Why Is My Dishwasher Making a Loud Noise?

The type of noise your dishwasher makes often points directly to its cause. Grinding or buzzing frequently indicates something is caught in the wash pump or spray arm, thumping can mean dishes are loose or improperly loaded, and a high-pitched whine often points to a failing wash pump motor.

Common Noises and Their Likely Causes

Grinding

A grinding sound usually means a small object — like a piece of glass, a bone fragment, or a bottle cap — has made its way into the wash pump or chopper assembly (on models equipped with one).

Buzzing

A persistent buzz can indicate the wash pump motor is struggling, often due to an obstruction or the early stages of motor wear.

Thumping or Banging

Thumping is frequently caused by dishes or utensils that have shifted during the cycle and are being struck by the rotating spray arm.

High-Pitched Whining

A whining or squealing sound, especially during the wash phase, often points to a wash pump motor bearing that’s beginning to wear out.

Clicking

A period clicking sound can be linked to the detergent dispenser opening, which is often normal, though persistent unusual clicking may indicate a separate mechanical issue.

Hissing

Hissing sounds during the fill portion of a cycle are usually normal, related to water entering the tub, though a very loud or unusual hiss could point to a water inlet valve issue.

What You Can Check Yourself

• Pause the cycle and check for any dropped utensils or debris near the bottom of the tub or spray arm
• Rearrange dishes if items seem loose or likely to be struck by the spray arm
• Run an empty cycle briefly to see if the noise continues without dishes inside
• Listen for which part of the cycle produces the noise (fill, wash, or drain)

When You Should Call an Appliance Repair Technician

If the noise continues during an empty cycle, or if you suspect an object is lodged in the wash pump and can’t be safely removed, a technician can access the pump and spray arm assembly to resolve the issue properly.

Dishwasher Repair in Lake Zurich, IL

Our technicians serve Lake Zurich and the Northwest Chicago Suburbs, diagnosing dishwasher noises accurately to prevent further damage to the wash system. Schedule Dishwasher Repair today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for a dishwasher to make some noise during the cycle?

A moderate humming or swishing sound is normal. Grinding, loud buzzing, or persistent thumping is not and should be checked.

Can a small object really cause that much noise?

Yes — even a small piece of glass or a bottle cap can create a surprisingly loud grinding sound when caught in the wash pump.

Should I open the dishwasher mid-cycle if I hear a strange noise?

It’s generally safe to pause the cycle to check, though be cautious of hot water and steam when opening the door.

Is a whining noise a sign the pump is about to fail?

It can be an early warning sign of pump motor wear, so it’s worth having inspected before a complete failure occurs.

Can loading dishes differently really reduce noise?

Yes — properly securing loose items and making sure nothing extends into the spray arm’s rotation path can eliminate a lot of thumping noise.