Every home chef knows the sweet relief of loading up a dishwasher after a big meal. But when your dishwasher is making noise, it can turn that relief into concern. From gentle humming to aggressive rattling, these noises tell a story. Today, we’re here to help you decode that story, ensuring you know how to quiet a noisy dishwasher.
Dive Deep: Understanding Why Your Dishwasher Is Making Noise
It’s essential to remember that some noises are natural for your dishwasher. But when those sounds become alarming, understanding their origins can help address and prevent them.
Motor Humming
Every dishwasher’s motor creates a humming sound. It’s the soundtrack of cleanliness!
- What’s Normal: A soft, consistent hum. This is the sound of the motor working as it should.
- What’s Not: A loud, irregular, or high-pitched humming. This might indicate an issue with the motor bearings or even some obstructions in the pump housing.
- Fix: If the humming sounds off, turn off and unplug your dishwasher. Open it up and check the pump area for any debris. If the motor seems damaged or worn out, consider replacing it.
- Prevention: Ensure you don’t overload your dishwasher, and occasionally check the pump area for debris. Regular maintenance can keep your motor running smoothly.
Water Sloshing
The gentle sloshing of water is as familiar to dishwashers as the hum of their motors.
- What’s Normal: A mild, consistent swishing sound as water moves around.
- What’s Not: Excessive or loud sloshing that sounds like tidal waves.
- Fix: Ensure your dishwasher is level. If it’s uneven, water can collect in one part and cause noisy sloshing. Adjust the dishwasher’s feet or use shims to balance it out.
- Prevention: Before installing or after moving your dishwasher, always use a level tool to ensure it’s even.
Grinding or Rattling
No, you didn’t accidentally put a maraca in your dishwasher.
- What’s Normal: Occasional soft rattling from utensils slightly shifting. This can also be due to loading too many dishes so they start rattling against each other.
- What’s Not: Persistent grinding or a dishwasher making a weird sound like something’s caught.
- Fix: Start by making sure you haven’t exceeded your dishwasher’s intended capacity. Turn off and unplug your dishwasher. Check the chopper blade area for debris. Remove obstructions like popcorn kernels, broken glass, or bones.
- Prevention: It’s a simple yet effective strategy – space dishes out evenly, and rinse them to get rid of larger particles before placing them in the dishwasher.
Loud Bangs During Cycle
Your dishwasher isn’t trying to start a percussion band, we promise.
- What’s Normal: A soft click when the detergent door opens.
- What’s Not: A pronounced bang or slam during the cycle, often from the detergent door.
- Fix: Inspect the detergent cup and the door mechanism. If it’s resistant or sticky, you might need a replacement.
- Prevention: Ensure no large utensils are blocking the detergent door and use the manufacturer-recommended amount of detergent.
If, after all your investigative work you still have a dishwasher making noise, remember that expert help is a call away. Just-in Time Appliance specializes in professional dishwasher repair services and can ensure your machine is in top form.
