Bosch Dishwasher: water sloshing noise

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing a sloshing or gurgling noise from your Bosch dishwasher during wash, fill, or drain cycles? While some water movement sounds are normal, excessive noise may indicate an underlying issue. Common causes include obstructions, improper loading, or normal operational sounds. Identifying the source can help you address the problem effectively.

Urgency: Low

Important Tips for Bosch Models

  • Bosch documentation notes that some buzzing or water movement sounds during drain are normal, but loud noise should prompt checking of pump impeller for blockage.

Possible Causes

Normal operational water movement

How to Identify: Soft steady sloshing or gurgling during water fill at start or during drain at end of cycle without other unusual noises

Part: water filling/drain process

Obstruction in drain or pump area

How to Identify: Louder-than-normal sloshing often accompanied by buzzing, gurgling, or irregular drainage; possible trapped debris visible after removing filter and lower rack

Part: drain pump/pump impeller

Improper loading causing water flow disturbance

How to Identify: Noise happens during wash when spray arms hit items or water jets hit dishware directly creating sloshing-like sounds

Part: spray arms/dishware load

Low water level in tub

How to Identify: Sloshing louder if there’s insufficient water cushion; may coincide with incorrect fill volume or inlet problems

Part: water supply/inlet valve

DIY Solutions

Confirm Normal vs Abnormal Sloshing

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Run normal cycle and listen during water fill and drain
  2. Compare sound level to previous cycles and note if sloshing is significantly louder or accompanied by other abnormal noises
⚠️ Safety First: No risk involved

Inspect and Clean Filter/Drain Area

Moderate 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: gloves, towel
  1. Turn off dishwasher and remove lower rack
  2. Remove and clean filter unit of debris
  3. Check pump area by removing filter cover and clear any visible foreign objects
  4. Reassemble and run a short cycle to test noise
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before reaching into pump area

Adjust Loading to Avoid Spray Arm Obstruction

Easy 5-10 minutes
  1. Pause cycle and rearrange dishes to ensure spray arms rotate freely
  2. Ensure larger items are on bottom rack and not interfering with spray arms
  3. Avoid overloading to allow water to flow evenly

Professional Repairs

Pump Impeller or Drain Pump Service/Replacement

Estimated Cost: $80 - $250

Water Inlet Valve Inspection/Replacement

Estimated Cost: $60 - $180

When to Call a Professional

Persistent loud sloshing accompanied by other abnormal noises (grinding, buzzing) that doesn’t resolve after debris cleaning
Difficulty accessing internal components or uncertainty about diagnosing pump/impeller issues

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean filter and check drain area: debris buildup that can lead to noise and drainage issues
    Frequency: monthly
  • Load dishes to avoid obstructing spray arms: spray arm interference and related noise
    Frequency: every use

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Bosch Dishwasher water sloshing noise?
Common causes include normal water movement, obstructions in the drain or pump area, and improper loading.
How do I fix Bosch Dishwasher water sloshing noise myself?
You can check for normal vs abnormal sloshing, clean the filter and drain area, and adjust dish loading.
How much does it cost to fix water sloshing noise?
Professional repairs for issues like pump service or water inlet valve replacement range from $60 to $250.
When should I call a technician for water sloshing noise?
If the sloshing noise is persistent and accompanied by other abnormal sounds, it's advisable to consult a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

80%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Improper loading of dishes causing water to slosh around
  • Worn or damaged door seal allowing water to escape
  • Faulty or misaligned spray arm preventing proper water distribution

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Reorganize the load in the dishwasher to ensure proper spacing and alignment of dishes. Avoid overloading and make sure that items do not block the spray arms.

  2. Inspect the door seal for any signs of wear or damage. If found, replace the door seal to prevent leaks and ensure a tight closure.

  3. Check the spray arm for blockages or misalignment. Clean any debris and ensure it spins freely. If damaged, consider replacing the spray arm.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. New Bosch dishwasher sounds like water leaking

Community Discussions

sounds like water leaking

Running a full load reduces the noise; check door seal and insulation.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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