Home appliances troubleshooting

Dishwasher is making a grinding noise

Debris in the filter or pump area, a spray arm striking dishes, a dry pump, or a worn circulation or drain component can create grinding or rattling sounds.

Updated Jul 17, 20265 minute guideDishwasher
Guided check

Match the symptom, then work through the safe checks.

0/4 checked

1. What best matches what you observe?

2. Complete only the checks that are safe for you.

4 user-level checks are available in this guide.Stop immediately if any warning condition applies.
Show stop conditions
  • Broken glass may be present
  • The sound is accompanied by burning odor or leakage
  • Pump access requires panel or sump disassembly

Likely causes

  • A spray arm is hitting a utensil or tall item
  • Hard debris or broken glass is near the filter or pump cover
  • The drain or circulation pump is obstructed
  • The machine is running with insufficient water
  • A pump bearing or motor component is worn

Quick checks, in order

Stop the cycle and inspect loading

Move utensils and tall items away from all spray-arm paths.

safe

Rotate the spray arms by hand

With power off, confirm they move freely and are not cracked or loose.

safe

Inspect the removable filter area

Disconnect power and use gloves; do not reach into an undocumented pump opening.

caution

Confirm the dishwasher fills

A pump operating with too little water can sound unusually harsh.

safe

When is the sound loudest?

As soon as washing begins

Check spray-arm contact, fill level, and circulation-pump obstruction.

Only during draining

Focus on the drain pump, filter area, hose, and debris.

The sound occurs with the machine off when arms are moved

A loose arm, rack, or physical obstruction is likely.

Stop and get qualified help when

Do not continue troubleshooting if any of these apply:
  • Broken glass may be present
  • The sound is accompanied by burning odor or leakage
  • Pump access requires panel or sump disassembly

Frequently asked questions

Can a seed or piece of glass cause grinding?

Yes. Small hard objects can reach the filter or pump area and make intermittent noise.

Is a brief grinding sound always a failure?

Some pumps make a short change in sound during cycle transitions, but new, loud, or persistent grinding should be investigated.

Keep diagnosing

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