Whirlpool's own article on dishwasher noises separates normal sounds from faults for the WDT970SAKZ. Normal are rushing water while it fills and cleans (louder if the dishwasher sits at the end of a cabinet row), a hum when the drain pump runs and swishing as the spray arms rotate, along with a gentle click from the inlet valve. Faults are rattles and clatter from a loose or overloaded rack, and vibration from a dishwasher that is not level or securely mounted. The Sound Level setting only changes the beeps.
Differential
Likely causes of “Whirlpool dishwasher makes grinding, humming, knocking or squealing noises”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Normal fill, wash and drain sounds
What separates it A rush of water at the start, a swish during wash and a hum near the end
How to confirm Compare with the manual and article; these are normal
- 2
Lightweight items rattling
What separates it Plastic cups and lids clatter on the wash arms
How to confirm Secure lightweight items and avoid overloading, which makes dishes contact each other
- 3
A dishwasher not level or not mounted securely
What separates it There is vibration that carries into the cabinets because the dishwasher is not level or not mounted securely
How to confirm Adjust the leveling legs and check the mounting brackets, insulation and toe kick
- 4
The end-of-cycle sound level
What separates it A loud tone at the end of a cycle
How to confirm Set Sound Level S0 in the menu to turn it off
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Which phase the noise happens in: fill, wash, drain or dry
- Whether the dishwasher sits at the end of the cabinet run
- Whether the noise stops with an empty load
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedIdentify the phase
ReversibleRushing water occurs while filling and cleaning, swishing is the spray arms, humming is the drain pump and a light click can be the inlet valve. Match your noise to the phase of the cycle.
Secure the load
ReversibleLightweight items such as plastic cups and lids can rattle. Overloading makes dishes touch each other and underloading lets them chatter. Place heavier items on the lower rack.
Check level and mounting
ReversibleVerify the leveling legs are properly adjusted, the side or top mounting brackets are installed and the insulation and toe kick panel are in place.
Clean filters and arms
ReversibleRoutine maintenance such as clearing debris from the filters and spray arms keeps the sound normal.
Change the sound setting
ReversibleIn the setting menu choose Sound Level and set S0 to turn the tones off. Press Start/Resume to confirm.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Cabinet and installation effects
- Whirlpool says dishwashers installed on the ends of cabinet rows may let more sound be heard than those between two cabinets, and that the manual requires the dishwasher to be fully enclosed on the top, sides, back and floor. An optional side panel kit and moisture barrier accessory are available; the installation notes also warn against running lines where they contact the motor or legs.
- Parts for this problem on the WDT970SAKZ (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- add to cart isolator, rear motor genuine oem par, part number W11497568, at $21.15; drain pump, part number W11412291, at $85.55.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models WDT750SAKZ, WDT730HAMZ, WDT540HAMZ, WDP540HAMZ, WDTA50SAHZ, WDF520PADM.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If a scraping or grinding noise comes from the base, stop the dishwasher and contact Whirlpool service
- !If the noise comes with a leak or a code, use those pages first
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Whirlpool's own article on a dishwasher that will not fill, including the Start/Resume indicator and the 3 second door rule.
Whirlpool's own manual for this model, English pages 1 to 29: maintenance, loading, care, setting menu, error codes, installation and the check-operation cycle.
Whirlpool's own help articles for its dishwashers, each; the article for this page is named in the page's notes.
Whirlpool's own product-assistance and cleaning articles for its dishwashers.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
Is a humming noise normal?+
Yes. Whirlpool says a hum is heard when the drain pump runs.
What is the swishing?+
Water sprayed by the rotating spray arms.
Can a loose load make noise?+
Yes. Lightweight plastics can rattle if not secured.
Can an unlevel dishwasher be louder?+
Yes. It can transmit vibration to the cabinets.
How do I turn off the beeps?+
Set Sound Level to S0 in the setting menu.
Does a variable speed motor change pitch?+
On some Whirlpool models the wash motor changes pitch as it adjusts power for soil levels.
When is noise a problem?+
Grinding or scraping that continues with an empty load means service.