Unusual Appliance Noises and What They Mean

Apr 16

As an appliance repair professional, I often receive calls from homeowners and businesses who hear strange noises coming from their appliances. These sounds can range from buzzing and humming to clanking and grinding. Most people don’t know what these noises mean, but they can be early warnings of a problem.

Understanding appliance noise problems can help prevent major repairs, protect your equipment, and reduce safety risks. This article explains the most common unusual appliance noises, what they might mean, and when to call for appliance repair in Chattanooga, TN.

Why Appliance Noises Matter

Appliances are designed to operate quietly. A small hum from a refrigerator or the swish of a washing machine is normal. However, sudden appliance noise or sounds that weren’t there before usually mean something is wrong.

When left unchecked, minor noise issues can turn into serious damage. Appliance making noise regularly is a sign that parts may be loose, worn, or failing. Early intervention often prevents more expensive repairs down the road.

Buzzing from Appliance

A buzzing sound is one of the most reported complaints. It may come from the motor, a faulty electrical connection, or a failing component.

Buzzing refrigerator: May mean a faulty compressor or a fan motor starting to wear down
Buzzing microwave: Could point to a transformer issue
Buzzing dishwasher: May indicate the motor or water inlet valve is straining

Buzzing is often subtle at first but grows louder over time. It’s best to get it checked early.

Humming Refrigerator

A humming refrigerator is typically normal. However, if the sound becomes louder or more constant, it could signal a problem.

Possible causes include:

Dirty condenser coils
Failing evaporator fan
Compressor beginning to fail

Regular maintenance can prevent these issues. If the sound gets louder or starts and stops frequently, it’s time for an inspection.

Grinding Sound from Washer

A grinding sound from a washing machine often means there’s a mechanical issue. This type of noise should not be ignored.

Common causes include:

Worn drive pulley
Foreign object stuck in the drum
Broken agitator or transmission

Ignoring this can lead to more serious damage, including motor failure or a broken drum.

Clanking Noise in Dryer

A clanking noise in the dryer usually means something is loose inside the drum.

Possible causes:

Loose buttons, zippers, or coins tumbling inside
Worn rollers or drum bearings
Damaged drive belt or tensioner

It’s a good idea to check the drum for small objects. If the sound continues, the issue may be internal and require professional repair.

Clicking Sound Oven

Hearing a clicking sound from your oven may be completely normal when the igniter is trying to light a gas burner. But if it continues after ignition or happens when the oven is off, there could be a problem.

Potential issues include:

Faulty igniter switch
Loose wire connections
Control board malfunction

A technician can safely inspect the oven and confirm whether the igniter or wiring is the issue.

Rattling Dishwasher

A rattling dishwasher is usually caused by loose dishes, but sometimes the issue goes deeper.

Look out for:

Spray arm hitting dishes
Broken mounting brackets
Loose motor housing

Try running the dishwasher empty. If the rattling continues, it likely needs repair.

Appliance Not Turning On but Making Noise

Sometimes an appliance won’t turn on yet still makes noise. This usually indicates that power is reaching part of the unit, but not enough to start it fully.

This could be due to:

Faulty switch or control panel
Electrical short or fuse problem
Internal motor failure

Never continue to plug and unplug an appliance in this condition. You risk electrical damage or fire.

Sound Coming from Back of Appliance

Noise coming from the back of an appliance can be hard to diagnose without removing panels. However, most major components like compressors, motors, and fans are located in the back.

Common sounds and meanings:

Humming or clicking: Compressor or relay switch issue
Grinding or squealing: Fan blade may be off balance or obstructed
Vibration: Loose panel or mounting bracket

It’s best to turn off the appliance and schedule a service appointment.

Diagnosing Appliance Noise Problems

When diagnosing appliance noise problems, consider the following:

Type of noise – buzzing, clanking, grinding, humming, or clicking
When it happens – during start-up, mid-cycle, or randomly
Where it’s coming from – front, back, inside, or underneath
Changes over time – is it louder, more frequent, or new altogether?

Technicians use these clues during appliance noise diagnosis to determine the faulty part.

Safety Risks of Ignoring Appliance Noises

Strange noises are often more than a nuisance—they are signals of mechanical or electrical failure. These risks include:

Electrical fires from short circuits or frayed wires
Flooding from leaking washers or dishwashers
Overheating of motors and compressors
Total breakdown of the appliance

That’s why strange sounds are often one of the common signs you need appliance repair. Addressing these early ensures safety and prevents larger expenses.

When to Call a Professional

It’s okay to troubleshoot simple issues, like checking for loose items in a dryer or cleaning coils on a fridge. But most unusual appliance noises require professional tools and knowledge.

Call an appliance technician when:

The sound continues after basic checks
You hear sparks, smell burning, or see smoke
The appliance stops functioning properly
The sound is loud or getting worse

Appliance inspection for strange noise is part of preventive maintenance and helps avoid bigger problems.

Final Thoughts

Unusual noises from appliances should never be ignored. Broken appliance sounds are the first sign that a component inside is not operating as it should. Whether it’s a noisy washing machine, a clicking oven, or a buzzing refrigerator, early action can save you from higher repair bills and potential safety risks.

Listening to your appliances can help you take better care of them. Know what’s normal—and what’s not. When you hear something out of the ordinary, take it seriously and have it inspected by a professional like Mr. Appliance of Chattanooga.