Amana Dishwasher: making noise

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Amana dishwasher making unusual noises like grinding, humming, or rattling? Such sounds during the fill, wash, or drain cycles can indicate issues with the circulation pump or water inlet valve. Addressing these noises early can prevent further damage and costly repairs.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

Amanaâ€™s official docs confirm normal operational sounds (water fill, swishing, drain hum) and highlight installation and loading as factors in perceived noise levels.
Some Amana models use a combined circulation and drain pump; wear in these assemblies often manifests as noise.

Possible Causes

Worn or damaged circulation pump (motor bearings or impeller)

How to Identify: Loud humming, grinding or whining during wash cycle; noise correlates with water circulation stage.

Part: Circulation pump / motor

Water inlet valve vibration

How to Identify: High-pitched squealing during fill cycle only.

Part: Water inlet valve

DIY Solutions

Secure and reâ€‘arrange dishes

Easy 5-10 minutes

Unload dishwasher and remove any loose items.
Reâ€‘load ensuring heavy items on bottom, lighter items secure and no utensils block spray arms.

Clean filters, sump, and remove debris

Moderate 10-20 minutes

Tools Needed: gloves, soft brush, towel

Disconnect power and open dishwasher.
Remove lower rack and take out filter assembly.
Clean filter and sump area, remove debris from chopper blade and pump area.
Reassemble and test with an empty cycle.

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before working inside

Inspect and clean spray arms

Moderate 15-30 minutes

Tools Needed: screwdriver (if needed), toothpick or small brush

Turn off power.
Remove spray arms and check for blockages or debris in holes.
Ensure arms spin freely and are not cracked.
Clean and reinstall, ensuring secure fit.

Professional Repairs

Replace circulation pump or motor assembly

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

Replace drain pump or impeller

Estimated Cost: $80 - $250

Replace water inlet valve

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Replace spray arm bearings/seals or spray arms

Estimated Cost: $30 - $100

When to Call a Professional

Noise persists after debris removal and cleaning

Grinding/humming clearly associated with pump/motor parts

Uncertain diagnosis or unable to access internal components safely

Preventive Maintenance

Clean filters and sump area: Noise from debris obstruction and pump strain
Frequency: monthly
Check spray arms for free rotation: Rattling and clattering noises from blocked arms
Frequency: monthly
Verify proper loading: Noise due to dish contact and spray arm interference
Frequency: Every use

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Dishwasher making noise?

Common causes include a worn circulation pump or vibrating water inlet valve.

How do I fix Amana Dishwasher making noise myself?

Secure dishes, clean filters, and inspect spray arms to reduce noise.

How much does it cost to fix making noise?

Professional repair costs range from $50 to $300 depending on the issue.

When should I call a technician for making noise?

If DIY solutions don't work or if the noise persists, it's time to call a pro.

References & Sources

Normal Dishwasher Sounds and Noise - Product Help | Amana Official

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

65%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

Foreign objects lodged in the spray arm or filter
Worn or damaged motor bearings
Faulty or obstructed wash impeller

User Suggested Solutions

Inspect the spray arm and filter for foreign objects. Remove any debris or food particles that may be causing the noise. Check the spray arm for proper rotation.
Check the motor bearings by removing the dishwasher's outer panel. If they appear worn or damaged, replace them to eliminate grinding noises.
Inspect the wash impeller for any obstructions. Clean or replace the impeller if it is damaged or blocked.