If there is a new, unusual noise coming from your dishwasher, it’s a sign of a problem. While all domestic appliances seem to make some sort of whining, buzzing or whistling sound, a grinding noise from your dishwasher is a problem you will want to fix. Of course, your dishwasher has ‘normal’ sounds. They are:
- The pump removes water left in the machine from last time. 2. The water inlet solenoid opens a valve to allow water into the machine. 3. The circulation pump motor forces water through the rotating arm. 4. The drain pump removes the water. However, if you hear unusual sounds during these phases, it means you have a problem with a moving part. The key thing now is to find out which. Your dishwasher will usually make a sound if there is a broken part, if something is loose, if bearings are damaged or if the impeller arm has become dislodged. Working through the machine’s cycle, you may notice the sound at one time, which can help you identify the culprit. The main moving parts, which can make a noise when defective, are: Inlet valve: This allows water in Circulation pump: This spins the propeller arm Drain pump: This drains and pumps water Impeller: This is the rotating arm Drain valve solenoid: This works the drain pump Chris A. Zeisler is the lead technical expert at RepairClinic.com, a leading outlet for spare parts for electrical appliances. They stock over four million parts and can offer helps with everything from lawn equipment to heating systems and household appliances. Chris says that a common cause of a noisy dishwasher “is the circulation pump. This has bearings that wear out over time. When the motor bearings fail, they generate a continuous drone. In this case, you must replace the entire circulation pump. “The other major culprit is your water inlet valve, which opens to allow water to enter the dishwasher. When new, it is very quiet during operation. Over time, the diaphragm inside the valve deteriorates and deforms. This deformation interacts with the water rushing in and can produce a loud vibration, buzzing, squealing, or other noises. If the dishwasher is loud during the filling cycle, replacing the water inlet valve may solve the problem.”
Fixing a dishwasher making a grinding noise
It’s possible that there is a simple solution and your first action should be to open, empty and clean your machine. You might have a pip or kernel stuck somewhere, or a piece of flatware may have jammed the rotating arm. Alternatively, perhaps the machine may be badly loaded, so that items rattle against each other while the machine is in motion, or the water inlet pipe may knock against neighboring cabinets. To rule these out, open and empty the machine, remove the trays and search every nook to see if something is stuck (turn off the power first). Look at easy-to-miss places like the drain and if you think the machine is banging against the side, check that it’s level – adjust the feet if not. Once you’ve narrowed down which piece of the machine is defective, you can start to fix it. If you are a keen DIY-er, take a look at the defective part and note any make and model numbers. You can usually find a store or online vendor that will have the correct part so that you can replace it. Remember to disconnect the machine from the power before attempting any repair, make sure you have the right tools and take it slowly. The last thing you want is to find that you flood the floor after all your hard work!
