Why Is My Dishwasher Making a Knocking Noise?

Washing dishes is a tedious task. Dishwashers provide you with great convenience. They can help you save time and energy by cleaning your dishes.

However, it may also present you with challenges at times. One of the common examples is the high-pitched noises coming out every time you start your dishwasher.

Are you encountering the same problem? Is your dishwasher making weird noises?

If you are looking for ways to get rid of the irritating rattling sound, continue reading this article.

The first step to prevent your dishwasher from making that knocking sound is to find the reason behind it.

Once identified, you can move on to the right measures to get the problem fixed.

Is your dishwasher making knocking sounds? Let’s identify the reasons behind the grinding sound and fix them together.

3 Major Reasons Why Your Dishwasher Makes Knocking Sounds

Dishwashers often make a splashing sound while washing the dishes. However, if the noise is other than just water splashing, it can be a signal of some problems.

The unwanted sounds not only affect the quality of your life but also indicate some serious issues with the dishwasher itself.

Let’s discuss the potential reasons one by one.

1. Foreign Object Stuck in the Dishwasher

A very important reason behind a noisy dishwasher can be any foreign object stuck inside the washer.

It can be any small utensil, food debris, a toy, or a bone that has fallen into the dishwasher. During each wash cycle, the item may move around, creating weird sounds.

To get this problem fixed, all you need is to open the dishwasher and look around closely for any strange object.

Once you have found it, you can remove it and properly dispose of it.

If the problem still persists, you can take a look at the further causes.

2. Problem With Dishwasher Parts

Due to the frequent usage of the dishwasher, some of its parts may get loosened or damaged over time. The parts more prone to such damage are listed below:

• Wash Arm: It splashes the water and detergent over the dishes during each wash cycle to wipe the unwanted material off them. Since the wash arm has to move around during the wash cycles, it can make crackling sounds if it is loose or damaged.
• Spray Arm: The purpose of the spray arm is to direct the water flow over the dishes and other items in the washer. Its loosening or damage can create unusual sounds.
• Drain Pump: The drain pump allows the release of water from the washer once the cleaning is done. A rusty or damaged pump can result in the production of an unpleasant strange noise.
• Chopper Blade: It is responsible to cut the solid waste into small pieces before releasing it into the draining pipe to prevent its blockage. Anything hard stuck in the blade can create a grinding noise which can be too loud at times.

A good observation of the above parts can help you recognize the problematic area and utilize the best possible solution.

You can tighten the screws using the basic tools or replace the damaged part by following the manufacturer’s instruction booklet.

Once the work is done, you can check again whether the problem is resolved or not.

3. Incorrect Loading of Dishes

Sometimes, incorrect loading of the dishes and utensils can be the reason behind the knocking noise.

If dishes are not loaded properly, they might bang into each other or bump into the walls of the dishwasher, making a thumping noise.

To resolve this problem, pay attention to your dish-loading style.

Conclusion

A knocking sound in a dishwasher can be an annoying issue. It can be due to the following reasons: a foreign object stuck in the dishwasher, a problematic part of the dishwasher, or incorrect loading of dishes.

By identifying the problem and by following the above-mentioned steps, you not only fix the noise but also prevent any major problems in the future as well.