Whirlpool Dishwasher Making Noise — Causes & Fix

A Whirlpool dishwasher makes noise for very different reasons depending on the sound, and the WDT700 and WDF500 layout gives each one a likely home. The TotalCoverage spray-arm system, the chopper blade in the sump, and the drain pump are the usual sources, so match the noise to the part before you take anything apart.

Most Likely Cause#

Most likely: a hard object in the chopper or sump — the chopper blade grinds against debris that made it past the filter, producing the classic grinding or buzzing during wash and drain. Clearing the sump resolves the majority of noise complaints on these models.

What the Sound Points To#

Safety Protocol#

• Trip the breaker before you reach inside for any physical inspection.
• Shut the supply valve under the sink if you will open the fill or drain path.
• Leave the safety switches intact — the F#E# system is there to protect the machine, not to be bypassed.
• Give heated parts time to cool; the Heated Dry element operates above 350 degrees.

Step-by-Step Checks#

1. Match sound to timing. Note whether the noise happens on fill, wash, or drain — each phase drives a different pump or valve and points you at the right part.
2. Clear the sump. Pull the filters and remove any glass, seeds, or bones caught near chopper blade W10083957; this is the top cause of grinding.
3. Listen at the drain. A whine or rattle only during drain usually means debris or wear in drain pump W10876537.
4. Check the fill. Hammering while filling can be inlet valve W10872255 or house pressure; a slow, hissing fill often means a clogged valve screen.
5. Tighten the mount. A rattle that tracks with the door means loose mounting screws or a worn latch strike rather than an internal fault.

Repair or Replace?#

Most dishwasher noises are a sump clean-out or a pump swap — inexpensive next to a new unit. Only the control board is a costly part, and it rarely causes noise on its own. A diagnosis pins the source and gives you a firm quote. Schedule service if the grinding persists after the sump is clean.

Frequently Asked Questions#

Is it safe to keep running a noisy Whirlpool dishwasher?#

A brief grinding from debris is usually harmless once you clear the sump, but a persistent whine from the drain pump or a knock during wash can worsen fast. Stop the cycle, clean the filter and sump, and if the noise stays, hold off until it is checked.

Why does my dishwasher grind only during the drain?#

Drain-only noise isolates the problem to the drain pump — typically a shard or debris against the impeller, or a worn bearing in the pump itself. Clearing the sump first is the cheap fix; a persistent whine means the pump.

My dishwasher hums but does not seem to wash — related?#

A steady hum with poor cleaning can be the wash pump straining against a clog or a blocked spray arm. Clean the filters and spray arms; if the hum continues, the pump or motor needs a closer look.