Is Your Top-Load Washing Machine Making Noise?: 2025 Guide
If your washing machine making loud noises, we’ll help you discover the causes and simple solutions. From unbalanced loads to worn-out components, learn how to troubleshoot and fix the problem and when to call in a professional for help.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- While gentle humming and clicking are typically normal during washing machine operation, persistent loud thumping, scraping, or high-pitched squealing may indicate underlying issues that need professional attention.
- Simple DIY solutions like redistributing the load, checking for loose objects, and ensuring proper leveling can often address common noises like vibration, squealing, or metal clanking.
- If the noises persist despite DIY efforts, worsen over time, or are accompanied by performance issues like inadequate cleaning or excessive vibration, it's essential to consult a washer repair specialist to diagnose and resolve the problem before it leads to further damage.
Common Washing Machine Noises
Most washers produce sounds during operation that are considered normal and not indicative of any problems. For instance, a gentle humming or buzzing noise often occurs when the machine’s drive motor and drain pump are functioning as they should. Additionally, clicking sounds may come from the machine’s cycle changes or its various components engaging and disengaging. When water enters or drains away and as the agitator moves back and forth, a whooshing or sloshing sound can be expected. These noises are typically part of the washer’s usual functioning and don’t usually require any special attention.
While many washing machine noises are normal, certain sounds might indicate potential issues that require attention. A loud thumping or banging noise during the spin cycle could suggest an unbalanced load, which might harm the machine or even your laundry if left unchecked. Scraping or grinding noises might signal problems with the machine's tub bearings or other moving parts. A high-pitched squealing sound could result from a worn-out drive belt or drum bearings. If you notice any of these persistent or unusually loud noises, it's wise to consult a professional technician, as they could indicate underlying problems that need fixing to prevent further damage to your washing machine.
Stopping the noise coming from the washing machine will depend on the sound it’s making. While many of these require very little effort for a DIY repair, others may require the assistance of an appliance repair expert.
Vibration or banging noise
A loud vibration or banging noise during the spin cycle could indicate an unbalanced load. Stop the washer and redistribute the load, or add to or remove from the washer load to balance it out.
If the banging sound doesn’t stop, trying placing a piece of 3/4-inch plywood underneath the washer and dryer to keep them at equal heights.
Also check the leveling feet and make sure all 4 are in firm contact with the floor.
If the washer is new, make sure all of the shipping bolts, blocks, straps or pins that keep the washer drum stable during transport have been removed.
Squealing sound
Common reasons for squealing noises is an overloaded washing machine. Frequent overloading of the washer places a strain on the tub bearings, drive belt and drive pulley. As they begin to wear out, they will produce a squealing sound.
Metal clanking sound
Metal snaps, buckles or loose change loose in the inner tub could produce a slight sound of occasional clanking or scraping, but if the noise is unusually loud there may be objects stuck in the outer tub or drain pump. Broken shock absorbers on a front-load washer or balance springs on a top-load washer could also cause a loud clanking noise. If you hear this washing machine noise, schedule a service call.
Grinding noise
You might hear an occasional grinding noise when the washing machine reverses the direction in the spin cycle - this is normal. But if you’re hearing a grinding sound during agitation, the motor coupling on a direct-drive washer might be broken. The grinding noise might be present on a belt-drive washer when the drive pulley or drive belt wears out and breaks. Worn out drum bearings can also cause a grinding sound.
Watch our video to see what the common causes of top-loading washing machine noises are as well as ways to solve the issues.
Remember to consult your owner’s manual first for information on how to properly care for your specific appliance.
Troubleshooting: How Do I Stop My Washer from Making Noise?
Why is my washing Machine suddenly so loud?
The most common reason for a sudden loud noise is an unbalanced load. Stop the cycle and redistribute the laundry in the washer.
Why does my washer make a loud noise when spinning?
Spin cycles in a washing machine today is very fast - usually between 1000 and 1600 rotations per minute, so some noise is normal. Signs of a problem during the spin cycle include banging noises, indicating an unbalanced load, or heavy vibration noises because the machine isn’t level.
How do I fix a loud noise in my washing machine?
To prevent unwanted washing machine noises, there are simple steps you can take. First, avoid overloading the washer with too many clothes, as this can lead to unbalanced loads and noisy spinning. Make sure to evenly distribute the laundry inside the drum to help the machine operate smoothly. Before washing, check and remove items like loose change, keys, or cell phones from pockets, as these objects can create rattling noises and even damage the machine. By following these precautions and maintaining a balanced and clean load, you can minimize the chances of encountering disruptive noises during your washing machine's cycles.
Signs it’s Time to Hire a Washer Repair Specialist
If your washing machine is making loud and unusual noises, there are certain signs that indicate it's time to call in a washer repair specialist. If the noises are persistently loud, disruptive, or different from the usual sounds the machine makes, it's a clear signal that something might be wrong. Additionally, if the noise gets worse over time or if you notice a decline in the machine's performance, such as clothes not getting cleaned properly or the machine vibrating excessively despite attempts to level it, these are indications that a professional inspection is needed. Ignoring these signs could lead to further damage or a complete breakdown of the washing machine, so reaching out to a trained repair specialist can help diagnose the issue and prevent more extensive problems down the line.
Sears Home Services Offers Expert Washing Machine Repair
Our expert washing machine repair and maintenance services are here to address and prevent unexpected washer noise issues. If your washing machine is producing unusual or disruptive sounds, our skilled technicians can diagnose the problem accurately and efficiently. Whether it's a loose part, worn-out component, or unbalanced load causing the noise, Sears Home Services has the expertise to resolve it. Moreover, our clean and maintain service can help prevent future noise-related problems by ensuring proper machine balance, component lubrication, and overall functionality. With Sears Home Services, you can enjoy a quiet and smoothly operating washing machine while extending its lifespan through regular upkeep. Schedule an appointment with one of our experts today.
Excessive thumping or grinding often points to worn agitator components, bearings, or suspension rods. If the sound persists after you’ve tried balancing loads or replacing small parts, trust machine washer repair specialists. They’ll diagnose deeper mechanical issues and get your top-load washer running quietly again.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Glossary Terms
Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.
A washing machine pedestal is a platform that raises the washer off the ground, providing easier access to the appliances and often includes additional storage space such as drawers.
A washer tub is the interior part of a washing machine where clothes are placed for washing, typically made of stainless steel, plastic, or porcelain-coated metal, designed to hold water and withstand the agitation or spinning during the wash cycle.
Fabric softener is a laundry additive used to soften and freshen clothing, reduce static cling, and make fabrics feel smoother.
Common Repair Washer Symptoms
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer is not rinsing are a faulty lid switch, a bad water-level pressure switch, or a defective timer.
The most common reasons your GE washer is not filling are a clogged water valve assembly, malfunctioning electronic control board or a bad water level pressure switch.
The most common reasons your Samsung washer top load is not filling with water are a clogged water valve, a malfunctioning PCB, or a cracked hose.
The most common reasons your Samsung washer is noisy are a damaged suspension rod, malfunctioning electronic control board or a broken motor.
The most common reasons your Samsung washer has a loud spin cycle are a damaged suspension rod, a broken motor, or a failed suspension spring.
The most common reasons your Electrolux washer is not draining are a broken motor, malfunctioning electronic control board or a jammed door lock assembly.