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 are more hygienic than washing up by hand and at the end of the cycle everything is dry and ready to put away.

If you own a dishwasher the likelihood is it’s difficult to remember life without it. Moreover most people would ideally avoid the amount of washing up that you would need to do if it breaks down. If that happens, you’ll need to hire a dishwasher repair company to fix the appliance.

Do You Use a Rowdy Dishwasher?

It is absolutely routine for your dishwasher to make an assortment of separate noises while running. The water entering the drum, the motor working, the dishwasher tablet drawer opening and closing as well as the noise of the grinder are all routine noises.

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

Dishwasher Sounds Include:

A Water Sloshing or Swishing Noise

The noise of water gurgling and sloshing around is completely regular, they might sound pretty intrusive if you are not used to having a dishwasher but they are nothing to worry about.

Water can in many cases make a hissing noise as it enters the machine and a sloshing or swishing noise as the spray arms circulate the water around the machine. The machine will also drain and refill during the cycle.

A Thumping Sound

A pounding noise may happen because of the spray arm bashing against an object that is dangling or a large plate. Alternatively, it can be the drain line bashing against the wall or cabinets.

Although this isn’t a noise your dishwasher should be making it is simple to fix with a little rearrangement.

Regular Humming as well as Buzzing Noises

Humming noises are normal for lots of models. This is the noise the water makes draining out of the machine. The humming is a result of the pump vibrating as it operates and is perfectly regular, it may also stop and start as the pump may not run continuously.

Buzzing may also be heard from the fan that cools the dishwasher pump motor while it is turning.

Many dishwashers also make use of a soft food grinder that can make a humming noise intermittently while the dishwasher is on.

Beeping at the End of the Cycle

Beeping noises when the cycles finishes are absolutely normal although they can be irritating, particularly if your machine completes running in the middle of the night. You should be able to switch this sound off using the control panel. Check your instructions for details as makes will all be slightly different.

Squealing from a New Dishwasher

A new dishwasher could produce a squealing noise on first use due to there not being any water in the machine. This may also result in a rattling noise , this could also happen if your dishwasher hasn’t been operated for a while.

You may stop this from happening by putting water in the machine before running it for the first time or after you’ve been away.

Worrying Dishwasher Noises

If you hear unusual noises emanating from your machine, getting a little uneasy is a very natural reaction although usually, it’s nothing to worry about.

However, if there are louder than usual or unusual sounds coming from your machine this may require further investigation, in particular when you’ve had your dishwasher for some time and know how it usually sounds.

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

Loud or Unusual Grinding Noises

Despite the fact that some machines could make a grinding noise as part of their routine cycle if your machine all of a sudden starts making a loud or strange grinding noise this is not considered a good sign and needs checking out.

The most likely 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. in this case you should pause the cycle and have a look. If you discover anything, carefully take it out before re-starting the cycle.

Another possible reason is a lack of water in the machine, if this is the case you should check the water inlet to try to determine the reason the dishwasher isn’t filling with water.

Irregular Humming, Rattling or Buzzing Noises

While humming and buzzing noises could be completely normal they could also signal an issue. A damaged pump can make a loud humming or even shrieking sound, if this happens it will often need to be replaced.

A broken motor could also make a rattling sound.

Rattling noises deriving from a dishwasher are most likely caused by dishes and cutlery bashing into one another. Nonetheless, unusually loud banging may also be a water problem.

To check, run an empty cycle and if the rattling sound continues this may be evidence of a faulty pump.

Beeping Mid-Cycle

Despite the fact that it is absolutely regular for a machine to beep at the end of the cycle, beeping half way through the cycle is usually your machine indicating there is an error. Many dishwashers will beep if they are interrupted mid-cycle so that the cycle is paused. Or you may have to consult your owners manual.

Knocking, Clunking and Banging Sounds

A regular knocking is more often than not due to the sprayer bashing an obstruction inside the machine and thus could be quickly fixed by adjusting your dishes. Things hanging down from the racks is often the problem.

It can be a good idea to check that the arm is able to spin without obstruction regularly before starting your machine to prevent this from happening as it has a side effect of meaning your dishes aren’t being cleaned effectively.

Banging, on the other hand, is often a result of a household plumbing issue often referred to as water hammer. The banging sound is due to the water pressure in the pipes and thus often occurs when the valves are opening and closing.

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

Unfortunately there isn’t much you can do to solve this yourself therefore it’s best to call an engineer if you think this is an issue.

Mending your Dishwasher

Faulty pumps and motors are the most likely cause of unusual loud noises emanating from your dishwasher. Luckily these parts are replaceable so you shouldn’t need to replace your machine. You may even be able to replace the part on your own or you may wish to contact a local engineer.