Dishwasher Repair in Nairobi | 0704843613

By Refitec | Appliance Repair Experts

Is your dishwasher making strange noises that have you wondering whether something is seriously wrong? You’re not alone. A loud dishwasher is one of the most common complaints homeowners raise, and the good news is that most causes are identifiable — and fixable. In this guide, the team at Refitec walks you through the most common reasons your dishwasher is so loud, what those sounds mean, and what you can do about them.

Understanding Normal vs. Abnormal Dishwasher Noise

First, it helps to know that dishwashers are not silent machines. A certain level of noise — the hum of the motor, the swishing of water — is completely normal. In fact, most modern dishwashers operate at around 45–50 decibels, roughly equivalent to a quiet conversation.

However, if you’re noticing banging, grinding, rattling, buzzing, or high-pitched squealing, that’s your dishwasher telling you something is off. Ignoring these sounds can lead to more costly repairs down the line.

Top Reasons Your Dishwasher Is So Loud

1. Dishes and Utensils Are Improperly Loaded

One of the simplest and most overlooked causes of dishwasher noise is improper loading. When dishes, pots, or utensils are not secured properly in the racks, they can rattle, knock against each other, or even interfere with the spinning spray arms.

What to do: Make sure all items are firmly seated in the racks. Keep tall items away from the centre of the dishwasher where spray arms rotate. Ensure no utensils are sticking out from the cutlery basket.

2. Something Is Caught in the Spray Arms

The spray arms rotate rapidly during a wash cycle to distribute water evenly. If a small item — a seed, a piece of broken glass, or even a wayward toothpick — gets lodged in the spray arm holes or jams the arm itself, you’ll hear a thumping or knocking sound as the arm struggles to spin.

What to do: Remove the spray arms (they usually twist off easily) and check for blockages. Rinse them under running water and use a toothpick to clear out any clogged holes.

3. A Worn or Damaged Wash Pump

The wash pump is the heart of your dishwasher. It circulates water through the spray arms throughout the cycle. When the pump’s bearings wear out or its impeller becomes damaged, you’ll often hear a loud humming, grinding, or whirring noise.

This is one of the more serious causes of a loud dishwasher and typically requires professional attention.

What to do: If the noise is consistent, loud, and seems to come from the bottom of the machine, contact a qualified appliance repair technician. At Refitec, our engineers are experienced in diagnosing and replacing wash pumps efficiently, restoring your dishwasher to quiet, effective operation.

4. A Faulty Drain Pump

Similar to the wash pump, the drain pump can also be a source of loud noise — particularly a high-pitched whining or grinding sound that occurs at the end of the cycle when the machine is draining.

This often indicates a foreign object caught in the drain pump impeller, or a pump that has simply reached the end of its lifespan.

What to do: Check the drain filter at the bottom of the dishwasher for debris. If the noise persists after cleaning the filter, the drain pump itself may need to be replaced.

5. Worn Door Hinges or Latch

If you hear squeaking or creaking when opening and closing the dishwasher door, or during the wash cycle itself, the culprit could be worn door hinges or a loose door latch. Over time, the constant opening, closing, and vibration of cycles can wear these components down.

What to do: Inspect the hinges for signs of rust or damage. A little appliance-safe lubricant can sometimes resolve squeaking. If the latch is visibly broken or the door doesn’t seal properly, it will need replacing.

6. Loose or Worn Water Inlet Valve

A banging or hammering sound — particularly at the start of a cycle when the machine fills with water — can point to a faulty water inlet valve. This valve controls the flow of water into the dishwasher, and when it’s worn or partially blocked, it can cause water hammer: a sudden shockwave through the pipes.

What to do: This is a job for a professional. The inlet valve will likely need to be replaced to resolve the issue and prevent further pipe stress.

7. The Dishwasher Is Not Level

Sometimes the noise isn’t about a broken component at all — it’s simply about placement. A dishwasher that isn’t sitting level on the floor will vibrate excessively during operation, causing a rattling or vibrating sound that resonates through your kitchen cabinets and countertops.

What to do: Use a spirit level to check whether your dishwasher is level front-to-back and side-to-side. Most dishwashers have adjustable feet that can be turned by hand or with a spanner to correct any imbalance.

8. Worn Tub Bearings or Motor Mount

In older dishwashers, the motor mount or tub bearings can degrade over years of use, resulting in a rumbling or vibrating noise throughout the cycle. This is particularly common in machines that are 8–12 years old or more.

What to do: If your dishwasher is ageing and the noise has developed gradually over time, it may be worth having a technician assess whether a repair or a full replacement is the more cost-effective option.

When Should You Call a Professional?

While some dishwasher noise issues can be resolved with a quick clean or a reload of the rack, others — like a failing pump, a faulty inlet valve, or worn bearings — require the expertise of a trained appliance repair engineer.

As a rule of thumb, call a professional if:

The noise is new and has appeared suddenly
It’s a grinding, scraping, or banging sound
The dishwasher is not cleaning dishes as effectively as it used to
The machine is leaking alongside the noise
You’ve checked the obvious causes and nothing has resolved it

Trust Refitec for Expert Dishwasher Repairs

At Refitec, we specialise in diagnosing and repairing all major household appliances, including dishwashers from leading brands. Our experienced engineers carry a wide range of genuine spare parts and can often resolve issues on the first visit.

Whether your dishwasher is rattling, grinding, humming, or just not performing the way it should, Refitec is here to help. Don’t put up with a noisy dishwasher — get in touch with our team today and let us restore the peace and quiet in your kitchen.

Published by Refitec — Your Trusted Home Appliance Repair Specialists.