Why is My Dishwasher Making Loud Sounds? | Des Moines Appliance Repair

Appliances such as a dishwasher are designed to make life easier. On top of that they are more hygienic than hand washing and at the end of the cycle all the dishes is dry and ready to use again.

If you use a dishwasher the probability is it’s difficult to remember life without it. Moreover you would definitely rather not imagine the amount of washing up that you would be required to do if it breaks. If that happens, you will need to call a dishwasher repair company to fix the kitchen appliance.

Do You Use a Rowdy Dishwasher?

It is absolutely normal to hear an array of distinct noises while your machine is running. The water running into the drum, the motor turning, the detergent drawer opening and closing and the buzz of the grinder are all routine noises.

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

Dishwasher Sounds Include:

Water Sound

The sound of water gurgling and sloshing around is completely normal, these noises can sound rather intrusive to begin with though you will soon get used to them.

Water can often make a hissing noise as it comes through the water inlet as well as a sloshing or swishing noise as the spray arms circulate the water around the machine. The dishwasher will also drain and refill several times during the cycle.

A Thumping Sound

A pounding noise can be the result of the spray arm bashing into an object that is hanging down from the racks or an oversized plate. Alternatively, it could be the drain pipe bashing into the wall or cabinets.

Although these aren’t noises a dishwasher should be making it is easy to sort out with a little adjustment.

Routine Humming and Buzzing Noises

Humming noises are normal for plenty of machines. It is the noise the water makes pumping out of the machine. The humming is due to the vibration caused by the drain pump and thus is completely normal, it could also stop and start as the pump helps push food debris and water out of the machine.

Buzzing can also be heard as a result of the fan that cools the dishwasher pump motor while it is working.

Plenty of machines also have a food disposal grinder that could make a buzzing noise while the dishwasher is on.

Beeping When the Cycle Has Finished

Beeping noises at the end of the cycle are absolutely normal despite the fact they can be annoying, especially if your dishwasher completes running in the middle of the night. In most cases you can turn the beeping off using the control panel. Check your owners manual for details as machines will vary.

Squealing Noise from a New Dishwasher

A new machine may produce a squealing sounds when it is first installed because there is no water in the machine. This could also cause a rattling sound , this can also happen if your dishwasher has been out of action for a period of time.

You could avoid this by putting water in the dishwasher before running it for the first time or after you’ve been away.

Irregular Dishwasher Noises

If you hear unusual sounds emanating from your machine, being a little uneasy is a very normal reaction though usually, it’s there’s no cause for concern.

However, if your dishwasher starts making louder than normal or unusual noises this can call for additional investigation, in particular when you’ve had your dishwasher for a while and thus know what is normally sounds like.

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

Loud or Unusual Grinding Sounds

Although many machines can produce a grinding noise as part of their normal cycle if your machine suddenly starts making a louder than normal or unusual grinding sound this is often a sign of an issue and needs further investigation.

The most common reason 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 into the blades. If you suspect this might be the problem you need to stop the machine and have a look. If you find something, remove it carefully before re-starting the machine.

Another possible cause is a lack of water in the drum, if this is the case you can check the water inlet to try to find out why the machine is empty.

Abnormal Humming, Rattling or Buzzing Sounds

While humming and buzzing noises may be completely routine they could also indicate a fault. A faulty pump may make a high pitched humming or even squealing sound, if this happens it will often need to be replaced.

A broken motor can also produce a rattling sound.

Rattling sounds emanating from a machine are usually caused by plates and cutlery hitting into one another. However, particularly loud banging can also be a plumbing issue.

If you run an empty cycle and the rattling sound continues this could indicate a broken motor.

Beeping Mid-Cycle

Despite the fact that it is perfectly regular for a machine to beep at the end of the cycle, beeping mid cycle is often your dishwasher indicating there is a fault. Many machines will beep if they are interrupted before they are finished so that the cycle is paused. Or you can need to have a look at the manual.

Knocking, Clunking and Banging Noises

A rhythmic knocking is usually due to the spray arm hitting something inside the machine and therefore can be quickly sorted by moving your dishes. Items dangling from the shelves is the most likely cause of this.

It could be a good idea to check that the arm can rotate without obstruction routinely to prevent this from happening as it also means your dishes aren’t being cleaned effectively.

Banging, on the other hand, is more often an indication of a household plumbing issue often referred to as water hammer. The banging sound is related to the water pressure in the pipes and therefore usually occurs when the valves are opening and closing.

Water hammer can also cause rattling in the pipes.

Unfortunately there isn’t much you are able to do to resolve this without professional help and so it’s recommended to phone an engineer if you imagine this is an issue.

Mending your Dishwasher

Damaged pumps or motors are often responsible for unusual loud noises emanating from your machine. Luckily these parts are replaceable so you shouldn’t need a whole new machine. You might even manage to the repair yourself or you may need to call a local engineer.