Why Is My Dishwasher So Loud? Common Causes and Fixes

Nobody wants to be sitting in their kitchen, enjoying a cup of coffee, only to be interrupted by the roaring symphony of the dishwasher. If you’re wondering, “Why is my dishwasher so loud?”, this article is for you.

Luckily, there are several common reasons why your dishwasher might be making more noise than usual—and most of them are fixable. In this article, we’ll go through all of them, explaining what different sounds might mean, and how you can get your machine running quietly again.

Why is my dishwasher making so much noise?

Here’s why your dishwasher is so loud and how to fix it.

1. Dishes are loaded incorrectly

One of the simplest reasons your dishwasher might be louder than normal is because the dishes aren’t loaded properly. Plates, utensils, or pans that are clanging together during the wash cycle can create a lot of noise. Tall items obstructing the spray arms can also make a racket as they collide with them while spinning.

To resolve this, double-check that all dishes are securely placed in suitable racks and spaced evenly without touching. Make sure nothing is sticking out and that the spray arms can spin freely.

2. Impeller issues

Most dishwashers have two pumps: A drain pump and a circulation pump.

Each pump has an impeller (a fan-like component) that pushes water through the dishwasher, including the spray arms (circulation pump) and the drain hose (drain pump).

Sometimes, foreign objects or debris can get trapped near an impeller, creating a grinding or rattling noise as it attempts to spin. Similarly, the fins on an impeller may break over time, resulting in an unusual, loud noise.

The drain pump impeller is often located beneath the dishwasher filter or nearby, and is easily accessible (check the user manual for exact details). That means you should be able to remove any obstructions yourself.

However, the circulation pump impeller is usually harder to reach, often requiring disassembly of the appliance and professional assistance.

3. Something’s stuck in the spray arms

If you hear a rattling or grinding noise, there might be something stuck inside one of the dishwasher’s spray arms, such as small pieces of food, broken glass, or even bits of plastic, causing extra noise as the machine runs.

To resolve this, try the following:

1. Remove the upper and lower spray arms (check your manual for instructions).
2. Shake them and inspect them inside, listening or looking for any trapped debris.
3. Give them a good rinse under running water to flush out any debris. If needed, use a toothpick to clear clogged holes.

4. The dishwasher is not level

If your dishwasher isn’t sitting level, it can vibrate and cause excessive noise. Over time, the vibrations can even damage the machine. To fix this, use a spirit level to check if your dishwasher is sitting flush. If it’s off, adjust the legs at the bottom until it’s stable.

It’s also important for the dishwasher to be sat on a flat, stable surface, and not something uneven and unstable, such as wobbly floorboards or bumpy broken tiles.

5. Drain pump issues

The drain pump is responsible for removing dirty water from your dishwasher during and after the wash cycle. If it’s malfunctioning, it can create a loud noise.

Since you’ve already checked the pump impeller for blockages, you would now need to check the pump housing for damage, and potentially remove the pump and test it with a multimeter.

Locating and removing the drain pump varies across different model dishwashers. It’s best to have a professional inspect, test, and replace a faulty drain pump.

It’s also worth checking the drain hose for kinks or clogs, as these can prevent the pump from doing its job. You can disconnect the drain hose, then use a drain snake and run water through it to clear any blockages.

6. Water inlet valve malfunction

The water inlet valve controls the flow of water into your dishwasher. If it’s not working properly, you might hear a buzzing or screeching noise, especially when the dishwasher is filling with water. This could happen if the valve is clogged with mineral deposits or simply worn out from regular use.

To fix it, you’ll need to:

1. Unplug the dishwasher and turn off the water supply.
2. Access the water inlet valve (usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher, near the front) by removing the dishwasher’s toe kick panel.
3. Disconnect the water supply hose and the electrical connectors from the valve.  
4. Unscrew the valve from its mounting bracket, then remove it from the dishwasher.
5. Look for any clogs or signs of damage.
6. If the valve is blocked, cleaning it might help.
7. Test it with a multimeter, checking for continuity across the valve’s terminals.
8. If faulty or damaged, replace the water inlet valve with a compatible new one.

7. Loose parts

Dishwashers have many moving parts, like the pump, motor, racks, door, and spray arms. Over time, these parts can wear out or become loose, leading to louder noises during operation. Similarly, screws and panels can become loose, causing vibrations and rattling.

To fix this, check for any loose components, screws, brackets, or panels inside and outside the dishwasher. Tighten them with a screwdriver or wrench. If you suspect a part is worn out, it might be time to replace it—or call in a professional.

If your dishwasher is more than 10 years old, it could be louder simply due to age. If the noise is becoming unbearable or accompanies frequent breakdowns, consider upgrading to a newer, quieter model.