Running a busy kitchen or a happy home in Calgary requires reliable tools. Your dishwasher serves as one of the hardest workers in your house. Usually, you only notice it when it stops working or starts making a weird noise. If you hear a steady humming sound coming from under the counter, you might feel a bit worried. We know that any new sound can seem like a big problem. Our team at Freedom Appliances hears these concerns from our neighbours all the time. We want to help you understand what that noise means and how you can fix it.
A dishwasher should hum softly as it pumps water, but a loud or constant hum often signals trouble. This sound usually means a motor is trying to turn but something is holding it back. If you ignore the noise, you might burn out a part that costs a lot of money to replace. By paying attention early, you can often solve the issue with a simple cleaning or a minor adjustment. We believe that a little bit of knowledge helps every homeowner stay ahead of expensive breakdowns.
Finding the Source of the Hum
The most common reason for a loud hum involves the wash motor or the drain pump. These parts use electricity to spin blades that move water around your dishes. Sometimes, a small object like a popcorn kernel, a piece of broken glass, or a fruit pit gets stuck in these blades. When the motor tries to spin, the object jams it. This creates a humming sound because the electricity still flows into the motor, but the motor cannot move. We see this happen often when people forget to scrape their plates thoroughly before loading the machine.
Another possibility involves a part called the solenoid. This is a small electromagnetic switch that opens and closes valves to let water in or out. If the solenoid gets old or wears out, it might vibrate rapidly. This vibration sounds like a low-frequency hum. While it might still allow the dishwasher to run for a while, it will eventually fail and leave you with a tub full of dirty water. If you suspect your motor or solenoid is struggling, you should look into professional Calgary Dishwasher Repair to prevent further damage to your electrical system.
Cleaning the Filter to Reduce Noise
We often find that a simple cleaning job can stop many strange noises. Your dishwasher has a filter at the bottom that catches food scraps and debris. If this filter gets completely clogged, the pump has to work much harder to pull water through the mesh. This extra strain makes the motor growl or hum loudly. We suggest you pull out the bottom rack and check your filter at least once a month. Most filters simply twist out, allowing you to rinse them under the sink with warm water.
While you have the filter out, look into the sump area where the water gathers. If you see any hard objects sitting there, remove them carefully. Even a tiny pebble or a piece of plastic can cause a huge racket if it reaches the pump intake. Keeping this area clean ensures that water flows freely and your motor stays quiet. If you clean the filter and the hum continues, the problem likely sits deeper inside the machine’s plumbing.
Checking the Spray Arms for Blockages
Sometimes the humming sound isn’t the motor at all, but the sound of water struggling to get through the spray arms. These arms have tiny holes that shoot water at your plates. Over time, hard water minerals or tiny bits of food can plug these holes. When the water pressure builds up inside the arm with nowhere to go, it can create a vibrating or humming noise. We recommend taking the spray arms off occasionally and poking a toothpick through the holes to clear any buildup.
You should also check if the spray arms can spin freely. If you stack a tall cookie sheet or a large pot in the wrong spot, it might block the arm from turning. When the arm hits an object, it can’t spin, but the pump keeps pushing water into it. This imbalance can cause the whole machine to vibrate and hum. Organizing your racks properly helps the water reach every dish and keeps the internal parts moving without any interference.
Dealing with Electrical and Pump Issues
If you have cleaned the filter and checked the arms but the hum remains, you might have an electrical issue. Sometimes the bearings inside the motor start to dry out. Bearings are small metal balls that help the motor spin smoothly. When they lose their lubrication, they create friction, which leads to a loud, metallic humming sound. This is a sign that the motor is reaching the end of its life. Our professional technicians can often replace these motors quickly to get your kitchen back to normal.
In some cases, the noise happens because the dishwasher isn’t level on the floor. If the machine leans to one side, the water doesn’t sit correctly in the tub, and the pump might suck in air along with the water. This creates a “cavitating” sound that mimics a loud hum. We use special levels to make sure your appliance sits perfectly flat. If you need help adjusting your machine or diagnosing a deep mechanical failure, you can always Contact Us for expert advice.
Preventing Future Noises and Breakdowns
We believe that regular care is the best way to keep your dishwasher silent and efficient. Beyond cleaning the filter, you should run a cleaning cycle with a specialized dishwasher cleaner once a month. This helps dissolve grease and lime scale that builds up on the heater and the pump. When the internal parts are clean, they move easily and don’t make nearly as much noise. It also keeps your dishes coming out sparkling clean every time.
We also suggest that you avoid overusing detergent. Too many suds can actually confuse the sensors and put extra pressure on the drain pump. Use the amount recommended by the manufacturer for the hardness of your water in Calgary. By taking these small steps, you protect the motor and ensure that your dishwasher stays a quiet helper in your home rather than a noisy nuisance. We take pride in helping our customers maintain their appliances so they last for many years.
The Value of Professional Maintenance
While many homeowners can handle basic cleaning, some repairs require special tools and knowledge. Dishwashers involve both water and electricity, which can be a dangerous combination if you aren’t careful. Our team has the experience to take apart the pump housing and check the impeller without causing leaks. We can also test the electrical circuits to make sure your control board isn’t the cause of the humming.
Choosing a professional service gives you peace of mind. We stand behind our work and make sure that every bolt is tight and every seal is dry before we leave your home. We treat your kitchen like our own and always leave it cleaner than we found it. If your dishwasher is making a sound that worries you, don’t wait for it to stop working completely. Catching the problem now saves you from the headache of washing dishes by hand for a week.
FAQ
Why does my dishwasher hum even when it is turned off?
If you hear a hum when the machine isn’t running, you might have a faulty water inlet valve or a problem with the control board. This is an electrical issue that needs immediate attention. You should turn off the power at the breaker and call for help.
Is it safe to use my dishwasher if it is making a loud humming noise?
It is usually not a good idea to keep running a noisy machine. The hum often means a motor is struggling. If you keep using it, you might cause the motor to overheat or even start a small electrical fire. It is better to find the cause of the noise first.
How long do dishwasher motors usually last?
Most high-quality dishwasher motors last between 7 and 12 years. If your machine is older than 10 years and starts humming loudly, it might be time to think about a replacement. However, many times a simple repair can give you several more years of use.
Can hard water cause my dishwasher to be noisy?
Yes, Calgary has hard water which contains minerals like calcium. These minerals can build up inside the pump and on the heater. This buildup makes the parts heavier and harder to move, which leads to more noise. Using a water softener or a monthly descaler helps a lot.
Why does the humming stop when I open the door?
When you open the door, the safety switch cuts power to the motor and the pump. This confirms that the noise is coming from one of the moving parts inside. It helps us narrow down the problem to the wash or drain systems.
What should I do if my dishwasher hums but won’t start?
This usually means the drive motor is “seized” or stuck. You can try to rotate the motor manually from underneath, but this is a complex job. It is usually best to call a technician to check the start capacitor or the motor itself.
