Why Is My Dishwasher Making Noise?

Q: My dishwasher is making strange noises—grinding, rattling, humming, or buzzing. What does this mean?

A: Different dishwasher noises point to different causes. Rattling is often just dishes or utensils vibrating, while grinding can mean debris in the pump or chopper area. Some humming or buzzing is normal during wash and drain—but loud, repeating, or worsening noises can signal a part that’s wearing out.

Here’s how to narrow it down based on the sound you hear. For more help, visit the Dishwasher Help Center.

1. Grinding Noise

Grinding is often caused by debris caught in the circulation pump or chopper area (depending on the model).

Common culprits include:

• Broken glass
• Small bones
• Fruit seeds and hard food bits

If grinding repeats each cycle, stop running the dishwasher and schedule service. Continued grinding can damage the pump.

2. Rattling or Banging

This is usually load-related—items shifting or contacting the spray arms.

Check for:

• Pots, pans, or utensils touching the spray arms
• Lightweight cups flipping over
• Silverware vibrating against each other

Quick check: With the dishwasher off, spin the spray arms by hand to make sure they rotate freely.

3. Loud Humming

A low hum is normal while the motor runs. A loud hum—especially with poor cleaning—can mean the pump is stuck or struggling.

Signs it may be abnormal:

• Humming with little to no water movement
• Prolonged humming before the wash starts
• Humming followed by the dishwasher shutting down

4. Buzzing Noise

Buzzing can be normal during draining. If buzzing continues throughout the cycle (or becomes louder over time), it may indicate a failing drain pump or a restriction.

5. Clicking Sounds

Clicking is often normal when:

• The cycle changes (wash to drain, or heat to rinse)
• The detergent dispenser opens
• Relays switch on the control board

Repeated rapid clicking—especially with the dishwasher not progressing—can point to a control or power issue that should be inspected.

6. When to Call Beacon

Call for service if:

• The grinding noise repeats every cycle
• The dishwasher hums loudly with no water movement
• You still hear banging after rearranging dishes
• Buzzing continues through the entire cycle or gets worse

Beacon’s friendly technicians in the yellow polo shirt can diagnose debris in the pump/chopper area, circulation and drain pump failures, and motor or control problems.

More dishwasher troubleshooting:

• Dishwasher Not Drying
• Dishwasher Won’t Start