Why Your Appliances Are Making Strange Noises: Common Sounds, Causes, and Quick Fixes

Appliance sounds that mean trouble include roaring or a “freight-train” noise during the wash cycle, squealing or chattering during the water fill stage, a notably louder condensing unit on your central air conditioning system, a general increase in noise level, and periodic squeaking, squealing, chirping, or rumbling that is noticeably louder when the refrigerator door is open. Additionally, popping and hissing or sizzling sounds should also be addressed promptly, as they indicate key components may be worn or damaged, potentially preventing expensive repairs and protecting other components from failure. For guidance and parts, consider visiting Repair Clinic for same-day shipping and a 365-day return policy.

Dryer

Thumping

Possible cause: A drum roller is worn out.
Possible solution: Inspect drum rollers for wear and replace as needed.

Fast, rattling

Possible cause: A zipper, button, coin or other small object may be trapped in the blower wheel.
Possible solution: Remove blower wheel and inspect. Remove object, test operation and return to position.

Rumbling

Possible cause: A worn drum support roller and axle.
Possible solution: Inspect for wear or damage and replace if needed.

Squealing

Possible cause: A fast, high-pitch squeal could be a faulty belt idler wheel. A slower, lower toned squeal may be caused by worn roller bearings or a faulty rear drum bearing.
Possible solution: Inspect the idler wheel rollers and drum bearings and replace as necessary.

Dishwasher

General loudness

Possible cause: Clogged or malfunctioning drain pump.
Possible solution: Remove debris from pump and replace as necessary.

Roaring or “freight-train” during wash cycle

Possible cause: Bad bearings in the circulation pump motor.
Possible solution: Inspect and replace the circulation pump motor or pump and motor assembly if necessary.

Squealing or chattering during water fill stage

Possible cause: Low, insufficient water pressure or clogged orifice or diaphragm in water inlet valve.
Possible solution: Check your home’s water supply. Dishwasher water pressure should be at least 20 psi. If the water pressure is sufficient, replace the water inlet valve.

Central air conditioning system

Condensing unit notably louder

Possible cause: Worn or damaged fan blade or fan motor.
Possible solution: Replace these parts as needed.

Rattling

Possible cause: Broken compressor motor mount.
Possible solution: Make sure the condensing unit is level and the compressor’s mounting bushings are intact. Adjust as needed. If the noise continues, the compressor’s internal motor mounts may need to be replaced. In some cases, it may be more cost effective to replace the entire condensing unit rather than replace those individual parts.

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Furnace

General increase in noise level

Possible cause: Debris in blower or faulty blower motor.
Possible solution: Clean debris from the blower wheel or replace blower motor.

Gurgling

Possible cause: If your furnace is equipped with a cooling coil or a combustion blower, water may be backing up from a clogged drain.
Possible solution: Check for obstructions in the drain line and clear as needed.

Refrigerator

Periodic squeaking, squealing, chirping or rumbling that is noticeably louder when the refrigerator door is open.

Possible cause: Worn evaporator motor.
Possible solution: Replace the evaporator motor.

Ticking

Possible cause: Faulty defrost timer.
Possible solution: Replace it.

Popping and hissing/sizzling

Possible cause: Popping and hissing sounds are part of normal operations. If you open the freezer door, you may hear the frost melting into water and hitting the defrost heater, causing a hissing or sizzling sound. This noise may last for about 20 to 30 min.
Possible solution: N/A – it’s normal.

Remember, Repair Clinic has appliance parts available for same-day shipping with a 365-day return policy.