Whirlpool Dishwasher Beeping/Making Loud Noise

Whirlpool makes some of the top dishwashers and other household appliances worldwide. While they’re typically reliable, you might’ve noticed beeping, buzzing, and rumbling every so often. Once you know how to fix these frustrating noises, you can save time and money by going right to the source of the problem.

If your Whirlpool dishwasher is beeping or making a loud noise, replacing the water inlet will silence the diaphragm vibrations. Clean the drain pump and replace the impeller, seals, or get a new one. Additional solutions include cleaning the inlet, lubricating O-rings, and changing modes.

Whirlpool Dishwasher Beeping/Making Loud Noise

Throughout this article, you’ll also learn the following details about why your Whirlpool dishwasher is acting up:

Various solutions to fix the pump or replace it
Causes and solutions for humming, buzzing, and the infamous ‘water hammer’
The importance of fixing your Whirlpool dishwasher as soon as possible

Whirlpool Dishwasher Making Loud Humming Noise

The inlet valve is where all of the water flows into your dishwasher. Regardless of the make, all models have similar inlets. Unfortunately, small blockages can cause numerous problems. Most blockages occur from large food chunks and other debris that gets caught in the inlet valve.

The good news is that you can easily repair this problem. Follow this simple step-by-step process:

Turn off your Whirlpool dishwasher before repairing anything.
Remove all of the dishes.
Locate the water inlet valve (your user’s manual will have a parts diagram). If you can’t find the valve, Whirlpool Parts offers parts for most models. Locate your model, find the inlet valve, and search for it on your dishwasher.
Get rid of food, hair, silverware, and anything else in the way. You’d be surprised by how much leftover food gets clogged, which is why it’s crucial to wash your dishes with warm water before putting them in the dishwasher.
If the valve still hums, you’ll need to get a new one. Again, you can refer to the user’s manual or the previously mentioned Whirlpool Parts guide.

It might also be the garbage disposal was left on while your dishwasher is running. If they’re going at the same time, it’ll create the loud buzzing and humming. Turn off the disposal until you’re done washing the dishes.

While the inlet valve is typically the most common issue, it could be the pump. In the next section, we’ll dive into the basic parts of a dishwasher pump, including what you need to do to fix it.

Whirlpool Dishwasher Drain Pump Noise

Most water pumps have the same basic makeup, including seals, impellers, motors, and bearings. Fixing the pump is a bit more complicated than cleaning the inlet valve, but you’re not out of luck. Let’s break down how you can fix or replace each part of your Whirlpool dishwasher’s drain pump below.

Loose O-rings are common since they leak and buzz before anything else. After running thousands of gallons of water, most pump O-rings start to dry out. You can use an O-ring lubricant to prevent excess drying. In many cases, lubricating an old ring will do the trick. If it’s cracked or broken, you’ll need to get a new ring.
The pump seal is located behind the impeller. It’s the most important non-moving part of any water pump. Pump seals stop water from entering the motor, preventing countless electrical disasters. If your pump seal starts to wear down, it’ll make a loud grinding or buzzing noise. Replacing it will fix the problem.
Look for the outlet valve. Every dishwasher has an inlet and outlet to cycle the water. The drain pump is connected to the outlet valve, so it shouldn’t be difficult to locate. Clear debris from the pipe, then run the dishwasher and listen for the noise. If it’s still there, you might need a new outlet valve.
Listen to the motor. If it’s buzzing or grinding, it could be the bearings. If the aforementioned pump seal leaks, the bearings will rust and corrode. You’ll hear a quiet grinding that eventually turns into an unbearably loud sound. This process causes long-term irreversible damage to the pump, so it’s best to fix it as soon as possible.

As you can see, fixing your drain pump is an essential part of the process. Whirlpool dishwashers are designed to last for several years, so it’s unlikely that anything serious has occurred. Nevertheless, regular inspection and preventative measures can save you from replacing the whole pump rather than a few parts.

DID YOU KNOW:
A Whirlpool dishwasher door that won’t open may be due to a latch failure caused by a malfunction within the door mechanism. To fix this, turn off the power to the dishwasher, and then check the latch assembly for any signs of damage or obstruction. If the dishwasher latch is intact but stuck, gently wiggle it to release any catches. If damaged, it may need to be replaced to enable the door to open smoothly again. Always ensure the dishwasher is powered off before attempting repairs for safety.

Whirlpool Dishwasher Pump Making Noise

Much like the drain pump, the circulation pump (also known as the main pump) uses pump seals, O-rings, bearings, motors, and so on. Your Whirlpool dishwasher’s circulation pump is susceptible to the same issues mentioned in the previous section. Determining whether the noises are coming from the circulation or drain pump is the best course of action.

So, why would your pump start grinding, humming, or buzzing?

Motor’s bearings are the most common problem. You’ve read how rust and corrosion can wreak havoc on the bearings. Unfortunately, most models use sealed bearing housing that limits repair access.

You’re better off getting a new motor or pump. If the bearings are worn down, the pump seal likely leaked, and the motor is damaged. These three parts cost as much as a new circulation pump. Save yourself from future repairs by getting a brand-new pump.

Loose parts cause rumbling and buzzing, too. Any time the pump isn’t secured, it’ll rattle. Tightening a few screws can make a world of difference. It should be one of the first options rather than fixing the pump.

The impeller is a part of your dishwasher’s circulation pump that moves water through the appliance. It moves in the opposite direction of a propeller, hence the similar name. Propellers move air and water outward, whereas impellers move water inward. If the impeller is loose, chipped, or broken, it’ll buzz, squeeze, and rattle.

The biggest issue is that when one part goes bad, it causes others to follow suit. It would be best to fix the impeller before it loosens the pump seal, which can rust the bearings and burn out the motor. It causes an expensive domino effect.

Whirlpool Dishwasher Makes Loud Buzzing Sound

If your Whirlpool dishwasher is making a loud buzzing sound, it’s probably one of the pumps, valves, or rattling dishes. However, it could be the mode setting. Some dishwashers have a dumping mode or self-cleaning setting. These options change the appliance’s function, so it’s crucial that you’re using the right mode when washing dishes.

The problem could stem from a ‘water hammer.’ When the inlet valve slams shut from excess food or a weak diaphragm, it causes a loud hammer noise. Not only is it annoying and alarming, but it can also ruin your Whirlpool dishwasher. The force can break the diaphragm, both valves, the impeller, and more parts.

The best way to fix or prevent dishwasher damage is to check it monthly. Remove excess food from the pipes, and remember to wash large food debris off the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know the problem’s source, it’s time to start fixing your Whirlpool dishwasher. It’s not always difficult, so you could try a DIY repair. However, checking your manufacturer’s warranty can save you time, energy, and money. Extended warranties last for quite some time.

Here’s a recap of the post: