Maytag Dishwasher: making noise

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Maytag dishwasher making unusual noises like grinding, buzzing, or squealing? These sounds indicate potential issues such as debris in the filter, obstructed spray arms, or a failing pump. Identifying and addressing the source of the noise can help restore your dishwasher's performance and prolong its lifespan.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

Normal operational noises such as water rush, hum of drain pump, and detergent dispenser clicks are expected and not indicative of failure.

Possible Causes

Obstruction or debris in filter/chopper area

How to Identify: Unusual grinding noise from bottom of dishwasher during wash cycle; sound may stop when debris cleared.

Part: Filter / foreign object cup / chopper

Damaged or obstructed spray arms

How to Identify: Knocking, clattering, or scraping sound that changes with rack position and when items block spray arm rotation.

Part: Spray arms (upper/lower)

Defective drain pump or drain impeller

How to Identify: Buzzing or grinding noise during drain cycle; slower or incomplete draining.

Part: Drain pump / drain impeller

Worn water inlet valve diaphragm

How to Identify: Loud buzzing, squealing, or whistling noise during fill phases.

Part: Water inlet valve

DIY Solutions

Clear debris from filter and chopper area

Easy 10-20 minutes

Tools Needed: gloves, soft brush

Turn off dishwasher and open door.
Remove lower rack and locate filter/foreign object cup at bottom.
Lift and remove filter; clear out debris.
Clean chopper area and debris cup; replace parts and racks.
Run short cycle to check for noise reduction.

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before accessing filter area.

Inspect and free spray arms

Moderate 15-30 minutes

Tools Needed: screwdriver (if removal required)

Remove upper and lower racks to access spray arms.
Spin spray arms by hand to check for smooth rotation.
Look for utensils or items blocking arms; reposition or remove obstacles.
If necessary, remove spray arms and clean holes; reattach securely.
Run test cycle to check noise.

⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before working inside dishwasher.

Replace damaged wash impeller

Advanced 30-60 minutes

Tools Needed: nut driver, wrench, screwdrivers

Turn off power and water supply.
Remove toe kick panel and locate circulation pump.
Disconnect hoses and mounting screws from pump.
Extract old impeller from pump housing; clean housing.
Install new impeller; reassemble pump and hoses.
Restore power and run cycle to confirm quieter operation.

⚠️ Safety First: Requires working with internal components; only for experienced DIYers.

Professional Repairs

Replace circulation pump or motor assembly

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Replace drain pump or impeller

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

Replace water inlet valve

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

When to Call a Professional

Persistent grinding or high-pitched whining after DIY checks

Drain cycle noise with performance issues

Noise associated with mechanical failure of pumps or motors

Preventive Maintenance

Clean filter area: Debris-caused noise and performance issues
Frequency: monthly
Inspect spray arms for clogs: Spray arm blockage noise
Frequency: monthly
Run dishwasher cleaning cycle: Food buildup that leads to mechanical noise
Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Dishwasher making noise?

Common causes include obstruction in the filter, damaged spray arms, or a defective pump.

How do I fix Maytag Dishwasher making noise myself?

Clear debris from the filter and chopper, inspect spray arms, or replace the wash impeller.

How much does it cost to fix making noise?

Professional repairs can range from $80 to $400 depending on the issue.

When should I call a technician for making noise?

Call a technician if DIY fixes don't resolve the issue or if you feel uncomfortable with advanced repairs.

References & Sources

Normal Dishwasher Sounds and Noise Official
Why Your Maytag Dishwasher Is Loud | Dave Smith Appliance Repair-Blog

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

Debris in circulation pump or spray arm (1 mentions)
Worn bearings in the motor (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

Check and clean the circulation pump and lower spray arm

Success rate: 50.0%
Replace the all-in-one pump module due to soil chopper issues

Success rate: 50.0%

Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

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

Community Discussions

awful noise during wash cycle

Replace the all-in-one pump module due to soil chopper issues.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

making a noise during the wash cycle

Check the circulation pump and remove debris from the lower spray arm and filter; could also be worn bearings in the motor.