Why is My Dishwasher Making Loud Sounds?

Machines such as a dishwasher are designed to make life easier. 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 all the dishes is already dry and ready to use again.

If you are lucky enough to use a dishwasher the probability is it’s difficult to contemplate the idea of not having one. Moreover you would prefer not to the mountain of washing up you would have to do if it breaks down. In this case, you will need to hire a dishwasher repair company to fix the appliance.

Do You Use a Rowdy Dishwasher?

It is perfectly regular to hear a number of different sounds while your machine is running. The water running into the machine, the motor working, the detergent compartment clicking open and the noise of the soft food grinder are all routine sounds.

If you own a new dishwasher these noises could be different from your old dishwasher, moreover if you have recently installed a dishwasher they may not be the noises you were expecting.

Dishwasher Sounds Include:

Water Sound

Water sloshing sounds are completely routine, these sounds may seem rather noisy at first though you will soon get used to them.

Water can regularly make a hissing sound as it enters the machine and a sloshing or swishing sound as the spray arms rotate. The machine will also drain and refill each time it runs.

A Thumping Noise

A thumping sound may happen because of the spray arm bashing into something that is dangling or an oversized dish. It could also be the drain pipe banging into the wall or cabinets.

Despite the fact that this isn’t a noise a machine should be making it is easy to rectify with a little rearrangement.

Regular Humming as well as Buzzing Noises

Humming sounds are regular for lots of models. It is the noise the water makes draining out of the machine. The humming is due to the vibration caused by the drain pump and is perfectly regular, it could also pause as the pump may not run continuously.

Buzzing can also be heard from the fan that cools the motor while it is running.

Plenty of machines also make use of a grinder that could produce a buzzing sound while the dishwasher is on.

Beeping at the End of the Cycle

Beeping sounds at the end of the cycle are perfectly regular despite the fact they can be annoying, especially if your dishwasher completes running while you’re in bed. You should be able to switch the beeping off using the dishwasher controls. Check your manual for details as makes will all be slightly different.

Squealing Sound from a New Dishwasher

A new machine could make a squealing noise on first use because there is no water in the machine. This may also result in a rattling noise and could also occur if your machine has been out of action for a period of time.

You can stop this from happening by putting water in the dishwasher before running it for the first time or when you’ve been away.

Abnormal Dishwasher Noises

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

On the other hand, if there are loud or unusual noises coming from your dishwasher this may warrant additional investigation, especially when you’ve had your dishwasher for a while and know what is normally sounds like.

Just remember, if you are going to start taking your machine apart you should always turn off the power first.

Loud or Unusual Grinding Sounds

Although plenty of dishwashers can produce a soft grinding noise as part of their routine cycle if your machine unexpectedly starts making a louder than normal or strange grinding sound this is often a sign of an issue and thus needs checking out.

Most of the time the cause will be that something is caught in either the the waste disposal or the drain impeller, and is knocking into 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.

An alternative possible cause is that there is insufficient water in the dishwasher, if this is the case you can have a look at the water inlet valve to try to find out why the dishwasher doesn’t have enough water.

Irregular Humming, Rattling or Buzzing Sounds

While humming and buzzing noises may be completely normal they could also indicate an issue. A faulty pump may produce a irregular humming or even shrieking noise, in this case you may need a replacement part.

A broken pump may also produce a rattling noise.

Rattling noises deriving from a machine are often caused by dishes and cutlery knocking against each other. Nevertheless, particularly noisy banging can also be indicative of a plumbing problem.

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

Beeping Before the Cycle is Over

Although it is perfectly regular for a dishwasher to beep when it is finished, beeping half way through the cycle is commonly your machine letting you know there is an error. Many dishwashers will alert you if they are interrupted half way through the cycle so that the cycle is paused. Or you could have to have a look at your owners manual.

Knocking, Clunking and Banging Sounds

A rhythmic clunking is more often than not the result of the spray arm bashing something inside the machine and thus could be easily fixed by moving your dishes. Items descending from the shelves is the most likely cause of this.

It could be a good idea to check that the arm can spin freely routinely to prevent this from happening as it also means your dishes don’t get cleaned so well.

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

Water hammer could also result in banging in the pipes.

Unfortunately there isn’t much you can do to solve this without professional help and so it’s easiest to phone a plumber if you think this is an issue.

Fixing your Dishwasher

Damaged pumps as well as motors are the most likely cause of unusual loud noises emanating from your machine. Luckily these parts can be replaced so you shouldn’t need a whole new dishwasher. You could even manage replace the part yourself or you might need to call a local engineer.