwasher are most likely caused by plates or cutlery hitting against each other. Nonetheless, unusually loud rattling may also be indicative of a plumbing issue.

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

Beeping During the Cycle

Despite the fact that it is perfectly regular for a dishwasher to beep at the end of the cycle, beeping during the cycle is usually your dishwasher letting you know there is an error. Many machines will beep if they are opened half way through the cycle so that the cycle is paused. Or you may have to consult your manual.

Knocking, Clunking and Banging Noises

A rhythmic thumping is usually the result of the sprayer hitting an obstruction inside the dishwasher and thus may be easily rectified by moving your dishes. Items dangling from the shelves is the most likely cause of this.

It can be a good idea to check that the arm can spin freely regularly before starting your machine to stop this from being an issue as it also means your dishes aren’t being cleaned effectively.

Banging, however, is often a sign of a household plumbing problem often referred to as water hammer. The banging noise is related to the water pressure in the pipes and thus usually happens when the valves are opening and closing.

Water hammer may also be the reason behind rattling in the plumbing.

Unfortunately there isn’t much you are able to do to solve this yourself therefore it’s recommended to contact a plumber if you imagine this is the problem.

Fixing your Dishwasher

Faulty pumps or motors are the most likely cause of sudden loud noises coming from your machine. The good news is these parts are replaceable so you shouldn’t need a whole new dishwasher. You may even manage to the repair on your own or you could need to contact a local engineer.