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

Your Dishwasher is there to be seen and not heard. Not to mention the fact that they get better results than hand washing and when you open the machine at the end of the cycle everything is dry and ready to put away.

If you are fortunate enough to use a dishwasher the probability is it’s unpleasant to remember life without it. And most people would ideally avoid the mountain of washing up you would have to do if it breaks. If that happens, you’ll want to hire a dishwasher repair company to repair the appliance.

Is Your Dishwasher Too Loud?

It is perfectly normal to notice a variety of different sounds while your dishwasher is running. The water entering the machine, the motor running, the detergent drawer clicking open and the noise of the grinder blades are all normal noises.

If you replace your dishwasher these noises may be inconsistent from your old dishwasher, moreover if you have recently installed a dishwasher they might not be the sounds you were expecting.

Dishwasher Sounds Include:

Water Sound

Water sloshing noises are perfectly regular, they may appear quite noisy at first although you will soon get used to them.

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

A Thumping Noise

A thumping sound can be de to the spray arm hitting into something that is hanging down from the racks or an oversized dish. Alternatively, it may be the drain line banging into the wall or cabinets.This is more likely if your dishwasher has just been installed.

Despite the fact that these aren’t noises your machine should be making it is not difficult to rectify with a little rearrangement.

Routine Humming and Buzzing Noises

Humming noises are normal for plenty of machines. This is the noise the water makes draining out of the dishwasher. The buzzing is due to the drain pump vibrating as it operates and thus is absolutely normal, it may also pause as the pump helps push food debris and water out of the machine.

Humming can also be heard as a result of the fan keeps the motor cool while it works.

Many dishwashers also include a food disposal grinder that could make a humming sound intermittently while the dishwasher is on.

Beeping When the Cycle Finishes

Beeping noises when the cycles has finished are perfectly normal despite the fact they can be irritating, especially if your dishwasher completes running in the middle of the night. In most cases you can switch the beeping off on the dishwasher controls. Check your instructions for details as makes will vary.

Squealing Sound from a New Dishwasher

A new dishwasher may produce a squealing noise on first use because there is no water in the drum. This may also cause a rattling sound and could also occur if your dishwasher hasn’t been used for a period of time.

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

Worrying Dishwasher Noises

If you pickup funny noises emanating from your machine, getting a little on edge is a very normal reaction but usually, it’s there’s no cause for concern.

That being said, if your machine starts making louder than normal or unusual noises this can call for further investigation, in particular if you’ve had the machine for some time and thus know how it usually sounds.

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

A Loud or Unusual Grinding Noise

Although many machines can produce a grinding noise as part of their regular operation if your dishwasher all of a sudden begins to emit a loud or unusual grinding sound this is often a sign of an issue and 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 therefore is grinding into the blades. If you suspect this might be the problem you need to stop the machine and check. If you find something, carefully take it out before re-starting the cycle.

Another potential cause is a lack of water in the drum, in which case, you can have a look at the water inlet to try to determine why the machine doesn’t have enough water.

Abnormal Humming, Rattling or Buzzing Noises

While humming as well as buzzing sounds may be perfectly normal they may also indicate an issue. A faulty motor can make a high pitched humming or even squealing sound, if this happens it will usually need to be replaced.

A faulty motor could also produce a rattling noise.

Rattling sounds deriving from a machine are usually a result of plates and cutlery bashing against each other. Nonetheless, particularly noisy banging may also be indicative of a plumbing issue.

To check, run an empty cycle and if the rattling sound persists this can be evidence of a faulty motor.

Beeping Mid-Cycle

Despite the fact that it is absolutely normal for a dishwasher to beep when it is finished, beeping half way through the cycle is often your machine telling you there is a fault. Many machines will alert you if they are opened mid-cycle so that the cycle is paused. Or you can have to have a look at your owners manual.

Knocking, Clunking and Banging Sounds

A rhythmic thumping is usually due to the spray arm bashing an obstruction inside the machine and thus may be easily fixed by moving your dishes. Things descending from the racks is the most likely cause of this.

It can be a good idea to check that the arm is able to turn without obstruction each time you use your machine to stop this from being an issue as it has a side effect of meaning your dishes aren’t being cleaned effectively.

Banging, however, is usually a result of a plumbing issue often referred to as water hammer. The banging noise is due to the water pressure in the pipes and often happens when the valves are opening and closing.

Water hammer can also cause banging in the pipes.

Regrettably there isn’t much you can do to resolve this on your own therefore it’s best to phone an engineer if you think this is the problem.

Mending your Dishwasher

Damaged pumps and motors are the most likely cause of strange loud noises coming from your dishwasher. Luckily these parts can be replaced so you shouldn’t need a whole new machine. You may even manage replace the part on your own or you may wish to phone a local repair person.