Samsung Dishwasher Making Noise: Causes and Fixes

Quick Answer

Samsung dishwasher noise: WaterWall models make a unique swooshing sound as the wall bar moves back and forth - this is normal. Grinding from the pump = check the drain filter for debris (twist-lock filter at the bottom of the tub). Samsung's fine mesh filter catches smaller particles than some competitors and clogs faster. Buzzing = inlet valve.

I've seen Samsung units fail more from ignored noise than almost anything else. Hard water buildup on the circulation pump impeller is the sneaky one, it starts as a quiet drone and ends up seizing the whole motor. WaterWall models confuse a lot of people too since that swooshing is totally normal. But a grinding or high-pitched whine that's getting worse? Don't wait on that.

SamsungDishwasherSeverity: moderateDifficulty: intermediate75% DIY Success

Time to Fix

15–90 min

Difficulty

intermediate

Parts Cost

$0 (no parts needed)

Tools Needed

Phillips #2 screwdriver, Flat-head screwdriver

Samsung Dishwasher Making Noise: Causes and Fixes

Figuring out where the noise is actually coming from is half the battle with these machines. Rhythmic thumping every few seconds is usually a spray arm clipping a dish, and grinding at the end of the cycle is almost always the drain pump catching something. WaterWall models add a layer of confusion because that swooshing sound is just the bar doing its thing. Check the easy stuff first before you start pulling it out from under the cabinet.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Foreign object caught in pump or drum40%

Worn drum bearing allowing shaft play24%

Loose drum roller or idler pulley14%

Loose counterweight or mounting bolt12%

Drive belt worn and slapping during operation10%

Symptoms You May Notice

A loud swooshing or dragging sound repeating every 30-60 seconds on WaterWall models (actually normal, that's just the water wall bar moving back and forth across the bottom)
Grinding or crunching that kicks in specifically during the last 2-3 minutes of the cycle when the drain pump runs
Rhythmic thumping every few seconds while water's actively circulating, kind of like something keeps tapping against a wall
A high-pitched whine or drone that you've noticed getting progressively louder over the past several months
Buzzing sound right when the cycle first starts, before any water has actually started flowing into the tub

Can you reset a Samsung dishwasher to clear the NOISE code?

Kill the breaker for your dishwasher in the panel and leave it off for a full 5 minutes, not just 30 seconds. You want the capacitors on the control board to fully discharge. This can recalibrate the WaterWall position sensor if the bar got stuck mid-cycle and is now dragging. Flip it back on and run a short rinse cycle to see if the bar resets to its home position and the sound clears up.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriverFlat-head screwdriverFlashlight or headlampMultimeterLong flathead screwdriver (for the pump listening technique)Needle-nose pliersTowels and a shallow pan for water drainage

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Samsung dishwasher noise repair cost?

Most Samsung dishwasher noise repairs run between $150 and $400. If it's just a piece of glass in the pump, you're really only paying a service call fee. But if the main circulation motor has seized, expect $200-350 just for the part on some models, plus labor. I always tell customers to weigh that against the machine's age before committing to a motor swap. On a unit that's 8+ years old, that math usually doesn't work out.

Should I repair or replace my Samsung dishwasher?

If your Samsung is over 7-8 years old and needs a main wash motor, I'd usually say start shopping for a new unit. These machines have a lot of sensors and components that tend to fail around that age, and you'll probably be back with the next thing in a few months anyway. But if the noise is just a drain pump or a spray arm, those are cheap fixes that can easily buy you another 3-5 years of life out of the machine.

Can I fix this myself?

Honestly, yeah, for most of these. Filter cleaning and spray arm replacement are totally DIY, no real tools needed. If you're comfortable pulling the dishwasher out from under the cabinet and using a multimeter, you can swap the drain pump yourself too. Just go slow on those plastic water connections on the side of the tub. They get brittle with age and if you crack one trying to force it, now you've got a leak on top of the noise problem.

Is the swooshing sound on my Samsung WaterWall dishwasher normal?

Yes, completely normal. That's just the WaterWall bar moving back and forth along its track at the bottom of the tub, sweeping water up the sides instead of using spinning spray arms. It makes a distinct swooshing sound and a soft clunk at each end of its travel. A lot of people freak out the first time they hear it, especially if they're coming from a traditional dishwasher. The only time to worry is if it starts scraping or grinding instead of swooshing, which usually means debris on the track or hard water deposits building up on the rail.

How often should I clean the Samsung filter to prevent noise?

Samsung says monthly but honestly every 2-3 weeks is smarter if you're running it daily. Samsung's filter mesh is finer than a lot of competitors, which means it catches more debris but clogs faster too. I've seen machines get noisy in under a month when the household does a lot of cooking. Cleaning it takes literally 2 minutes. Twist, pull, rinse under hot water, put it back. That's it. It's the easiest maintenance you can do and it prevents most of the grinding complaints I get calls about.

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Samsung shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

Samsung washerSamsung Washer 3C2 Error Code: Motor Stall Samsung washerSamsung Washer 3E Error Code: Motor Fault Samsung washerSamsung Washer 4E Error Code: Water Supply Fault (Top Load)Samsung washerSamsung Washer 5C Error Code: Drain Error (Older Display)Samsung washerSamsung Washer 8C Error Code: Vibration Sensor Fault Samsung washerSamsung Washer 8E Error Code: Motor Frequency Sensor Fault

Models Known to Experience NOISE Errors

This repair applies to most Samsung dishwashers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

DW80R9950US, DW80R7061US, DW80R2031US, DW80K5050US, DW80M9550US, DW80J3020US, DW80H9970US

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 15, 2026