Whirlpool Dishwasher: Making Noise
Quick answer: A dishwasher that is suddenly louder, or that grinds, buzzes, squeals or knocks, usually has something caught in the moving parts or a worn motor.
- Unplug the dishwasher or turn off its breaker before reaching into the sump or removing pump covers.
- Wear gloves when clearing the chopper or sump; broken glass is a common cause of grinding noises.
- Do not run the dishwasher for long with a loud grinding sound, since a jammed pump can overheat.
Why is my dishwasher making noise?
A dishwasher that is suddenly louder, or that grinds, buzzes, squeals or knocks, usually has something caught in the moving parts or a worn motor. In order of likelihood the cause is hard debris in the sump or chopper, a spray arm hitting dishes or a rack, a drain pump with a jammed or damaged impeller, a worn circulation motor bearing, a buzzing water inlet valve, or loose rack rollers and panels vibrating against the cabinet.
Our fitment data covers 7,658 Whirlpool dishwasher models and 2,722 Whirlpool dishwasher parts, so the part links below are filtered to this brand; always confirm your model number before ordering.
Most Likely Causes, in Order
1. Debris in sump or chopper
Glass, fruit pits, popcorn kernels and bone chips fall through the filter and get chewed by the chopper blade or the pump impeller. This makes a loud grinding or rattling that comes and goes as the piece moves around.
How to check: Remove the lower rack, spray arm and filter assembly. Shine a light into the sump and the chopper cover area and feel for hard objects. Turn the impeller by hand; any clicking or roughness means something is inside.
Fix: Remove all debris, then reinstall the filter and run a short rinse to confirm the noise is gone. Replace the chopper blade or its screen if they are chipped. (Difficulty: Easy)
No Whirlpool part for this cause is in our catalog yet; search by your model number.
2. Spray arm hitting dishes
A tall pot, a utensil that fell through the rack, or a sagging rack lets the spray arm strike something on each rotation. The result is a rhythmic knock or click that stops when the door is opened.
How to check: Open the door during the noise, pull out each rack and spin the spray arms by hand. If an arm catches on a dish, a dropped utensil, or the rack itself, that is the source. Also check that the upper rack is fully seated on its rails.
Fix: Rearrange the load, retrieve dropped items, and replace a bent spray arm or a broken rack that sits too low. (Difficulty: Easy)
Matching Whirlpool parts:
- Dishwasher Spray Arm Mounting Bracket WP3385159 — $31.95 – $59.66 · 675 models
- Dishwasher Dishrack Spray Arm Mount Lock 3374702 — $5.79 · 13 models
3. Drain pump
A drain pump with a chipped impeller or a worn bearing buzzes loudly or rattles at the end of each cycle. A jammed impeller produces a steady hum with no water movement.
How to check: Note whether the noise happens only during the drain phase, right after the wash stops. Remove the filter and inspect the small impeller in the sump opening for chipped blades and free rotation. Remove the pump from below if you can and check the impeller for wobble.
Fix: Clear the obstruction, or replace the drain pump if the impeller is damaged or the motor is noisy when spun. (Difficulty: Moderate)
No Whirlpool part for this cause is in our catalog yet; search by your model number.
4. Circulation pump motor
The wash motor runs for most of the cycle. Worn bearings or a failing seal produce a continuous loud whine, groan or grinding that gets worse over weeks and may come with poor cleaning.
How to check: Listen during the main wash with the racks empty. A loud constant whine or a rough rumble that does not change when you move the racks points to the motor. From underneath, spin the motor shaft by hand with power off; roughness or play in the shaft confirms worn bearings.
Fix: Replace the circulation pump and motor assembly; on most models it mounts to the bottom of the sump with a clamp or screws. (Difficulty: Advanced)
Matching Whirlpool parts:
- Dishwasher Circulation Pump And Motor WPW10757217 — $153.44 – $177.11 · 888 models
- Dishwasher Circulation Pump Motor WP8283457 — $135.86 – $196.68 · 82 models
5. Water inlet valve
The inlet valve solenoid opens for about a minute at the start of each fill. A worn diaphragm or weak solenoid makes it buzz, squeal or hammer only while water is entering.
How to check: Start a cycle and listen at the lower front left corner during the first minute. A buzz or squeal that stops the moment the fill ends is the valve. Remove the toe kick and confirm the sound comes from the valve body where the supply line connects.
Fix: Replace the water inlet valve after shutting off the supply; it is held by two screws and a hose clamp. (Difficulty: Moderate)
Matching Whirlpool parts:
- Water Inlet Valve W10844024 — $39.02 – $56.77 · 879 models
- Dishwasher Water Inlet Valve WP8531669 — $43.44 – $74.12 · 804 models
- Water Inlet Valve WPW10327249 — $33.29 – $60.91 · 794 models
6. Rack rollers and loose panels
Cracked rack wheels rattle when water hits the rack, and missing insulation or loose mounting screws let the cabinet vibrate against the countertop. These noises are mechanical rather than from the pumps.
How to check: Slide each rack in and out and wiggle it; grinding or clicking from the wheels or a rack that drops on one side points to worn rollers. Press on the door and the front frame while it runs; if the noise changes, the mounting brackets or insulation blanket are loose.
Fix: Replace the worn rack rollers, tighten the mounting brackets to the countertop, and reposition or replace the insulation blanket. (Difficulty: Easy)
No Whirlpool part for this cause is in our catalog yet; search by your model number.
Other Whirlpool parts the catalog tags for this symptom
- Dishwasher Hose W10445975 — $47.45 – $73.45 (leaking; won't drain; won't pump)
- Drain Hose 8269144A — $11.79 – $27.66 (clogged; drain; leaking; won't drain)
- Drain Hose 3385556 — $14.34 – $34.10 (clogged; drain; leaking; won't drain)
- Dishwasher Water Inlet WPW10195536 — $51.11 – $78.05 (no water; slow fill; won't fill)
- Dishwasher Drain Hose WPW10545278 — $39.79 – $57.10 (clogged; leaking; won't drain)
- Dishwasher Pump Outlet Seal WP302711 — $14.62 – $30.90 (leaking; won't drain; won't pump)
Popular Whirlpool dishwasher models
Confirm the model number on the rating plate before ordering. Each model page lists every compatible part.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a grinding noise in a dishwasher mean?
Grinding usually means hard debris such as glass or a fruit pit is in the sump or chopper, or the drain pump impeller is damaged. Clean the sump first; if the grinding continues with the sump clean, the pump is likely worn.
Is it normal for a dishwasher to hum or gurgle?
A low hum during the wash and gurgling at the end of the drain are normal. A loud buzz with no water moving, a squeal, or a knock that repeats every second or two is not.
Why is my dishwasher loud only at the start of the cycle?
Noise only during the first minute usually comes from the water inlet valve buzzing as it fills, or from water hitting an empty tub. If the buzz is loud or new, the inlet valve is wearing out.
When to Call a Professional
Call a technician when the noise comes from the wash motor and persists with a clean sump, when there is a burning smell along with the noise, or when replacing the circulation pump requires pulling the dishwasher out and you are not comfortable doing so.