When you first got your dishwasher, you were amazed by how quietly it ran. Time wore on, and now you are noticing that it seems to be getting louder. Grinding, squealing, buzzing, and scraping sounds are all common. They should signal to you that something needs to be fixed inside of your unit. What could possibly be causing your dishwasher to get louder?
Learn more about the sounds your dishwasher is making in this handy guide!
Drain Pump
One of the most common reasons your dishwasher may be making more noise than usual is because of the drain pump. In many cases, this part is simply blocked with food debris that has built up from dishes that weren’t properly rinsed before being loaded. You can do your best to remove the food items stuck in the pump. Oftentimes, this is enough to help your dishwasher quiet down. If you clean it and the noise continues, it may need to be replaced with a new one.
Chopper Blade
Much like cleaning the drain pump, there is a good possibility that your dishwasher is making a grinding sound because food is stuck in the chopper blade. Something as small as a kernel of corn can lead to this unpleasant sound. You can check the chopper blade for food debris on your own by removing the lower spray arm and the upper portion of the dishwasher sump. If you have any questions about how to do this, it is best to contact a professional.
Water Inlet Valve
Evaluate what type of abnormal noise your dishwasher has started to make. Does it sound more like buzzing, squealing, or whistling? This is a sign that the water is passing through an inlet valve with worn parts. It can be challenging to replace the individual mechanisms that make up the water inlet valve, so it is typically best to replace the entire part.
Impeller
Both of the pumps in your dishwasher make use of an impeller to propel the wash arms and the drain hose. If you are experiencing a scraping or squeaking sound, it could mean that the impeller is either out of alignment or has a broken fin. Oftentimes, this can be an easy fix. The impeller works with the pump but can be replaced separately if necessary.
Wash Pump Motor
If you are noticing a very loud noise, chances are that you are looking at a bad wash pump motor. This often results in decreased spray pressure that can leave your dishes less than sparkling clean when the cycle is over. The noise and dirty dishes combined should clue you in that this part needs to be replaced. Fortunately, it can often be removed and easily replaced by a professional repair company.
Contact the Professionals
There are a lot of possible malfunctions that are causing your dishwasher to get louder over time. While some of them may be able to be addressed on your own, you may want to think about hiring an appliance repair company for more involved repairs. KAR can help you get your dishwasher running quietly again!
