Why is My Dishwasher Making Loud Sounds?

Your Dishwasher is there to save you time and make your life more efficient. Not to mention the fact that they are more hygienic than washing up by hand and when you open the machine when they are finished all the dishes is dry and ready to use again.

If you are lucky enough to have a dishwasher the chances are it’s difficult to remember life without it. Moreover most people would prefer not to the piles of washing up you would be required to do if it develops a fault. In this case, you will want to hire a dishwasher repair company to fix the appliance.

Do You Have a Noisy Dishwasher?

It is absolutely normal to notice a number of distinct noises while your machine is running. The water running into the machine, the motor turning, the dishwasher tablet compartment clicking open and the noise of the grinder blades are all routine sounds.

If you have a new dishwasher these sounds could be unlike your old machine, and if you have installed a machine for the first time they may not be the noises you were expecting.

Dishwasher Sounds Include:

A Water Sloshing or Swishing Noise

The noise of water gurgling and sloshing around is perfectly regular, they might appear pretty noisy if you are not used to having a dishwasher although they are nothing to worry about.

Water will regularly produce a hissing sound as it pushes through the inlet and a sloshing or swishing sound as the spray arms rotate. The machine will also drain and refill several times each time it runs.

A Thumping Sound

A pounding sound may be the result of the spray arm bumping against an object that is dangling from the racks or an oversized dish. It could also be the drain line bashing into the wall or cabinets.

Although this isn’t a noise a machine should be making it is easy to sort out with a little adjustment.

Normal Humming and Buzzing Noises

Humming noises are normal for lots of machines. This is the noise the water makes emptying out of the machine. The buzzing is a result of the pump vibrating as it operates and is perfectly normal, it may also pause as the pump may not run continuously.

Humming can additionally be heard from the fan keeps the dishwasher pump motor cool while it runs.

Plenty of dishwashers also include a food disposal grinder that may produce a buzzing noise intermittently during the cycle.

Beeping at the End of the Cycle

Beeping noises at the end of the cycle are perfectly routine despite the fact they can be annoying, particularly if your dishwasher ends its cycle while you’re in bed. In most cases you can turn this sound off on the dishwasher controls. Check your manual for instructions as machines will vary.

Squealing Noise from a New Dishwasher

A new machine can make a squealing noise when it is first installed because there is no water in the machine. This could also cause a rattling sound and could also occur if your dishwasher has been out of action for a while.

You could stop this from happening by adding about a quart of water to the machine before turning it on for the first time or after you’ve been away.

Irregular Dishwasher Noises

It’s not uncommon to feel a little nervous if your dishwasher starts making funny noises, however there is usually no cause for concern.

That being said, if your machine starts making louder than normal or unusual noises this may warrant additional investigation, especially if you’ve had the dishwasher for some time and know what is normally sounds like.

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

Loud or Unusual Grinding Sounds

Despite the fact that plenty of machines can produce a soft grinding noise as part of their regular operation if your dishwasher suddenly starts making a louder than normal or unusual grinding noise this is often a sign of an issue and therefore needs further investigation.

The most common 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 knocking against the blades. in this case you need to stop the machine and have a look. If you discover something, carefully remove it before re-starting the dishwasher.

Another possible reason is that there is insufficient water in the drum, if this is the case you can have a look at the water inlet valve to try to determine the reason the dishwasher isn’t filling with water.

Irregular Humming, Rattling or Buzzing Sounds

While humming and buzzing sounds can be completely normal they may also signal an issue. A faulty pump may make a high pitched humming or even shrieking sound, in this case you may need a replacement part.

A broken motor may also make a rattling noise.

Rattling sounds emanating from a machine are often caused by dishes and cutlery knocking against each other. Nonetheless, particularly noisy rattling may also be a water issue.

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

Beeping Before the Cycle is Over

Despite the fact that it is absolutely routine for a dishwasher to beep when it is finished, beeping half way through the cycle is usually your machine indicating there is a fault. Many dishwashers will alert you if they are opened before they are finished so that the cycle is paused. Or you could have to consult your owners manual.

Knocking, Clunking and Banging Noises

A regular thumping is most likely the result of the spray arm hitting an obstruction inside the machine and therefore may be quickly sorted by moving your dishes. Things hanging down from the racks is the most likely cause of this.

It can be worthwhile checking the arm is able to spin freely regularly before starting your machine to prevent this from being an issue as it also means your dishes don’t get cleaned so well.

Banging, however, is more often an indication of a plumbing issue often referred to as water hammer. The banging noise is related to the water pressure in the pipes and therefore often happens when the dishwasher is in need of more water than the pipes feeding it can supply.

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

Unfortunately there isn’t much you are able to do to resolve this yourself therefore it’s best 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 are replaceable so you shouldn’t need a whole replacement dishwasher. You may even be able to replace the part on your own or you might need to phone a local engineer.