Why Is My Arvin Dishwasher Making Loud Sounds?

Strange Noises, Possible Causes, and How to Quiet Things Down

Noisy Dishwasher? You’re Not Alone

Dishwashers aren’t supposed to sound like construction zones. If yours is making loud banging, grinding, or humming sounds, it’s a sign that something inside may be out of place—or failing. At Arvin Appliance Repair, we help local homeowners speak with a true pro to figure out what’s causing the noise and how to fix it, so your kitchen can return to peaceful silence.

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Hard Objects in the Spray Arms

Forks, bottle caps, or popcorn kernels can get lodged in the spray arm or filter area, creating a rattling or clicking sound every time the spray arm spins.

What to do: Open the bottom rack and spin the spray arm manually. Remove any foreign objects from the filter, sump, or bottom of the tub.

Worn or Failing Circulation Pump

The circulation pump moves water through the spray arms. Over time, its motor bearings can wear out, causing a loud buzzing, humming, or grinding sound—especially as the motor ramps up.

Sign: A high-pitched whine or constant loud hum during the wash cycle.

Faulty Drain Pump

Drain pumps remove dirty water at the end of a cycle. If something is blocking the impeller—or the motor is failing—you’ll likely hear a rough grinding or vibrating sound during the drain stage.

Tip: If the noise only occurs at the end of the cycle when draining, this is often the culprit.

Improper Installation or Loose Mounting

If your dishwasher isn’t mounted securely to your cabinets or has loose feet, it can vibrate against wood or tile, creating loud thumping or rattling sounds during operation.

What to check: Ensure the unit is level and properly secured to the counter or side brackets. Tighten any visible screws on mounting hardware.

Spray Arms Hitting Dishes

If dishes are loaded incorrectly or items hang too low from the top rack, they can interfere with the spray arms. This causes repetitive clicking or bumping sounds during the cycle.

Solution: Load large pans and utensils away from the center and spin the arms manually to ensure clearance before starting the wash.

Water Hammer or Valve Noises

A loud thud when the dishwasher starts or stops filling could be a condition known as “water hammer.” This occurs when water flow is abruptly shut off, causing pipes to rattle.

This issue may not be inside the dishwasher itself but in your home’s plumbing. Installing a water hammer arrestor or replacing a faulty inlet valve may help.

Broken or Warped Internal Components

In older dishwashers, components like fan blades, impellers, or mounts can wear down or crack. This can lead to continuous rattling, scraping, or buzzing throughout the cycle. These issues typically require part replacement.

When to Call a Local Dishwasher Repair Expert in Arvin

Some noises are harmless—but many are early signs that a component is wearing out. You should call in a professional if:

  • The noise is getting louder or has changed over time
  • The dishwasher stops mid-cycle or won’t complete a cycle
  • You suspect motor, pump, or valve failure
  • You’ve already checked for blockages and loading issues

Arvin Appliance Repair can connect you with a local technician who knows how to quickly diagnose and fix noise-related issues—before they turn into costly breakdowns.

Restore the Peace and Quiet in Your Kitchen

Don’t live with an unnecessarily noisy dishwasher. Whether it’s a pump, a mounting bracket, or a rogue spoon, we’ll help you get it sorted fast.