How To Fix a Whistling Dishwasher

Does your dishwasher make a loud whistling noise? What this video to see what the problem may be! While you're here, please
►►► Subscribe to my Channel
►►► Dishwasher Parts on Amazon!
amzn.to/2PNOiHE
► Vice Grips: amzn.to/2PMT8EO
This is a DIY video on fixing a dishwasher that whistles. This is how I went about fixing mine. I hope it helps you identify the source of your issue if you're experiencing a similar problem. Please consider leaving a comment if this video is helpful! I would also appreciate you subscribing to my channel if this helped you in any way!
Thank you for watching!

[@manojsheth1]

I like how you ensured that every step is visible in camera. How you took time to explain even the most basic operations, not assuming any knowledge on our part. I wish all DIY videos were of this quality production.

[@theXchange]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@alexwasner]

I love that his little helper repeats everything he says. 😂

[@sheltis]

The best camera work I have seen on a diy KZbin video.

[@theXchange]

Great to hear! Thanks for the feedback!!

[@natefox8979]

Thank you for previewing the noise near the beginning so I didn't have to watch/skip through the video to find out if it was actually the same problem I am having.

[@cathymcclure5929]

I think you just stopped me from buying a new dishwasher! Thank you for your calm, clear instructions!

[@theXchange]

nice!!

[@dagmarwulfe]

Very easy to follow! Also love hearing the voices of your little helpers.

[@theXchange]

Thank you!!

[@philharmonik77]

Thank you!! Your kid made the video even better, repeating everything you say. Hilarious!

[@theXchange]

heh - Thank you! She’s curious when things are taken apart :)

[@brian4828]

I have to agree, she is awesome. With her curiosity, she'll know how to repair things at her own house one day. Great detailed video!

[@theXchange]

Thank you!

[@matthewunger7338]

King Kris. Thanks for the video brother! Love how thorough it is and looks to stand the test of time thus far!

[@alanarvesen2654]

This helped me diagnose and replace the inlet valve on my dishwasher. Thank you!

[@theXchange]

Awesome!

[@donkesterson9708]

Found your video which helped me figure out how to fix my same problem. I bought the part from amzn. The part arrived in a couple of days and before I could swap it we ran the dishwasher again which didn't whistle. I ran it a couple more times with no whistle before putting the part up and will replace if it ever whistles again. My guess is that while investigating I moved the flexible metal clad hose under the washer several times which may have cleared some blockage (just a guess at this point). Appreciate your video greatly though.

[@NissimChudnoff]

Thanks for the great video - one of the few that also showed the problem, vs. only repairs after the fact. Loved the helper repeating your instructions :) Cheers - and thanks for saving us from an expensive service call!

[@theXchange]

I’m glad the video helped!! I couldn’t have done it without my helper :)

[@bangswitch6587]

The bigger question is, .... what makes that control valve whistle like that? Guessing maybe hard water deposit build up in the inside of the valve/fitting, water pressure on the downstream side of the valve trying to push the water in a smaller diameter cause of the debris build up ends up causing vibration inside the valve/fitting which takes on a whistling sound??? Enjoyed your little helper. My son was ALWAYS at my side when working on anything at home. He's now 23 yrs old and moved out and in his own home now. ENJOY EVERY MINUTE with him .... cause it doesn't last forever.

[@theXchange]

Yes. Build up over time lessening the width of throughput. And thank you!! It feels time has already past us by since this video was shot. It’s always good to hear a reminder about how fast the time really does go by

[@edb00]

Maybe just clean the buildup out of the valve

[@andrewlaplante8243]

excellent tutorial. camera angles and lighting were great. and the audio in the beginning was very helpful.

[@theXchange]

Thanks!

[@zachpine8125]

Thanks! Took me about 1/2 hour after getting the part from manufacturer!

[@theXchange]

nice!

[@michellesavage3048]

Thank you for such a detailed video. I think this is my problem and I am going to tackle the job. And your little helper is wonderful!

[@theXchange]

Thank you! She loves to be involved:)

[@gene814100]

Awesome video. This is my dishwasher’s problem. Getting down on the ground for me is difficult but i may buy the parts and get someone else to do the ground work.

[@bethh-a1030]

This is an awesome, and terrifically helpful video! Thank you for your careful explanation and detailed camera work.

[@theXchange]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the comment

[@HH_The_Great]

I like your countertop! And your adorable voiceover helper!

[@theXchange]

Thanks! She was a fantastic help!

[@keithwiethaupt1886]

Perfect instructions! Fixed my problem. Thank you

[@theXchange]

Awesome! Glad you’re all fixed up!

[@matthewklassen9607]

This video was super helpful and exactly what I was looking for 👍

[@theXchange]

Thank you! I’m glad it was helpful!

[@oldarkie3880]

Great fix. Note: dishwashers only use the hot water supply.

[@azsunnin]

Great Video Kris. Btw, those are channel locks made by Vice-Grip. Great tools. I've got a DW sounding like a bearing. First I'll clean it out to insure nothing is rubbing the shaft. If that doesn't work I may do this repair also before replacing the pump. Thanks again!

[@theXchange]

Sounds good! Thanks for the clarification on the tools!

[@nathanfaria312]

Actually they are groove lock pliers. Channel lock is also a brand.

[@jsq911]

Great video and I can’t wait to attempt to fix mine. I’m sure this is exactly my problem too. Thanks to your helper also! For keeping you on track 👍🤗

[@theXchange]

Thanks, Janet! My helper was really into it so I’m glad you enjoyed her!

[@jsq911]

I fixed mine and no more whistle! The washer that came with my kit from Amazon didn’t fit but I used plumbers tape and zero leakage. Sure could have used a helper though...

[@Slonge92]

I have the same problem. Thanks a lot!

[@1oundcake]

Thank you for your video. This was very helpful and saved me a lot of money. Very Grateful!

[@theXchange]

Awesome!

[@iloverbk1]

Super cute helper!

[@theXchange]

Thank you!

[@Zippysfriend1]

Great video.. and bonus.. you gave a cute helper!

[@theXchange]

Thank you!

[@TKeys-ti8xf]

Thank you for the tutorial.

[@theXchange]

You’re welcome!! Hopefully, it helps!

[@kennywaynesdiy]

Having this problem right now. Great vid. Thanks

[@theXchange]

great! I hope it helps!

[@kennywaynesdiy]

@@theXchange Changed the part today. Still have that whining noise. Starting to think its my drain pump.

[@theXchange]

bummer! that would be a logical thought. good luck!

[@jessicamoore9771]

Finally a helpful video

[@theXchange]

😂 I’m glad you found it!

[@accordianplayersgirl]

Thanks for this video!!

[@theXchange]

You’re welcome!

[@cathyclose3698]

Good visuals!

[@theXchange]

Thanks!

[@JDL_2020]

The brass compression sleeve you used is for a compression seal/fitting to copper tubing. Surprised it is not leaking. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3fTi5moZb6EaJo FWIW If you have a 4 in one screwdriver the small end holding the small bit is a 1/4 drive.

[@theXchange]

Great tip and point out. I’ve pinned this.

[@marygooderham2509]

My dishwasher is also whistling/squeaking when filling as probably needs this fix, looks like I can manage it, a little nervous. Three questions: 1) It only makes this sound when initially filling, in the first seven or eight minutes of the cycle, why not later when it fills to do further washes and rinses? 2) Someone mentions dust/junk in the line or part, could cleaning that out help or even fix the issue and I don’t need to buy and replace the part? Opening the thing up and doing all this work probably I would do the replacement, but I am keen to know if it’s needed. 3) Is the whistling just an annoyance or does it mean it will eventually fail?

[@theXchange]

Hi Mary! Great questions! Water inlet valves can just simply wear out over time. If its clogged with some kind of gunk, then perhaps that’s the cause and it’s jostled loose during the first fill cycle, hence no whistling on subsequent fills. Or, the valve once again is wearing out and it’s just a matter of time the whistling worsens. You may want to also have a look at the filter and clean that out. It is an annoyance mostly. The valve isn’t known to suddenly stop working…

[@marygooderham2509]

@@theXchange Thanks for your quick response! Happy to know it won't suddenly let loose and leak all over the floor. One issue is I have no idea how long the noise has been happening, our (sort of) grown son has been living in our home while we've been away the last five months and he's not terribly good at housekeeping or reporting! I may take the bull by the horns and try removing and cleaning it out and see what happens. Hope I can see the place where the gunk should be!

[@TetraSky]

But... I just changed the inlet valve less than a year ago because the old one wasn't closing properly, resulting in an overflow and a hot mess... surely it can't be that... surely... Well, it might be a different valve in my case. There's the inlet valve, and there's the circulation valve/pump. Mine only whistle during circulation in the cycle, not when it's filling up. So that probably means it's one of the other valve in there for me. Joy. Those are a pain to get at compared to the inlet, too

[@tnoulm]

Great work, Kris! My DW is making the same sound, but after researching the problem, I see that the other possible source of noise is the water pump ("bad bearing", etc.). How can I distinguish between these two possibilities without trying to replace one of these parts?

[@theXchange]

Hey, Tim! Thank you. You’re correct that the whistling noise can be caused by one of the two. For me, I got down on the floor whilst the dishwasher ran in an attempt to isolate. While listening, I noticed the noise only occurred during periods of water flowing into the washer. If you’re hearing it otherwise, then it may be a bad bearing. Lastly, the inlet valve is easier to replace and more cost effective, so I did consider the process of elimination route!

[@theedster123]

Call me crazy, but pretty sure you cross-threaded the hell out of that valve with your vice grips, then during the “moment of truth” it looked like you had sorted that out. Amiright?

[@theXchange]

yup! pretty much! It would have been easier to avoid that if I removed the door panel, bit I didn’t feel like taking it off. 😊

[@MagaRickn]

How did you know that the whistling noise was the water supply? Ours has started making that noise, but just wanting to be sure that's the only reason it whistles, as I am old and don't want to do this twice! ;)

[@theXchange]

Lots of research and process of elimination based on overall symptoms experienced. This led to the diagnosis...

[@jacobprochnow2394]

Did it have a screen in the valve? looked like it may have been plugged. But great video.

[@theXchange]

Yes. There is a screen. It’s been a while, but I don’t recall seeing anything in there. That doesn’t mean something was lodged further down though :). Thanks for the comment!

[@watermelonlalala]

My dishwasher has started screaming like the monolith on the moon in 2001. It's really old. I was putting bleach and baking soda through all the pipes, thinking something is stuck in a pipe. Seemed to help, but the noise kept coming back, hence I am here.

[@watermelonlalala]

Threw a pot of hot water, about a third of a cup of baking soda and some vinegar in the bottom of the dishwasher at the start of the "whistle" - it went down to the sound of thousands of crickets on a summer night. Not bad. Have saved your video for future reference.

[@theXchange]

good luck!

[@daves6120]

Hi - it was unclear to me when the whistling occurs. When you say "when the cycle starts" do you mean when the tub is filling, not washing? Mine is whistling but only when washing, not during pump out or fill-up (its an LG direct drive). extremely high pitch, sounds like its inside your head - and stops during pump out or fill up. Anyone have any ideas? the dishwasher still works but you pretty much have to shut yourself in another room to avoid the sound. Its a 12 year old dishwasher and If I cannot do a reasonably easy fix I will likely replace it. Comments appreciated.

[@theXchange]

it’s probably not your water inlet valve, like it was for me in this video. Given the age of your unit, i could be the circulation pump. The motor has bearings that wear out over time. When the motor bearings fail, they generate a continuous drone. If the motor bearings have failed, you must replace the entire circulation pump.

[@TheatricalServices]

You show that it comes with a water supply adapter and 2nd valve. The product listing you link only shows one valve and no water supply adapter. Is this the correct link?

[@theXchange]

From the description on Amazon, it appears to be just one. It’s possible that has changed since procurement of the one I bought. I’ll see if I can find it...

[@theXchange]

amzn.to/3dZyJIh is probably what you're looking for.

[@thegr8rambino]

i have a samsung dishwasher and makes a similar noise for a few weeks now u think its the water inlet valve too?

[@theXchange]

it may be. I’d go to repairclinic.com and read up on diagnostics for your model.

[@Hounddoggy33]

I noticed at 13:57 that you didn't have it tightened properly. You then come back with it properly tightened and a towel on the floor. Did the "test" produce a leak? Where's the footage? :)

[@theXchange]

yea - If I remember correctly, I think first attempt resulted in cross threading, and I was filming with one hand :), plus my 3 year old was hanging out with me, super interested in what I was doing. Anyway, I needed both hands as to not cross thread the connection, hence the ‘blip’ / vid edit.

[@matttucker1267]

Channel locks, not vice grips

[@theXchange]

yup. heard it a million times :D

[@martinpoirier1059]

I installed a new inlet valve that fixed whistle noise but now I get a water hammer/ pipe banging. Ugh.

[@theXchange]

doh! good luck in getting everything back to working order!

[@martinpoirier1059]

@@theXchange Think it could be a bad inlet valve? Thanks!

[@theXchange]

you could always try putting the precious valve on to see if the banging goes away, or replace it to check the same. If it doesn’t do the trick, return the part.

[@MartyJenPoirier]

@@theXchange thank you!

[@rickwest8077]

I missed the wire reconnecting part

[@diannestewartccr5988]

I was thinking the same thing! I watched this video very carefully, as my dishwasher has the same problem, and I never saw him re-attach the wire part. lol

[@theXchange]

Now I have to rewatch to see if I accidentally cut it out 🤔

[@theXchange]

sure enough! Not sure why I left that out.

[@salt7379]

Mine screams like that too.. sounds like its getting stabbed by the knifes while washing

[@theXchange]

😂 it wants you to save it

[@SaraMathena-ob1gl]

Well I replaced the part. Now I’m not getting any water into my dish washer. I’m afraid to take it a part again.

[@theXchange]

silly question but did you check that the water was turned back on?

[@Dusty3900]

Was I the only one seeing all the shit inside the old valve ...maybe clean out the crap and valve stop whist ling...j/s

[@Dusty3900]

9:36

[@jimcervantes5659]

Yup, should have tried that first. Also should have used the nut that came with the compression fitting ferrule and avoided cross-threading the water inlet (magically fixed between shots). All that said, I am impressed that he took the time to show others how to do the repair.

[@theXchange]

This one was harder to shoot holding the cam in one hand :). tripods don’t work so well at ground level. Thanks everyone for watching and providing feedback!

[@edrevugh4049]

Mine was making the same noise without any of that buildup in the screen.

[@hzfzeta2670]

@@edrevugh4049 Same here. So I wondered if the blockage was inside the valve. What I did that worked was inject CLR into the valve and let it sit a while before re-assembling. I also ran a wire into the brass elbow that connects to it in case there was anything there. Water is filling with normal full sounds now and whistling is gone. UPDATE EDIT: Unfortunately the fix did not last. After about 6 cycles where it filled normally without the whistle, it started restricting the flow again, although not as much, so I did get some benefit. I think I did not soak the part long enough. At anyrate, until I could get the replacement part, I learned that I could start the dishwasher and after it was done filling, I poured in about 2 qts hot water. That at least allowed my dishes to get clean. It was a helpful stopgap because it was sometime before I could do the actual replacement. (Which went without a hitch, by the way, because of your excellent instructions.)