A dishwasher is an invaluable appliance to have in your kitchen. However, it may develop some faulty issues over time. When this happens, knowing some of the signs that your dishwasher needs repair will help you find practical solutions early enough to prevent the problems from becoming extremely costly to deal with. One easy way to identify a problematic dishwasher is to listen for any strange sounds when the appliance is operating. While you don't expect your dishwasher to operate quietly, extremely loud and unusual noises are a cause for alarm. If your dishwasher is operating louder than normal, here are a few troubleshooting tips to help you find a solution.
Check the Pumps
Your dishwasher could be making the louder-than-usual noises because of a defective pump. For most dishwasher models, you will find the pump at the bottom of the unit. You will find two pumps on your dishwasher: the drain pump and the circulating/wash pump. Problems with either of these pumps may cause the appliance to operate noisily. Check the drain pump first because this where food particles from the dishes may end up. A lot of debris in the drain pump can result in loud unusual sounds when your dishwasher is working. Clean the pump thoroughly to ensure it's clear of any debris and try operating the dishwasher. If it is still noisy, consider inspecting the circulating pump. This pump has a motor that contains bearings. If these bearings are worn out or damaged, your appliance may produce the unusual sounds when in operation. Consider replacing the bearings and if it doesn't work, replace both pumps.
Check the Water Inlet Valve
This valve opens and closes to control the flow of water into your dishwasher. You should find it beneath your dishwasher's access panel. If it is loose, it can start shaking when your dishwasher is working to produce the loud noises. Tightening it should do the trick. A noisy pump is sometimes a sign that the level of water in your dishwasher is low. This will only happen if the water inlet valve has a problem, especially one that does not open at all or opens partially. Replace the valve.
Inspect the Seals or Bearing Rings of the Spray or Wash Arms
The spray/wash arm of your dishwasher are supported by plastic bearing rings or seals. If these bearing rings or seals wear out, loosen, or become damaged, the wash or spray arms may become unsteady, which means they can hit your dishes or the racks when the dishwasher is working, producing the strange loud noises. Inspect the seals and bearing rings carefully and replace them if necessary.
