On this page
Start here
Quick answer
Identify when the noise occurs and whether it changes with the load. Monogram/GE support describes swishing, humming, clicking, brief drain pauses, and some whining as normal, while rattling can come from loose dishes and knocking can come from a spray arm hitting a load. Stop for a grinding or leak-related sound that persists after safe loading checks.
Work through in order
Diagnostic checks
Use only checks that match the exact appliance or system and its official guide.
-
Check 1
Note whether the sound is swishing, humming, clicking/snapping, rattling, knocking, grinding, or squealing and which cycle stage produces it.
Expected result: The sound matches a brief fill/wash/drain event, or is continuous and harsh.
Next step: Continue with loading and spray-arm checks only if there is no leak, smoke, or electrical smell.
Why this matters
Why: GE lists several stage-linked sounds as normal; continuous harsh noise is not identified by the sound alone and needs isolation.
-
Check 2
With the dishwasher off, reposition plates, utensils, and lightweight plastic so nothing can touch the spray arms or each other.
Expected result: A dish/utensil was contacting an arm or rattling, or the load was clear.
Next step: Run one supervised cycle with the corrected load; if the sound remains, continue to the arm/filter check.
Why this matters
Why: Loading can create rhythmic knocking or rattling even when the pump is healthy.
-
Check 3
Rotate the spray arms by hand with power off and inspect accessible openings/filter area for debris or a loose arm.
Expected result: An arm cannot rotate freely or debris is visible, or the arms move freely.
Next step: Clear only accessible debris and refit the arm as the exact manual shows. Do not force it.
Why this matters
Why: A blocked arm can strike the load and reduce wash performance; free movement shifts attention to pump, drain, or plumbing noise.
-
Check 4
Check beneath and around the dishwasher for water, and distinguish a brief drain pause from a grinding/squealing sound that continues.
Expected result: There is no water and the sound is brief, or there is a leak or persistent harsh pump noise.
Next step: Stop the cycle and water supply for a leak or persistent harsh noise, then arrange service.
Why this matters
Why: Brief drain pauses and some pump hums can be normal; a leak or persistent harsh sound changes the issue to a service boundary.
Use your observations
Decision map
Find the observation that best matches what you see, then follow the next safe action.
-
PATH 01Next step
What you see
The sound is swishing/humming/clicking tied to spray, drain, or detergent events and performance is normal
Do this next
Monitor rather than replacing a pump based on sound alone.
-
PATH 02Next step
What you see
Rattle/knock stops after dishes are secured or spray-arm clearance is restored
Do this next
Keep the corrected loading pattern and verify there is no new leak.
-
PATH 03Next step
What you see
Grinding/squealing persists with an empty, correctly loaded machine or occurs with a leak
Do this next
Stop use and book Monogram service.
Helpful context
Understand the symptom
Timing is more useful than loudness
A sound during fill, wash, drain, or detergent release has a different likely source. Listen briefly with the door closed; do not put hands into a running dishwasher.
When checks do not resolve it
Need a professional?
Arrange Monogram service for persistent grinding/squealing, a leak, smoke/burning smell, a spray arm that will not turn after accessible cleaning, or noise unrelated to loading and normal cycle events.
Common questions
FAQ
Are humming and swishing sounds normal in a Monogram dishwasher?
GE/Monogram support describes water-spray swishing and some motor/pump humming as normal. The stage, load, and whether performance remains normal matter.
Why does the dishwasher knock only with dishes inside?
A dish or utensil may be contacting a spray arm or another item. Turn the unit off, rearrange the load, and check arm clearance before testing again.
Read the exact guide
Official sources
- Dishwasher - Normal / Abnormal NoisesGE Appliances · GE/Monogram dishwasher guidance; exact model may differ
- Frequently Asked Questions About GE DishwashersGE Appliances · GE/Monogram dishwasher support categories
- Your Monogram DishwasherGE Appliances / Monogram · Monogram guide; exact model may differ
Community feedback
Share a repair observation
Share a plain-text repair observation. Accepted observations are published automatically; this page may take a moment to update.