Why is My Dishwasher Making Loud Sounds? | Scottsdale Appliance Repair

Appliances like a dishwasher are there to be seen and not heard. On top of that they are more hygienic than hand washing and when you open the machine in the morning everything is already dry and ready to use again.

If you are fortunate enough to have a dishwasher the chances are it’s difficult to contemplate the idea of not having one. Moreover most people would ideally avoid the mountain of washing up that you would be required to do if it breaks. In this case, you’ll need to hire a dishwasher repair company to fix the appliance.

Is Your Dishwasher Noisy?

It is completely normal for your dishwasher to produce a variety of different sounds during a cycle. The water running into the drum, the motor turning, the dishwasher tablet drawer clicking open as well as the buzz of the grinder blades are all routine noises.

If you get a new machine these sounds are likely to be unlike your old machine, and if you have installed a dishwasher for the first time they might not be the sounds you were expecting.

Dishwasher Sounds Include:

Water Sound

The sound of water gurgling and sloshing about is absolutely regular, these sounds might sound quite loud if you are not used to having a dishwasher but they are nothing to worry about.

Water can often make a hissing noise as it pushes through the water inlet valve and a sloshing or swishing sound as the spray arms rotate. The dishwasher will also repeat this process several times during the cycle.

A Pounding Noise

A pounding sound could happen because of the sprayer bumping into an object that is dangling or an oversized dish. It could also be the drain line bashing against the wall or cabinets.

Although this isn’t a noise your dishwasher is designed to make it is not difficult to rectify with a little adjustment.

Regular Humming and Buzzing Sounds

Humming noises are regular for many models. It is the sound of water draining out of the machine. The humming is a result of the vibration caused by the drain pump and is perfectly regular, it may also stop and start as the pump helps push food debris and water out of the machine.

Humming could also be a result of the fan keeps the motor cool while it runs.

Plenty of machines also make use of a soft food grinder that may produce a buzzing noise intermittently while the dishwasher is on.

Beeping at the End of the Cycle

Beeping noises when the cycles has finished are perfectly routine despite the fact they may be irritating, particularly if your machine completes running at night. You should be able to turn the beeping off using the control panel. Check your instructions for instructions as models will vary.

Squealing from a New Dishwasher

A new dishwasher can make a squealing noise when it is first installed because there is no water in the drum. This may also result in a rattling noise , this could also happen if your machine has been out of action for a period of time.

You may stop this from happening by putting water in the dishwasher before turning it on for the first time or when you’ve not used it for a while.

Abnormal Dishwasher Noises

It’s not unusual to be a little on edge if your machine starts making unusual noises, however there is usually no cause for concern.

However, if your dishwasher starts making louder than normal or unusual noises this may require additional investigation, especially when you’ve had your dishwasher for a while and know what is normally sounds like.

Don’t forget, always cut the power to your machine before taking it apart.

Loud or Unusual Grinding Noises

Although some machines could produce a grinding noise as part of their regular cycle if your dishwasher all of a sudden develops a loud or unusual grinding noise this is not considered a good sign and thus needs further investigation.

The most common issue will be that something is caught in either the 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 take it out before re-starting the cycle.

The other possible issue is that there is insufficient water in the machine, in which case, you can check the water inlet valve to try to determine why the machine doesn’t have enough water.

Irregular Humming, Rattling or Buzzing Sounds

While humming and buzzing noises could be completely routine they may also be a sign of a fault. A faulty pump may make a loud humming or even shrieking noise, in this case you may need a replacement part.

A broken motor may also produce a rattling noise.

Rattling sounds coming from a machine are usually a result of plates or cutlery knocking into one another. However, unusually noisy banging can also be indicative of a plumbing issue.

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

Beeping During the Cycle

Although it is perfectly normal for a dishwasher to beep at the end of the cycle, beeping mid cycle is usually your dishwasher telling you there is an error. Many dishwashers will alert you if they are interrupted half way through the cycle and the cycle is paused. Or you could have to consult your owners manual.

Knocking, Clunking and Banging Noises

A rhythmic knocking is more often than not the result of the arm bashing an obstruction inside the dishwasher and could be easily rectified by adjusting your dishes. Items hanging down from the shelves is the most likely cause of this.

It can be a good idea to check that the arm can turn freely routinely 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 a sign of a plumbing issue often referred to as water hammer. The banging sound is due to the water pressure in the pipes and usually occurs when the valves are opening and closing.

Water hammer can also result in banging in the plumbing.

Regrettably there isn’t much you are able to do to fix this on your own therefore it’s easiest to call a plumber if you think this is an issue.

Fixing your Dishwasher

Damaged pumps and motors are often responsible for strange loud sounds coming from your machine. The good news is these parts can be replaced so you shouldn’t need to replace your machine. You might even be able to replace the part on your own or you may need to phone a local repair person.