10 Most Common Dishwasher Problems (and Noises) and How to Fix Them

Is your dishwasher refusing to start, not cleaning dishes properly, or making weird humming or grinding noises? Whether you're dealing with a leak or a strange sound during the wash cycle, many common dishwasher problems are easy to fix—with the right guidance and parts.

Here are 10 of the most common dishwasher problems and noises, plus what causes them and how to fix them yourself.

1. Dishwasher Won’t Start

Likely Causes:

• Faulty door latch
• Defective thermal fuse
• Control panel or timer failure

DIY Fix: Check if the door is closing completely. Test the door latch switch for continuity and replace it if it fails. Also inspect the thermal fuse and control board.

2. Dishes Aren’t Getting Clean

Common Problems:

• Clogged spray arms
• Worn-out wash impeller
• Dirty filters or hard water buildup

DIY Fix: Remove and clean the spray arms and filters. Check the wash impeller for damage and consider using a dishwasher cleaner to remove mineral buildup.

3. Dishwasher Leaks Water

Possible Issues:

• Faulty door gasket
• Cracked inlet valve or drain hose
• Overloaded detergent

DIY Fix: Inspect and replace the door gasket if it’s cracked or worn. Check hoses and the inlet valve for leaks. Avoid using too much detergent, especially in soft water.

4. Dishwasher Makes Loud Grinding or Humming Noise

Likely Causes:

• Blocked chopper blade or impeller
• Failing circulation pump
• Debris stuck in pump

DIY Fix: Remove the lower spray arm and check the pump area for debris. If the grinding persists, inspect the chopper blade and circulation pump motor.

5. Dishwasher Doesn’t Drain

Common Reasons:

• Clogged drain hose
• Blocked air gap
• Failed drain pump

DIY Fix: Clear the drain hose and air gap. If it still won’t drain, test the drain pump with a multimeter and replace it if necessary.

6. Dishwasher Smells Bad

Top Causes:

• Food trapped in filter or spray arms
• Bacterial buildup in seals
• Mold from standing water

DIY Fix: Clean the filter, spray arms, and door seals. Run a cleaning cycle with vinegar or dishwasher cleaner tablets to eliminate odors.

7. Water Not Filling the Dishwasher

Likely Problems:

• Faulty water inlet valve
• Float switch stuck
• Kinked water line

DIY Fix: Make sure the float switch moves freely and test the inlet valve for continuity. Straighten any kinked hoses and replace faulty valves.

8. Dishwasher Door Won’t Latch

Possible Causes:

• Broken latch or strike plate
• Misaligned door
• Worn door hinges

DIY Fix: Inspect the door latch and strike for wear or breakage. Adjust alignment or replace worn parts to ensure the door closes securely.

9. Drying Cycle Isn’t Working

Common Issues:

• Broken heating element
• Faulty high-limit thermostat
• Defective vent assembly

DIY Fix: Test the heating element and thermostat with a multimeter. If the dishwasher has a vent fan, make sure it’s functioning during the drying cycle.

10. Dishwasher Is Noisy During Wash Cycle

Typical Causes:

• Loose spray arms
• Worn wash motor
• Rattling dishes or utensils

DIY Fix: Ensure dishes are properly loaded and nothing is hitting the spray arms. Check for loose or worn motor bearings or mounting brackets.

Most dishwasher issues are caused by worn-out or clogged components—fixable with a bit of DIY effort and quality parts. Whether you need a new heating element, spray arm, or door latch, Reliable Parts is your trusted source for OEM dishwasher parts and support.