Dishwasher Sounds Like Rain Issue (7 Causes and Solutions)

By: Talen Quire

Having a dishwasher that sounds like rain when running is super annoying. The dishwasher can make many types of sounds while running, but the sound of rain coming out of it is not a good indication.  

The dishwasher sounds like rain issues mainly be caused by a broken Inlet valve or a faulty spray arm.

In this article, I will walk you through the common reasons for dishwashers making rain sounds. I will also share some troubleshooting and fixing methods so that you will be able to fix this issue at home without having to call a repair person. 

By the end of this article, you will have no questions left.

So, let’s dive in to find the causes and solutions for solving this issue.

Rain like sound coming from dishwasher

Why Is Raining Sound Coming Out Of My Dishwasher?

There are many reasons that can cause the rain sound in the dishwasher. But after weeks of research, I have found the most common causes for this issue. 

Here are the most common reasons for a dishwasher to sound like rain:

A lack of Insulation

There can be a chance that the fault is just the lack of Insulation. 

The Insulation covers the back, top, and sides of the appliance. It traps unwanted noise and prevents it from getting out of the dishwasher. It 

If you mistakenly remove your dishwasher’s insulation materials while installing, it will cause the raining noise to get out, and you will hear it.

How to fix it?

Call a professional appliance technician and ask him to check the Insulation of your unit. If there is any lack of Insulation, install a new insulation material.

Faulty water Inlet valve

A defective water inlet valve of the dishwasher.

The water Inlet valve controls the flow of water in the dishwasher. If it is faulty, the water flow will stop or change rapidly. This random stop and change creates pressure in the valve, leading to rain sounds and vibrations.

Also, if the water is leaking out of the valve, it will cause water spray to hit the surfaces of the dishwasher. As a result, you will hear the raining sounds coming out of the appliance.

How can I fix it?

  • Ensure that the right amount of water is supplied in the dishwasher with the correct pressure.
  • Check the water inlet valve for any signs of damage, like cracks or leaks.
  • If you find any clogs or built-up around the valve, remove it immediately.
  • If it has leakage or cracks, you will have to replace your water Inlet valve with a new one.

Leakage in the spray arm

If your dishwasher is sounding like rain and you notice leaks around the doors, it means there is a crack in your spray arm.

Crack in the spray arm.

When the spray arm is cracked or damaged, it spins too fast and sprays water onto vents and edges of the doors instead of dishes and utensils. This causes that annoying rain sound in the dishwasher.

Also, If the spray head is not installed properly, it will spray water in the wrong direction. If your dishwasher has an upper spray head, make sure that it is lined up with the water supply in the back of the dishwasher when you push the rack. 

If they are not lined up, the spray head can get pushed out of its place when the rack goes in.

How can I fix it?

To fix this, you will have to inspect the spray arm for cracks and correct the misplaced spray head.

To check the spray arm, follow the instructions mentioned below.

  • First, open your dishwasher’s doors and remove the lower dish rack.
  • Now, try to spin your lower spray arm and Inspect it carefully for any cracks or blocked nozzles.
  • Remove the center spray nozzle or retainer nut to detach the lower spray arm. 
  • Now, inspect the spray arm bearings for any damage.
  • If you find any cracks or separation, you must replace the spray arm with another compatible one.

To correct the misplaced spray head, follow the given instructions.

Correcting the spray head positioning in the dishwasher.
  • Consult your user manual to see if your dishwasher needs a spray head and water supply to line up together.
  • If it does, remove your dishwasher’s top rack and check the spray head.
  • If it is misplaced, correct its positioning.

Malfunctioning pump motor

If you are experiencing the sound of rain in your dishwasher, you must check the pump motor once. The pump motor is actually responsible for circulating the water throughout the dishwasher.

If the pump motor is malfunctioning, it will not push water with the correct pressure into the spray. A weak water spray will create dripping and raining noises.

  • Inspect the pump for any visible damage or leakage.
  • If you find any issues with the pump motor, you will have to replace it. Ask an experienced appliance repair professional to do it for you.
  • You can change it yourself if you are confident and have little repair experience.

Incorrect leveling

When the dishwasher is not leveled correctly, it causes an uneven water distribution in the dishwasher. 

During the wash cycle, the motion of the spray arm causes the uneven water to hit the dishwasher’s inner surfaces, leading to a rainy sound coming from it.

How to fix this?

  • Ensure that the dishwasher is installed on a flat surface.
  • Use the bubble level to check if the dishwasher is leveled correctly. 
  • If the dishwasher is unleveled, adjust its legs to correct its leveling.

Dish placement

The dish placement also plays an essential role in the proper functioning of the dishwasher. 

Correct dish placement

If the dishes, especially large plates or trays, are not placed correctly, it will obstruct the rotation of the spray arm. The water from the spray arm will hit the obstructing dish with force, creating a sound similar to the rain.

How to fix it?

Rearrange the dishes in the right way. Avoid overloading your dishwasher.

You can refer to the user manual to learn the correct placement of dishes in the dishwasher.

Issues with the drain pump

A non-functioning drain pump will be unable to drain the water after completing the cycle, and the wastewater will stand in the dishwasher.

When you start a new cycle, the movement of the spray arm will cause the standing water to hit the dishes and inner surfaces and mimic the rain sound.

How can I fix it?

  • Ensure the drain pump is functioning correctly.
  • Inspect it for any visible signs of damage like leakage or cracks.
  • Force out the drain to remove the standing wastewater from the dishwasher’s tub.
  • Check the dishwasher’s drain hose for kinks or clogs. If you find any, remove it.

Infographic: Why does the raining sound coming from the dishwasher?

Infographic of why does the raining sound coming from my dishwasher

FAQs

Why does my dishwasher sound like dripping water?

The dripping sound can be caused due to a malfunctioning pump motor. When the pump water doesn’t push the water with the right force. It causes a dripping and raining-like sound in the dishwasher.

Should I hear water spraying in the dishwasher?

The sound of water spraying from the dishwasher during the wash cycle is considered to be normal. Actually, these sounds come from the dishes on which the water is being sprayed to clean them.

Conclusion

The rain sound coming from the dishwasher can be caused by many reasons. However, some of the most common reasons include poor Insulation, faulty Inlet valve, malfunctioning pump motor, leakage in the spray arm, Incorrect dish placement, etc.

You can solve each of these causes by yourself. Head over to find the troubleshooting steps for each cause. 

But if you are unconfident or have no repair experience, you can always ask a professional technician for assistance.

This was the detailed guide on raining sounds coming out of the dishwasher issue. I hope you have liked it. If you still have any doubts, comment below. I will surely assist you.

About Talen Quire

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