Dishwasher making noise: which sounds are normal and when it needs a repair
Not every dishwasher sound means a fault. Electrolux lists the normal ones: a hum at the start of the programme as the inlet valve opens, swishing as the spray arms distribute water, and the drain pump humming at the end of a wash or rinse. Samsung also calls a low hum normal.
Loud grinding, metal-on-metal scraping, continuous knocking not caused by the spray arms or new heavy vibration should worry you — especially if the machine also washes worse or shows an error code.
Likely causes
- normal operation: water filling, the spray arms and drain pump working, dishes moving slightly (Electrolux);
- dishes or cutlery hitting the spray arms — repeated knocking or clicking (Electrolux, Samsung);
- loose dishes or a loose filter rattling during the wash (Electrolux, Samsung);
- a foreign object in the filter or pump — glass fragments, fruit stones, broken crockery, labels: grinding, rattling, clicking while draining (Electrolux, Samsung);
- the machine is not level and vibrates against the cabinets or floor (Electrolux);
- squeaking door hinges (Samsung);
- a worn pump, motor bearings or impeller — Electrolux lists these among the causes of a genuine fault.
Safe steps you can try
- Record the noise on your phone — Samsung recommends this in case service is needed.
- Load the dishes securely: nothing should stick out of the racks and light items should not move freely (Electrolux, Samsung).
- Turn the spray arms by hand: they should rotate freely without hitting anything (Electrolux).
- Take out and clean the filter and check the sump under it for foreign objects. Wear gloves — fragments can be sharp (Electrolux, Samsung).
- Put the filter back and secure it as the manual says (Samsung).
- Level the machine with its feet and check that it is securely installed (Electrolux).
- If the door hinges squeak, Samsung advises lubricating them with a food-safe lubricant.
When to call a technician
Call a technician if loud grinding, metal scraping or knocking continues on an empty machine after cleaning the filter, if the noise appeared suddenly and is much louder than usual, or if the machine also washes worse, does not drain or shows an error code. Electrolux names the possible causes: the circulation or drain pump, the spray arm assembly, motor bearings, the impeller or the electronics.
A MasService technician will find the source of the noise and name the price before starting the repair.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for a dishwasher to hum?
Yes. Electrolux and Samsung both call a low hum normal: that is the inlet valve at the start of the programme and the drain pump at the end of the wash.
Why does the eco programme sound different?
Electrolux explains that different programmes use different water levels, temperatures and pump speeds, so they sound different.
What should I do if it grinds while draining?
Usually a foreign object has got into the pump or filter. Clean the filter and check the sump under it, wearing gloves. If the grinding continues, you need a technician.
Other faults
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