There’s nothing quite like the convenience of a dishwasher—until it starts making a racket. If your dishwasher is making a loud humming noise, it can be more than a little concerning. It’s that sound that makes you stop and think, “Uh oh, is this about to get expensive?” But before you start searching for a new appliance or a costly repair service, let’s take a deep breath. I’ve been there myself, and often, that ominous hum is a problem you can diagnose and even fix with a little bit of know-how. This guide will walk you through the common culprits and how to get your kitchen back to its quiet, efficient self.
What Are the Common Causes of a Humming Dishwasher?
When your dishwasher hums but doesn’t seem to be starting a cycle, it’s essentially telling you that a motor is trying to run but something is preventing it from doing so. Think of it like a car engine trying to turn over with a dead battery; you hear the effort, but nothing happens. The most common reasons for this are related to the machine’s pumps and motors.
Let’s break down the likely suspects, starting with the most common.
1. A Jammed Wash Pump Motor
This is the number one offender. The wash pump motor is the heart of your dishwasher, responsible for pressurizing and spraying water through the wash arms. If a piece of food, a shard of glass, or another foreign object gets lodged in the motor’s impeller, the motor will try to spin but can’t. This struggle results in the distinct Dishwasher Making A Loud Humming Noise.
How to Check and Fix It:
- Safety First! This is non-negotiable. Disconnect your dishwasher from the power source completely. Either unplug it from the wall or turn off the corresponding breaker in your home’s electrical panel.
- Access the Sump: Open the dishwasher door and remove the bottom dish rack.
- Remove the Filter and Spray Arm: Most dishwashers have a cylindrical filter assembly at the bottom that you can twist and lift out. You may also need to remove the lower spray arm, which usually just unscrews or pulls off.
- Inspect the Impeller Area: With the filter removed, you’ll see the sump area where water collects. This is where the motor’s impeller is located. Use a flashlight to carefully look for any debris. Common culprits include fruit pits, glass fragments, plastic bits, or even chicken bones.
- Clear the Obstruction: If you see something, carefully remove it with pliers or your fingers. Be extremely careful if you suspect broken glass. Once cleared, try to spin the impeller gently with a finger or a screwdriver. It should move with a bit of resistance but shouldn’t be completely stuck.
2. A Clogged or Faulty Drain Pump
Similar to the wash pump, the drain pump removes dirty water from the dishwasher. If this pump gets clogged or fails, the dishwasher might hum at the beginning or end of a cycle when it’s trying to drain water. It’s trying to do its job but can’t, resulting in that frustrating sound.
How to Check and Fix It:
- Power Down: Again, unplug the unit or shut off the breaker.
- Check for Standing Water: If you open the door and see a pool of water at the bottom, that’s a big clue pointing to a drainage issue.
- Clean the Filter and Sump: Follow the same initial steps as above. A severely clogged filter can prevent proper drainage and strain the drain pump, causing the humming.
- Inspect the Drain Hose: Check the drain hose (usually a corrugated tube connected to your sink’s plumbing or garbage disposal) for any kinks or clogs. Disconnect it and check if water can pass through freely.
A Word from an Expert
John Carter, an appliance repair technician with over 15 years of experience, notes: “I’d say 80% of the humming dishwashers I see are caused by simple blockages in the wash or drain pump. People often underestimate how a small object can completely seize up the motor. A five-minute check can save you a hundred-dollar service call.”
3. Food Debris in the Food Chopper
Some dishwasher models have a built-in food chopper, like a mini garbage disposal, to break down larger food particles. If a hard item, like a popcorn kernel or a small bone, gets stuck in these blades, the motor connected to it will hum as it tries to spin.
How to Check and Fix It:
- This process is very similar to checking the wash pump motor. The food chopper is typically located in the same sump area at the bottom of the dishwasher.
- After unplugging the machine and removing the bottom rack and filter, carefully inspect the chopper area for any lodged debris and remove it.
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Our Picks for the Best Dishwasher in 2026
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| Num | Product | Action |
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| 1 | COMFEE\' Portable Mini Dishwasher Countertop with 5L Built-in Water Tank for Apartments& RVs, No Hookup Needed, 6 Programs, 360° Dual Spray, 162℉ High-Temp& Air-Dry Function |
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| 2 | AIRMSEN Countertop Dishwasher - 8 Programs and 3 Useful Functions, Integrated Water Softener, Delayed Start, Child Lock, No Hookup Needed, Portable Mini Size for Home, Apartments & RVs |
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| 3 | COMFEE\' Portable Dishwasher Countertop with 5L Built-in Water Tank, No Hookup Needed, 6 Programs, 360° Dual Spray, 192℉ High-Temp& Air-Dry Function, Mini Dishwasher for RVs, White |
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| 4 | EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher Portable with 6 Programs, 5L Built-in Water Tank for Apartments, 167℉ High-Temp, No Hookup Needed, Mini Dishwasher with Baby Care, Air Dry/Quick/ECO/Fruit/Normal, White |
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| 5 | EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher Portable with 6 Programs, 5L Built-in Water Tank for Apartments & RV, 167℉ High-Temp, No Hookup Needed, Mini Dishwasher with Baby Care, Air Dry/Quick/ECO/Fruit/Normal Mode |
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| 6 | AIRMSEN Countertop Dishwasher Complete 2-Level Rack, Portable Dishwashers with 5L Built-in Water Tank, 3-Spray Arms & 12H Delay Start, No Hookup Needed, A01, White |
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| 7 | AIRMSEN Portable Countertop Dishwashers, 5 Washing Programs Mini Dishwashers with 5 L Built-in Water Tank and Double-layered Glass Door, No Hookup Needed for Home, Apartments & RVs |
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| 8 | NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwashers, Compact Dishwashers with 5L Built-in Water Tank & Inlet Hose, 5 Washing Programs, Baby Care, Air-Dry Function and LED Light for Small Apartments |
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| 9 | BLITZHOME Portable Dishwasher Countertop, WIFI Smart Dishwasher, Compact Dishwashers with 5L Built-in Water Tank, 6 Programs, 360° Dual Spray, High-Temp& Air-Dry Function, Fruit Cleaning |
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| 10 | AIRMSEN Portable Countertop Dishwashers, 5 Washing Programs Mini Dishwashers with 5 L Built-in Water Tank and Double-layered Glass Door, No Hookup Needed for Home, Apartments & RVs |
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Is the Humming Noise Always a Bad Sign?
Not always, but it’s important to distinguish between different sounds. A gentle, low hum during the wash or drain cycles can be a normal part of your dishwasher’s operation. However, a loud, straining dishwasher making a loud humming noise, especially when the cycle isn’t progressing, is a clear signal that something is wrong and needs attention. Ignoring it can lead to the motor burning out, which is a much more expensive repair.
A Proactive Approach: The Power of Dishwasher Maintenance
The best way to deal with a noisy dishwasher is to prevent the problem from happening in the first place. Proper use and regular maintenance are your best friends. Think of it like getting regular oil changes for your car; it keeps everything running smoothly.
How to Load a Dishwasher to Prevent Problems
Believe it or not, how you load your dishwasher can impact its health.
- Scrape, Don’t Rinse: Scrape off large food chunks before loading, but there’s no need to pre-rinse thoroughly. Modern dishwashers and detergents are designed to handle some food residue.
- Avoid Obstructions: Make sure no tall plates or utensils are blocking the spray arms from spinning freely. A blocked spray arm can affect cleaning performance and put undue stress on the motor.
- Check for Small Items: Be mindful of small, loose items that could fall through the rack and end up in the sump.
Your Monthly Dishwasher Health Checklist
Set a reminder to do this once a month. It only takes 10 minutes and can add years to your appliance’s life.
- Clean the Filter: Remove and rinse the main filter under running water. Use a soft brush to gently scrub away any grime or food particles. This is the single most important maintenance task.
- Wipe Down the Gasket: Clean the rubber seal around the door to prevent mold and ensure a tight seal.
- Inspect and Clean Spray Arms: Check the small holes on the spray arms for clogs. Use a toothpick or a pin to clear any blockages.
- Run a Cleaning Cycle: Use a dedicated dishwasher cleaner or run an empty cycle on the hottest setting with a cup of white vinegar placed on the top rack. This helps break down grease and mineral deposits, improving both performance and energy efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I still run my dishwasher if it’s making a humming noise?
A: It’s not recommended. The humming sound indicates a motor is struggling. Continuing to run it can cause the motor to overheat and burn out, turning a potentially simple fix into a major repair.
Q: What’s the difference between a humming and a grinding noise?
A: A humming noise is typically a motor that is stuck and unable to move. A grinding noise often means the motor is turning, but its bearings are worn out, or the impeller is actively hitting a hard object. Both require immediate attention.
Q: How much does it cost to fix a humming dishwasher?
A: If it’s a simple clog you can clear yourself, the cost is free! If you need to replace a wash or drain pump, the part can cost anywhere from $50 to $150, plus labor if you hire a professional.
Q: Why does my dishwasher hum and then turn off?
A: This is a classic symptom of a jammed motor. The motor tries to start, can’t, and the machine’s internal safety mechanisms may shut it down to prevent overheating and further damage.
Q: Are new dishwashers quieter than old ones?
A: Absolutely. Modern dishwashers, especially those from brands like Bosch, Miele, and KitchenAid, have made incredible advancements in sound insulation and motor technology. Many operate at a near-whisper, a huge improvement over older models.
Taming the Hum for Good
A dishwasher making a loud humming noise can certainly be alarming, but it’s rarely a death sentence for your appliance. More often than not, it’s a cry for help—a sign that something is stuck where it shouldn’t be. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can often identify and resolve the issue yourself in under an hour. And by adopting a simple maintenance routine, you can ensure your dishwasher continues to be a quiet, reliable workhorse in your kitchen for years to come.