Why is My Dishwasher Making Loud Sounds?

Machines like a dishwasher are there to be seen and not heard. Not to mention the fact that they get better results than washing up by hand and when you open the machine when they are finished everything is dried up and ready to put away.

If you are lucky enough to own a dishwasher the chances are it’s hard to contemplate life without it. Moreover most people would prefer not to the piles of dishes that you would be required to do if it breaks. In this case, you will want to call a dishwasher repair company to repair the kitchen appliance.

Is Your Dishwasher Too Loud?

It is completely regular for a dishwasher to produce an assortment of distinct noises while running. The water entering the drum, the motor running, the detergent drawer opening and closing and the noise of the grinder are all routine noises.

If you own a new machine these noises could be different from your old dishwasher, moreover if you have installed a machine for the first time they might not be the noises you expected.

Dishwasher Sounds Include:

Water Sound

Water sloshing sounds are absolutely normal, they may appear quite noisy at first though you will soon get used to them.

Water can often produce a hissing noise as it comes through the inlet and a sloshing or swishing noise as the spray arms circulate the water around the machine. The machine will also drain and refill during the cycle.

A Pounding Noise

A thumping noise can happen because of the sprayer bashing into an object that is dangling from the racks or a large plate. Alternatively, it may be the drain pipe bashing against the wall or cabinets.

Although this isn’t a noise a machine is designed to make it is easy to fix with a little rearrangement.

Routine Humming and Buzzing Noises

Humming sounds are regular for lots of machines. It is the sound of water pumping out of the machine. The buzzing is due to the vibration caused by the drain pump and is completely routine, it can also pause as the pump helps push food debris as well as water out of the machine.

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

A lot of machines also include a grinder that could produce a humming sound during the cycle.

Beeping at the End of the Cycle

Beeping sounds when the cycles has finished are perfectly routine despite the fact they could be irritating, particularly if your dishwasher finishes its cycle at night. You should be able to turn the beeping off using the control panel. Check your owners manual for instructions as machines will vary.

Squealing Noise from a New Dishwasher

A new machine may make a squealing noise when it is first installed due to there not being any water in the machine. This may also result in a rattling sound , this may also happen if your dishwasher has been out of action for a period of time.

You may avoid this by adding about a quart of water to the machine before turning it on for the first time or when you’ve not used it for a while.

Abnormal Dishwasher Noises

If you pickup funny sounds coming from your dishwasher, getting a little nervous is a very natural reaction although usually, it’s nothing to worry about.

However, if there are loud or unusual noises coming from your dishwasher this could warrant further investigation, especially if you’ve had the machine for a while and thus know how it usually sounds.

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

Loud or Unusual Grinding Noises

Although many machines can make a grinding noise as part of their regular operation if your machine unexpectedly develops a loud or unusual grinding sound this is generally not a good sign and needs further investigation.

Most of the time the cause will be that something has become lodged in either the waste disposal or the drain impeller, and is grinding into the blades. in this case you need to pause the cycle and have a look. If you find something, remove it carefully before re-starting the dishwasher.

Another potential reason is that there is insufficient water in the machine, if this is the case you should check the water inlet valve to try to find out the reason the dishwasher isn’t filling with water.

Abnormal Humming, Rattling or Buzzing Sounds

While humming and buzzing sounds could be absolutely normal they can also signal an issue. A broken motor could make a irregular humming or even squealing noise, if this happens it will invariably need to be replaced.

A broken motor may also produce a rattling noise.

Rattling noises emanating from a dishwasher are most likely caused by plates and cutlery hitting against each other. Nonetheless, particularly loud thumping may also be a water issue.

If you run an empty cycle and the rattling sound is still there this may indicate a damaged pump.

Beeping Before the Cycle is Over

Despite the fact that it is perfectly regular for a machine to beep when it is finished, beeping half way through the cycle is commonly your machine letting you know there is a fault. Many dishwashers will alert you if they are interrupted before they are finished so that the cycle is paused. Or you may have to have a look at your manual.

Knocking, Clunking and Banging Sounds

A regular thumping is usually the result of the sprayer bashing an obstruction inside the dishwasher and therefore may be quickly fixed by rearranging your dishes. Items hanging down from the shelves is the most likely cause of this.

It can be worthwhile checking the arm is able to turn freely each time you use your machine to stop this from being an issue as it has a side effect of meaning your dishes don’t get cleaned so well.

Banging, on the other hand, is usually an indication of a plumbing problem known as water hammer. The banging sound is related to the water pressure in the pipes and usually happens when the dishwasher is in need of more water than the pipes feeding it are able to supply.

Water hammer can also result in rattling in the pipes.

Regrettably there isn’t much you are able to do to resolve this on your own therefore it’s recommended to contact an engineer if you suspect this is the problem.

Fixing your Dishwasher

Faulty pumps or motors are the most likely cause of strange loud sounds coming from your dishwasher. Luckily these parts can be replaced so you shouldn’t need a whole replacement machine. You might even manage to the repair on your own or you may need to call a local engineer.