Is Your Frigidaire Dishwasher Making Noise?

As quiet as a dishwasher can be, some noise is unavoidable. However, distinguishing between normal dishwasher sounds and the signs of trouble is essential in preventing malfunctions. Why is my Frigidaire dishwasher making noise that sounds like rattling? Dishes may be loaded too closely together or the water inlet valve may be faulty. Learn how to decipher common sounds and solve the problem when your dishwasher is loud.

Why Is My Frigidaire Dishwasher Making Noise?

Though it may sound alarming, a Frigidaire dishwasher making noise that sounds like banging, rattling, or grinding is common. Fortunately, once you pinpoint the cause, most of these issues have a straightforward fix.

Noise When Filling With Water

It’s normal to hear a quiet hissing or flowing noise as the dishwasher fills with water. Sloshing sounds are also part of normal operation as the spray arms start to spray. However, if you find your dishwasher making noise when filling that sounds different, there may be an issue to resolve.

The following sounds are abnormal when the dishwasher fills:

• Banging:  A banging noise as the dishwasher fills could indicate a water supply issue. Make sure the valve to your home water supply is turned on so that water can flow freely. Check the dishwasher’s hose to make sure it’s free of kinks that can restrict water flow, straightening it if necessary.
• Rattling, shaking, or vibrating: Dishes that are loaded too closely together can rattle and vibrate when water enters the dishwasher. Our tips on how to load dishes properly recommend leaving space between items to reduce these noises. If dishes are loaded appropriately, rattling and shaking could mean that the water inlet valve is faulty. This valve opens and closes, allowing water to flow to the dishwasher from your home supply. A loud water inlet valve should be assessed and replaced by a professional repair service.

Grinding Noise in Dishwasher

Is your dishwasher making noise when draining that sounds like grinding? This common sound occurs when the dishwasher’s pump is obstructed. Often, this is a hard food particle, toothpick, or dish fragment that grinds against the pump’s impellers. In other cases, the foreign object has bypassed the impellers and is stuck inside the pump’s gears. 

In either case, the pump must be assessed to locate and remove the debris. Consult your Frigidaire user manual to determine how to access the pump on your model dishwasher. For most, the bottom rack, filter, and lower spray arm must be removed first. Most pumps also have a cover that must be removed. Once the pump and its impellers are accessible, remove any visible debris. 

Dishwasher is Loud During Wash Cycle

If you still find your Frigidaire dishwasher making noise during a wash cycle, there is likely a part malfunction. 

These components may make excessive noise when they fail, requiring a professional Frigidaire dishwasher repair:

• Wash impeller: The wash impeller expels water through the spray arms. If one of the impeller arms breaks or bends, it may make a scraping noise as it rotates. If it fails, you’ll find the dishwasher making noise when water circulates that sounds like a loud humming.
• Drain impeller: The drain impellers expel water through the drain hose and into the sink drain or garbage disposal. If the impeller blades are damaged or its motor fails, you may hear a scraping or squeaking sound during draining.
• Bearings: Pump bearings can make a loud droning or squealing noise when they fail. In most cases, the entire pump or its motor will need to be replaced.

The experts at D&T Appliance Service Company can silence a Frigidaire dishwasher making noise with an expert repair. Schedule your service with us today!