A dishwasher shouldn’t sound like a rock tumbler, a squealing belt, or a tiny marching band. Some humming, swishing, and clicking are part of a normal wash cycle, but a new or unusually loud noise can point to a loose item, a blocked spray arm, or a part that needs attention. The sound’s timing and character can help you narrow down what’s happening—and decide whether it’s a quick fix or a job for a technician.
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Is Your Dishwasher Noise Normal?
Dishwashers aren’t silent. During a cycle, you may hear water filling, the motor running, spray arms rotating, and water draining. A gentle hum, a soft swish, and a few clicks as the machine changes stages are usually normal, though the exact sounds depend on the model and cycle.
Pay attention to what has changed. If your dishwasher has always made a steady low hum, that may simply be how it sounds. A sudden rattle, harsh grinding, repeated knocking, or loud squeal deserves more investigation—especially if it continues through several cycles.
The moment the sound occurs matters, too. A noise during filling points toward different parts than one that happens only while draining. If you can, note the cycle stage and whether the noise is constant or comes and goes. That information can make troubleshooting much easier.
Common Dishwasher Noises and What They Can Mean
| Sound | When You Might Hear It | Possible Cause | First Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rattling or knocking | During washing | Dishes touching, a utensil shifting, or a spray arm hitting an item | Rearrange the load and check that the spray arms turn freely |
| Grinding or crunching | During washing or draining | Debris near the filter or pump, or a worn component | Switch off the dishwasher and inspect the filter area |
| Humming or buzzing | During filling, washing, or draining | A running motor, restricted water flow, or an object affecting a pump | Identify which cycle stage the sound matches |
| Squealing or high-pitched whining | During washing or draining | A motor or pump under strain, or a worn part | Stop using the machine if the sound is loud or getting worse |
| Gurgling | During draining | Water moving through the drain hose or plumbing | Check for slow drainage or water left in the tub |
| Clicking | At the start or between stages | A control, latch, or water valve operating | See whether it is brief and cycle-related or repeated and unusual |
Why Your Dishwasher May Be Making Noise
Dishes or utensils are touching the spray arms
This is one of the simplest—and most common—causes of a noisy wash cycle. A long spoon, pan handle, or tall plate can stick into the path of a rotating spray arm. As the arm turns, it taps the item again and again, creating a rhythmic knocking or clicking sound.
To check, turn the dishwasher off and gently rotate each spray arm by hand. It should move without catching on dishes or racks. Rearrange anything that hangs over the edge of a rack, then run a short cycle and listen again. Make sure tall items still leave room for the detergent dispenser to open.
Items are loose in the racks or utensil basket
Light cups, lids, and cutlery can shift when water jets hit them. A fork may rattle against the basket, while a plastic container can bounce against a plate. The noise often sounds irregular and may change when the water pressure shifts.
Secure small items in the utensil basket and place lightweight plasticware where it won’t flip over. Keep glasses from touching one another, too. Apart from reducing noise, spacing dishes helps water reach their surfaces more evenly.
Food or other debris is near the filter or pump
A hard fragment of food, a small piece of glass, or another object can collect around the filter area and cause a grinding, crunching, or rattling sound. Some dishwashers have a food-disposal feature, but that doesn’t mean every bit of debris should be left in the machine. The filter still needs regular cleaning, and an object in the wrong place can interfere with the pump.
Switch off the dishwasher before inspecting it. Follow your owner’s manual to remove and clean the filter; designs differ, so don’t force a part that won’t turn or lift easily. Wear gloves if you suspect broken glass, and avoid reaching blindly into the pump opening. If the noise continues after cleaning, a technician may need to inspect the pump or nearby parts.
The dishwasher is filling with water
A brief hiss or rush as water enters is often normal. A loud buzz or strained hum during filling may mean water is not flowing freely, or that the water inlet valve is having trouble. A partly closed supply valve, kinked hose, or plumbing issue can also affect the sound.
Check that the water supply valve under the sink is fully open and look for an obvious kink in the accessible inlet hose. Don’t pull the dishwasher out or disconnect a hose unless you know how to do so safely. If the machine fills slowly, shows an error, or makes a persistent buzzing noise, consult the manual or arrange a service visit.
The drain pump is working—or struggling
A low whir or gurgle while water drains can be normal. A louder grinding, rattling, or repeated buzzing at that stage could indicate debris around the drain area, a restricted drain path, or a pump problem. You may also notice water remaining at the bottom of the tub after the cycle.
Check the filter and look for a visible blockage in the drain area, following the instructions for your model. If your sink also drains slowly, the issue may involve the household plumbing or the dishwasher’s drain connection rather than the appliance alone. Avoid running repeated cycles if water is backing up or leaking.
A spray arm is blocked or damaged
Spray arms use water pressure to rotate and wash the dishes. If a nozzle is clogged, the arm is cracked, or something prevents it from turning, the water pattern can become uneven. That may cause a change in the usual swishing sound or lead to repeated knocking against the load.
With the dishwasher off, check that the arms spin freely and look for visible food or mineral buildup in the spray holes. Clean them only as recommended by the manufacturer. If an arm is damaged or keeps sticking despite a clear rack, it may need replacement.
A motor, pump, or other part is worn
A persistent high-pitched squeal, rough grinding, or loud hum can come from a motor, pump, bearing, or another moving component that is wearing out. You may hear the sound more clearly during one part of the cycle because that component runs only then.
There isn’t a reliable home test that identifies every failing part from sound alone. If the noise is new, strong, or getting louder, stop the cycle and check the manufacturer’s troubleshooting guidance. A qualified appliance technician can inspect the machine and explain whether repair makes sense.
The dishwasher isn’t level or is touching nearby cabinets
A machine that isn’t sitting firmly can vibrate during operation. That vibration may travel through the floor, cabinet panels, or countertop and sound louder than the dishwasher itself. A loose mounting point or a panel that has come out of place can create a similar rattle.
Look for visible movement or a panel that vibrates when the machine runs, but don’t remove built-in panels or adjust mounting hardware while the dishwasher is operating. If the appliance appears unstable or has shifted, have the installation checked. A poorly seated dishwasher can also put stress on hoses and connections.
How to Troubleshoot a Noisy Dishwasher Safely
Start with simple checks before assuming a part has failed. Turn the dishwasher off before touching anything inside, and don’t reach into a running machine. If you see leaking, smell burning, notice smoke, or hear a sudden severe grinding noise, stop using it and disconnect power only if you can do so safely. Contact a professional when there’s any doubt.
- Listen for the timing: Is the noise during filling, washing, draining, or throughout the whole cycle?
- Check the load: Move utensils, pans, and tall dishes away from the spray arms.
- Spin the spray arms by hand: With the machine off, confirm they can rotate without hitting anything.
- Inspect and clean the filter: Use the manual’s directions, and handle suspected glass carefully.
- Run a short test: If you found and fixed an obvious obstruction, listen during a short cycle to see whether the noise has stopped.
- Write down what you hear: A short description and the cycle stage can help a technician diagnose the issue.
Don’t keep restarting a dishwasher that makes a harsh grinding or burning sound. Continuing to run it could worsen a mechanical problem or cause a leak. Also, avoid taking apart electrical components or pump assemblies unless you’re trained to work on appliances.
When to Call an Appliance Technician
Get professional help if the noise continues after you’ve checked the load and cleaned the filter, or if it comes with poor cleaning, standing water, error codes, leaks, or a burning smell. A repeated squeal or grind is especially worth checking because it can point to a moving part that needs repair.
Before booking a visit, note the dishwasher’s brand and model number, when the sound occurs, and whether it began suddenly or gradually. If you can safely record a short clip from outside the machine, that may help explain the sound. Don’t remove panels just to make a recording.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my dishwasher make a loud noise during the wash cycle?
Dishes or utensils may be hitting a spray arm, or a loose item may be rattling in a rack. If rearranging the load doesn’t help, check the filter area for debris and watch for a persistent grinding or squealing sound.
Is a humming dishwasher normal?
A steady, low hum can be normal when the motor or pump is running. A sudden, loud, or strained buzz—especially if the dishwasher isn’t filling or draining properly—may signal a blockage or a part that needs attention.
Why does my dishwasher make noise only when it drains?
The drain pump and water moving through the hose can make a soft whir or gurgle. Loud grinding, repeated buzzing, slow drainage, or water left in the tub can point to debris, a restricted drain path, or a pump issue.
Can I keep using a noisy dishwasher?
It depends on the sound. A light rattle caused by a utensil is usually easy to correct, but stop using the machine if you hear severe grinding, smell burning, see a leak, or notice smoke. When a new noise persists, have it checked rather than running repeated cycles.
Conclusion
When your dishwasher makes noise, the sound and the point in the cycle offer useful clues. Start by checking for dishes touching the spray arms, loose items, and debris around the filter. If the noise is harsh, persistent, or paired with leaking, poor draining, or a burning smell, stop the machine and call a qualified technician. A quick, careful check can solve a simple rattle—and help you recognize when it’s time for expert help.
