Ah, the serene sound of a quiet kitchen, disrupted only by the unexpected ruckus from your dishwasher. If your GE dishwasher makes noise during its wash cycle, don’t fret. We’ve got a comprehensive guide to help you figure out the culprit and get your kitchen ambiance back on track.
When Your GE Dishwasher Makes Noise: Pinpointing the Problem
It’s not uncommon for dishwashers to make some noise during their cycles, but it’s the unusual clatter, hum, or buzz that tends to raise eyebrows. If your dishwasher is making a loud sound during the cycle, a range of issues could be at play. Each noise is like a telltale fingerprint that points to its underlying cause. So let’s decode these noises and put an end to them, shall we?
Loading Too Many Dishes
When it sounds like there’s a miniature drumline in your dishwasher, chances are you’ve got some overcrowded dish action going on. The noise typically resembles dishes clanging or banging against each other. This issue often arises from a genuine desire to maximize each wash cycle. But let’s face it—your dishwasher isn’t a Tardis; it has limits.
Diagnosis: The clattering sound is most noticeable during the wash cycle when the spray arm spins and water jets out, pushing dishes against each other.
Smart Loading Practices:
- Angle dishes for Success: Angling dishes slightly towards the center can guide water down, reducing the chance for dishes to dance around.
- Layering Logic: Use the back and sides for heavy items like pots and pans. This keeps the center clear for water to circulate.
- Small Stuff on Top: Glasses, cups, and smaller items are best placed on the top rack, where they’re less likely to cause a raucous.
Advanced Tips:
- Consider running a half-load or “Quick Wash” cycle if you find you consistently have fewer dishes. This option uses less water and might minimize the chance of dishes colliding.
Spray Arm Clogged or Obstructed
If you hear your dishwasher making a weird sound, akin to a low humming or groaning, take a gander at the spray arm. The spray arm is the spinning blade-like part at the bottom that helps circulate water during a wash.
What Happens: The spray arm may knock against dishes if they’re not loaded correctly and block the spray arm from spinning. It can also collect an assortment of food particles, plastic shards, and even glass pieces over time. When clogged, it might struggle to rotate, causing an unsettling hum or whir.
Get to the Cleaning:
- Shut off the machine and unplug it: Safety first!
- Remove the dish rack: This gives you easy access to the spray arm.
- Detach the spray arm: It’s typically screwed on, so you may need a screwdriver.
- Clean the Jets: Running it under warm water often dislodges debris. For stubborn clogs, a toothpick works wonders.
- The Spin Test: Before reattaching, spin it manually to make sure it moves freely.
Keeping It Squeaky Clean:
- Pre-rinsing dishes can prevent a lot of larger food chunks from entering the system.
- Some people swear by monthly dishwasher cleaning using vinegar washes to dissolve any minor buildup. Just place a cup of white vinegar in the top rack and run a full cycle.
Water Inlet Issues
A dishwasher making loud buzzing noises might be screaming, “Check my water inlet!” The water inlet is where the machine connects to your home’s water supply. If you hear a loud buzzing or feel the dishwasher vibrating more than usual during the fill cycle, it could point to water inlet issues.
Buzz Breakdown:
- Kinked Hose: Sometimes the hose feeding water into the system may be twisted or kinked, restricting water flow.
- Faulty Valve: Less commonly, the valve responsible for controlling the water inlet could be malfunctioning.
Professional Recommendation: This is one of those instances where professional help is advised. The valve involves electrical components, and mishandling could lead to more severe issues. Appliance Repair Specialists are your go-to for this type of problem.
Obstructed Drain Pump or Hose
If your GE dishwasher makes noise that resembles a growling animal, you might want to check for obstructions in the drain pump or hose.
Identifying the Issue: The growling usually occurs during the draining phase. Often, foreign objects like glass shards or bones can get stuck, causing this noise.
Clearing the Drain:
- Safety: As always, unplug the dishwasher first.
- Examine the Filter: Many GE models have a removable filter near the bottom. Pull it out and clean it.
- The Hose Check: Often connected to a garbage disposal, inspect it for clogs and clear as necessary.
Ongoing Maintenance:
- Run an empty “rinse-only” cycle every month with a cup of white vinegar to help break down any lingering debris and keep the drain clear.
If you’ve tried these solutions but still your GE dishwasher makes noise during a cycle, it might be time to call in the experts. You can’t go wrong with Appliance Repair Specialists for professional dishwasher repair services you can trust!
