Why Is My Dishwasher Making Noise? 8 Common Sounds and What They Mean

Dishwashers normally make a variety of sounds while filling, washing, rinsing, and draining.

You may hear water rushing, a low hum, clicking, or occasional gurgling—and depending on your dishwasher model, those noises may be completely normal.

However, a new, unusually loud, grinding, banging, or persistent noise may mean something needs attention.

Here are 8 common dishwasher sounds, what they may mean, and what you can safely check before calling an appliance professional.

Important: Dishwasher sounds vary between brands and models. Check your owner’s manual for descriptions of normal operating noises for your specific machine. Never reach into moving components or attempt repairs while the dishwasher is operating.

1. Humming

A low humming sound is often part of normal dishwasher operation.

Depending on the model, you may hear humming while:

• Water is circulating

• A pump or motor is operating

• The dishwasher is filling

• The machine is draining

When Humming May Be Normal

If the dishwasher is cleaning and draining normally and the sound has always been there, a steady hum may simply be part of normal operation.

When to Pay Attention

A new or unusually loud humming sound may need attention if:

• The dishwasher will not fill

• Water will not drain

• The machine stops mid-cycle

• An error code appears

• The sound is much louder than usual

What to Do

Check for basic issues first:

• Make sure the dishwasher is loaded correctly.

• Check that spray arms can rotate freely.

• Look for visible debris in accessible areas.

• Check the filter if your dishwasher has a user-cleanable one.

If the humming continues along with a performance problem, contact an appliance professional.

2. Buzzing

Buzzing may occur during normal operation on some dishwasher models.

However, it can also happen when something interferes with a moving component.

Possible Causes

• Utensil touching a spray arm

• Dish blocking a spray arm

• Loose lightweight item vibrating

• Water inlet operation

• Pump or motor issue

What to Check

Turn the dishwasher off and open the door.

Check whether:

• A utensil is hanging through the rack.

• A plate or pan is blocking a spray arm.

• Small plastic items are loose.

• Spray arms can rotate freely when the dishwasher is empty.

Never attempt to inspect a moving spray arm or internal component while the dishwasher is running.

If buzzing becomes unusually loud or the dishwasher stops working normally, professional diagnosis may be needed.

3. Grinding

A grinding noise deserves more attention, especially if it is new or unusually loud.

Sometimes an object may be interfering with a spray arm or another accessible component.

Other times, grinding may indicate a mechanical problem.

Possible Causes

• Hard food debris

• Broken glass

• Small utensil or object in the bottom of the dishwasher

• Spray arm striking a dish

• Pump or motor problem

• Another internal mechanical issue

What to Do

Turn the dishwasher off.

Remove the lower rack and inspect accessible areas for:

• Bones

• Seeds

• Broken glass

• Utensils

• Food debris

• Small plastic pieces

If your dishwasher has a removable filter, inspect it according to your owner’s manual.

Do not reach into pumps, motors, or internal drainage components.

If the grinding continues after visible debris is removed, contact an appliance technician.

4. Rattling

Rattling is often caused by dishes or utensils moving during the wash cycle.

Common Causes

• Dishes touching each other

• Loose silverware

• Lightweight plastic containers

• Utensils extending through the rack

• Spray arm hitting an item

What to Do

Before the next cycle:

• Leave space between dishes.

• Secure lightweight items.

• Put utensils in the designated basket or tray.

• Make sure nothing extends below the rack.

• Spin accessible spray arms gently when the dishwasher is off to make sure they are not blocked.

Some light dish movement may be normal, but loud or repeated rattling is worth correcting.

5. Knocking or Banging

A knocking or banging noise may also come from how the dishwasher is loaded.

A large pan, plate, or utensil may be hitting a spray arm as it rotates.

What to Check

With the dishwasher off:

1. Open the door.

2. Check the position of large dishes and cookware.

3. Look for utensils hanging below the rack.

4. Make sure spray arms can rotate without striking anything.

5. Rearrange the load if necessary.

If the knocking continues even when the dishwasher is empty or correctly loaded, another component may be responsible.

6. Squealing or Squeaking

An occasional squeak may not automatically mean something is wrong.

Dishwasher models use different motors, pumps, seals, racks, and drying systems, all of which can create different sounds.

Possible Causes

• Rack wheels

• Door hinges

• Spray-arm movement

• Pump or motor wear

• Another moving component

What to Do

Check whether the noise happens when:

• Pulling a rack in or out

• Opening the dishwasher door

• The spray arms are operating

• The dishwasher is draining

That can help narrow down the source.

Do not attempt to lubricate motors, pumps, bearings, or internal dishwasher parts unless your manufacturer specifically instructs you to do so.

Persistent squealing during operation should be evaluated by a professional.

7. Clicking

Clicking can be completely normal.

Some dishwashers click as:

• Valves activate

• Detergent dispensers open

• Controls switch between stages

• Drain cycles begin

• Other normal functions operate

When Clicking May Be a Problem

Pay closer attention if the clicking:

• Suddenly becomes very loud

• Happens continuously

• Is accompanied by grinding

• Occurs with an error code

• Happens while the dishwasher is failing to operate normally

What to Check

With the dishwasher off, inspect for loose items or utensils that may be hitting a spray arm.

If nothing appears out of place and the dishwasher works normally, the clicking may simply be part of your model’s operation.

8. Gurgling or Draining Sounds

Gurgling, swooshing, or draining sounds are often normal when the dishwasher is pumping wastewater out.

You may hear them:

• During the middle of a cycle

• Between wash and rinse stages

• Near the end of a cycle

When Gurgling May Need Attention

Check further if the sound is accompanied by:

• Standing water

• Slow drainage

• Bad odors

• Water backing up into the sink

• Repeated drain-related error codes

Possible causes may include:

• Dirty filter

• Drainage restriction

• Garbage-disposal connection issue

• Plumbing problem

• Drain-pump problem

Start with the user-serviceable maintenance steps in your owner’s manual.

Do not pour chemical drain cleaner into the dishwasher.

Normal Dishwasher Sounds vs. Concerning Noises

Usually Normal

Depending on your model, normal sounds may include:

• Gentle humming

• Water spraying

• Water filling

• Occasional clicking

• Swishing

• Draining

• Light gurgling

More Concerning

Pay attention to:

• Loud grinding

• Repeated banging

• Sudden loud buzzing

• Metal-on-metal sounds

• Persistent squealing

• Loud noise combined with leaking

• Noise combined with error codes

• Burning or electrical smell

Your dishwasher manual may describe the normal sounds your particular model makes.

What to Check Before Calling a Professional

If a new noise develops, start with the simple things.

Step 1: Stop the Dishwasher

Turn the dishwasher off before inspecting anything inside.

Step 2: Check the Load

Look for:

• Loose silverware

• Lightweight items

• Large pans

• Dishes touching

• Utensils hanging below racks

Step 3: Check the Spray Arms

Make sure nothing is blocking them.

Only inspect or move the spray arms while the dishwasher is off.

Step 4: Look for Loose Debris

Check accessible areas for:

• Food pieces

• Broken glass

• Bones

• Seeds

• Small utensils

• Plastic pieces

Step 5: Check the Filter

If your dishwasher has a removable filter, inspect it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 6: Listen During the Next Cycle

If it is safe to run the machine again, note when the sound occurs:

• Filling

• Washing

• Draining

• Drying

This information can help a technician diagnose the problem if professional service is needed.

Common Dishwasher Noise Mistakes

Reaching Inside While the Dishwasher Is Running

Never put your hands near moving spray arms or internal components while the machine is operating.

Ignoring Grinding Sounds

A persistent grinding noise may indicate debris or a mechanical problem.

Do not simply keep running the dishwasher if the noise is severe.

Taking the Pump or Motor Apart

Internal pump and motor repairs are not routine homeowner maintenance.

Assuming Every Sound Means the Dishwasher Is Broken

Modern dishwashers make many normal operating noises.

Compare the sound with what your manufacturer describes in the owner’s manual.

Using Cleaning Chemicals to Fix a Mechanical Noise

Vinegar, baking soda, bleach, or another cleaner will not repair a damaged motor, pump, bearing, or spray arm.

Never mix cleaning chemicals.

When to Stop Using the Dishwasher

Stop using the dishwasher and seek professional help if you notice:

• Loud grinding that continues

• Burning or electrical smell

• Smoke

• Water leaking near electrical components

• Dishwasher repeatedly tripping a breaker

• Severe vibration

• Loud mechanical noises that suddenly appear

• Repeated error codes

• Dishwasher stops operating normally

If there is water near electricity, do not stand in the water while touching electrical appliances, cords, or outlets.

When to Call an Appliance Professional

Consider professional service if:

• The noise continues after correcting the load.

• Grinding persists after visible debris is removed.

• The dishwasher will not drain.

• The dishwasher will not fill.

• A pump or motor problem is suspected.

• You hear persistent squealing or loud buzzing.

• The dishwasher leaks.

• Error codes repeatedly appear.

• The noise is coming from underneath the machine.

• Diagnosis would require internal disassembly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for a dishwasher to make noise?

Yes.

Dishwashers make sounds while filling, circulating water, spraying dishes, draining, and operating various components.

What is normal depends on the model.

Why is my dishwasher suddenly louder?

Possible causes include improper loading, an item touching a spray arm, loose debris, drainage problems, or a mechanical issue.

If the change is sudden and significant, investigate before continuing to use the machine.

Why does my dishwasher make a grinding sound?

Grinding may come from debris, an object interfering with a spray arm, or an internal mechanical component.

Turn the dishwasher off and check accessible areas for loose objects.

Why is my dishwasher rattling?

Rattling is often caused by dishes, utensils, or lightweight items moving during the wash cycle.

Check how the dishwasher is loaded.

Why does my dishwasher hum?

A low hum can be part of normal operation.

If the dishwasher hums but will not fill, circulate water, or drain, there may be a problem requiring troubleshooting.

Why does my dishwasher gurgle?

Gurgling may be normal during draining.

If it occurs with standing water or slow drainage, check for a drainage problem.

Why does my dishwasher squeal?

Squealing may come from a rack, hinge, pump, motor, or another moving component.

Persistent squealing during operation should be professionally evaluated.

Should I keep using my dishwasher if it is grinding?

If the grinding is loud, new, or persistent, stop the dishwasher and inspect accessible areas for debris.

If the cause is not obvious, have the appliance inspected before continuing to use it.

Final Thoughts

Dishwashers make plenty of normal operating sounds, but knowing when a noise changes can help you catch a problem early.

The 8 common sounds to recognize are:

1. Humming

2. Buzzing

3. Grinding

4. Rattling

5. Knocking or banging

6. Squealing or squeaking

7. Clicking

8. Gurgling or draining noises

Start by checking your loading, spray arms, accessible debris, and filter.

If the sound is loud, persistent, accompanied by leaking or error codes, or seems to come from an internal mechanical component, stop troubleshooting before taking the dishwasher apart and contact a qualified appliance professional.