Do you find yourself getting annoyed by your noisy dishwasher? Far from just being a nuisance, those noises could indicate a problem with the appliance.
No matter what your dishwasher brand – from luxury to budget-friendly – this article will help you troubleshoot the issue before calling the appliance repairman to restore peace and quiet to your kitchen.
Possible Causes of a Noisy Dishwasher
The cause of a noisy dishwasher is usually related to a specific part that is malfunctioning or worn out. Here are the top reasons your dishwasher may be making noise.
Poorly Stacked Dishes
Sometimes, the noise you hear may be as simple as improperly stacked dishes or cutlery obstructing the rotating spray arm. If you notice a thumping sound during the wash cycle, double-check that the arrangement of dishes and cutlery allows the spray arm to rotate freely.
Read More: The Art of Loading the Dishwasher: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting the Most Out of Your Machine
Faulty Door Latch
A beeping sound from the dishwasher may indicate a problem with the door latch. Ensure that the door is closed correctly, and listen for the click of the door latch. The door latch may be faulty if you do not hear that click – an easy fix for an appliance repair technician.
Spray Arm Issues
Dishwashers typically have one or two spray arms responsible for spraying water and detergent throughout the dishwasher. These spray arms have seals and bearing rings that can become loose or deteriorate over time. When this happens, you may hear rattling or squealing sounds during the wash cycle. Inspect the spray arms for cracks, wear, and tear, and ensure they are properly secured.
Loose or Misaligned Drain Pipe
If your noisy dishwasher is thumping during the drain cycle, the external drain pipe may be loose and hit the back of the dishwasher. Check the position of the drain pipe and reposition or re-secure as needed to eliminate the noise.
Malfunctioning Drain Pump
The drain pump is what removes water from the dishwasher. When the drain pump becomes blocked or worn out, you may hear a buzzing, squealing, or grinding sound when the dishwasher drains. If you suspect a problem with the drain pump, clean any debris and see if the noise improves. If not, replacement may be in order.
Worn-out Circulation Pump
During the wash cycle, the circulation pump forces water through the dishwasher’s wash arms. With time, the bearings inside the circulation pump motor can wear out, resulting in a squealing or continuous droning sound. If the circulation pump is the cause of your noisy dishwasher, you are likely looking at a replacement.
Damaged or Clogged Impeller
The circulation and drain pumps use impellers to move water through the dishwasher. A damaged, loose, or clogged impeller can cause grinding or scraping noises. Whether you can replace a damaged impeller independently or will need to replace the entire pump assembly depends on the model of dishwasher you own.
Worn-out Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve on your dishwasher controls the amount of water that enters the dishwasher during the fill cycle. If the diaphragm inside the valve deteriorates or deforms, you will hear a loud buzzing, squealing, or whistling sound as water passes through. In this case, replacing the water inlet valve is the recommended solution for your noisy dishwasher.
Chopper Blade Blockage
The chopper blade in some dishwashers is responsible for chopping up food particles to prevent them from clogging the pump. You might think of this as an internal garbage disposal for food particles left on your dishes.
But the chopper blade can only handle so much, so if your dishwasher is making a grinding noise, there may be food debris stuck in the chopper blade area. Check for any blockages or damage to the chopper blade and remove debris to resolve the noise issue.
Related: What Should I Do If My Garbage Disposal Isn’t Working Properly?
Other Potential Causes
While the above reasons cover the most common causes of a noisy dishwasher, other factors can contribute to the noise. These include something as simple as changing the filter to more significant issues like loose mounting brackets, worn-out wash arm bearings, or motor-related issues. If you’ve checked all the above components and the noise persists, consult a professional appliance repair technician for further diagnosis.
Conclusion: A Noisy Dishwasher Doesn’t Have To Be A Permanent Annoyance
A noisy dishwasher can disrupt the tranquility of your kitchen, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent annoyance. The specialists at Reliable Appliance Repair can often diagnose and repair your dishwasher much more affordable than it would cost to replace it. For more than 30 years, our appliance repair professionals have been helping customers throughout Southern Colorado to solve home appliance problems.
