Why is My Dishwasher Making Loud Sounds?

Machines like a dishwasher are there to be seen and not heard. Plus they are more hygienic than washing up by hand and in the morning all the dishes is dried up and ready to put away.

If you own a dishwasher the chances are it’s difficult to remember the idea of not having one. Furthermore most people would ideally avoid the mountain of dishes that you would be required to do if it develops a fault. In this case, you’ll want to call a dishwasher repair company to repair the kitchen appliance.

Is Your Dishwasher Too Loud?

It is absolutely routine to pick up a variety of different sounds while your machine is running. The water filling the drum, the motor spinning, the detergent drawer clicking open and the noise of the soft food grinder are all normal noises.

If you replace your dishwasher these sounds could be different from your old machine, furthermore if you have recently installed a dishwasher they could not be the sounds you were expecting.

Dishwasher Sounds Include:

A Water Sloshing or Swishing Noise

Hearing water gurgling and sloshing about is perfectly normal, they can appear pretty noisy to begin with although you will soon get used to them.

Water will in many cases make a hissing sound as it pushes through the inlet as well as a sloshing or swishing sound as the spray arms rotate. The dishwasher will also repeat this process several times each time it runs.

A Pounding Sound

A pounding noise could happen because of the sprayer bumping into an object that is dangling from the racks or an oversized dish. It could also be the drain pipe thumping against the wall or cabinets.

Despite the fact that this isn’t a noise a dishwasher should be making it is not difficult to fix with a little adjustment.

Normal Humming as well as Buzzing Sounds

Humming noises are routine for lots of machines. This is the noise the water makes emptying out of the dishwasher. The buzzing is due to the vibration caused by the drain pump and thus is perfectly regular, it can also pause as the pump helps push food debris and water out of the machine.

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

Plenty of machines also make use of a food disposal grinder that can make a buzzing sound intermittently during the cycle.

Beeping When the Cycle Has Finished

Beeping noises at the end of the cycle are absolutely routine despite the fact they may be annoying, especially if your dishwasher completes its cycle while you’re in bed. You should be able to switch the beeping off using the control panel. .

Squealing Sound from a New Dishwasher

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

You may avoid this by adding about a quart of water to the dishwasher before turning it on for the first time or when you’ve been away.

Irregular Dishwasher Noises

If you notice strange noises emanating from your dishwasher, being a little nervous is a very natural reaction but usually, it’s there’s no cause for concern.

On the other hand, if your dishwasher starts making louder than normal or unusual sounds this could require further investigation, in particular if you’ve had the machine for some time and 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 some dishwashers could make a soft grinding noise as part of their regular operation if your dishwasher unexpectedly starts making a loud or unusual grinding sound this is generally not a good sign and therefore needs further investigation.

The most common 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 is grinding into the blades. If you suspect this might be the issue you need to stop the machine and have a look. If you find anything, remove it carefully before re-starting the cycle.

Another potential issue 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 the reason the dishwasher is empty.

Irregular Humming, Rattling or Buzzing Noises

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

A faulty pump can also produce a rattling noise.

Rattling sounds coming from a machine are usually caused by plates or cutlery hitting against each other. However, unusually noisy thumping can also be indicative of a plumbing issue.

If you run an empty cycle and the rattling sound is still there this can be evidence of a damaged motor.

Beeping Mid-Cycle

Although it is absolutely regular for a machine to beep at the end of the cycle, beeping half way through the cycle is commonly your machine indicating there is a fault. Many machines will alert you if they are opened half way through the cycle and the cycle is paused. Or you may have to have a look at the owners manual.

Knocking, Clunking and Banging Sounds

A regular thumping is usually due to the sprayer bashing something inside the machine and could be quickly fixed by moving your dishes. Things dangling from the racks is the most likely cause of this.

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

Banging, on the other hand, is more often a sign of a plumbing problem known as water hammer. The banging noise is due to the water pressure in the pipes and therefore usually happens when the valves are opening and closing.

Water hammer could also result in rattling in the pipes.

Regrettably there isn’t much you are able to do to resolve this without professional help and so it’s easiest to call an engineer if you suspect this is the problem.

Fixing your Dishwasher

Faulty pumps and motors are the most likely cause of strange loud noises coming from your machine. Luckily these parts are replaceable so you shouldn’t need to replace your machine. You could even manage to the repair yourself or you may wish to phone a local repair person.