Why is my Whirlpool dishwasher humming but not washing?

Author: Amelie Grant  |  Last update: Saturday, November 29, 2025

If your dishwasher hasn't been used in a week or longer, the pump seals can dry out or become sticky, making it difficult for water to flow. Fortunately, you can prime the pump pretty easily.

Why is my Whirlpool dishwasher humming but not washing but no?

2 Answers The circulation pump uses a motor and impeller to force water up through the wash arms. If the circulation pump is defective, the dishes won't be cleaned properly. If the motor isn't making any noise or is just making a humming sound after the dishwasher has filled, the motor may be burned out.

Why is my dishwasher making a humming sound but not starting?

That humming noise is the drain pump running all the time now. What that means is that water has worked its way down into the base pan below the dishwasher tub causing the unit to do nothing but drain. This is normally caused by the drain being clogged or too many suds in the tub causing the tub to overflow a bit.

Why is my Whirlpool washing machine humming but not working?

If your washing machine makes a humming noise but doesn't start, it may signal problems like a malfunctioning motor, a broken belt, or issues with the control board. To troubleshoot, ensure there are no blockages in the drum and that the door is firmly shut. Check the power supply and try resetting the machine.

Why is my Whirlpool dishwasher running but not washing?

What are the possible reasons for a Whirlpool dishwasher not cleaning dishes? Overloading your dishwasher. Your filter is clogged. Your soap dispenser is clogged. Spray arms not spinning freely or clogged. Filters are clogged or damaged. Detergent dispenser not opening. Water inlet valve is clogged or failing.

Dishwasher buzzing humming grinding - Most common causes

Why is my dishwasher not going through the wash cycle?

Perform basic troubleshooting by cleaning the filter and spray arm. Also, ensure your dishwasher is getting sufficient water pressure. If you find your dishwasher stopping mid-cycle, it could be due to several reasons, including a malfunctioning door latch, a defective control board, or even a power interruption.

How do I reset a Whirlpool dishwasher?

Make sure the dishwasher is in Standby mode (no cycle running). Press the "Heated Dry," and "Normal," buttons one after the other, twice. After entering the correct button sequence, the control panel should light up as the dishwasher begins the reset.

Why is my washing machine humming but not turning?

In some circumstances, it will produce a constant humming sound, but the drum of the machine won't rotate. The most likely explanation for this problem is that the carbon brushes which are located on either side of the main motor have worn out and will need to be replaced.

How to fix a washing machine that won't wash?

What are the steps to fix a washing machine that won't wash?
  1. Step 1: Check the Power Supply. ...
  2. Step 2: Check the Water Supply. ...
  3. Step 3: Check the Detergent Dispenser. ...
  4. Step 4: Check the Drain Hose. ...
  5. Step 5: Check the Agitator. ...
  6. Step 6: Check the Belt. ...
  7. Step 7: Check the Motor.

Why is my dishwasher making a sound but not washing?

If your dishwasher is filling up, but not cleaning; the first thing to do is to check for sounds! A humming noise coming from the dishwasher could be a sign that broken glassware may be blocking the motor. Here we list what you need to do in order to check for possible blockages: Safety First!

Why is my dishwasher pump humming but not draining?

If the motor is making a loud humming noise, the motor may have seized or the drain impellor could be jammed. In that case, you may need a new motor or a combination motor/pump assembly. If your dishwasher has two pumps instead of one, check the drain pump to see if something is blocking the input and output.

How do I know if my dishwasher pump is clogged?

Here are five early warning signs that your dishwasher is clogged:
  1. Gurgling. If you hear an unusual gurgling sound coming from your drains, this could be water attempting to break through a roadblock, so to speak. ...
  2. Slow-flowing drain. ...
  3. Water backup. ...
  4. Leftover water. ...
  5. Unclean dishes.

Why is my dishwasher just humming?

If you can hear a buzzing noise, there are a few possible causes of the problem, including the dishes not being stacked properly, the dishwasher not sitting level on the ground, the pump intake being defective, and the pump seals being dry.

How do I know if the pump has gone on my dishwasher?

The motor drives an impeller to force water out of the drain hose. If the motor runs during the drain cycle, check for a blockage in the drain line. If the motor won't run during the drain cycle or if it just hums when it should be running, the pump and motor assembly might need to be replaced.

Why does my Whirlpool dishwasher start but no water?

If your dishwasher isn't filling with water, it could be due to various factors involving different dishwasher parts. An incorrectly positioned drain hose, open or unlatched door, shut off water supply or obstructed overfill protection float may be responsible.

What causes a Whirlpool washer not to wash?

Check the stator windings and rotor magnets of the motor stator assembly for damage and replace as needed. Check for drainage issues such as a clogged drain filter, twisted drain hose or faulty drain pump. These can prevent a washer from spinning. Inspect the motor control board for burned or shorted-out components.

Why is my washer just sensing and not washing?

The water inlet valve controls the flow of water into the washing machine drum. If the valves are damaged or faulty, they will be unable to carry out this function. Your washer may remain stuck on the sensing cycle because it is unable to adjust the water levels in the washer due to the failure of the water valves.

Why won't my Whirlpool washer start the wash cycle?

The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer won't start cycle are a malfunctioning electronic control board, jammed door lock assembly or a faulty user interface.

Why is my whirlpool washer just humming?

The humming/whirring noise is very common and part of normal operation: The Humming/Whirling noises you would hear during the agitation/wash or spin portions of the cycle are caused by the motor.

Why is my washing machine making noise but not moving?

If the washer drive belt is broken or falls off of its wheel, the washer may still be able to agitate and make noise, but the drum won't spin around. To check the drive belt, first unplug your washing machine. Then, remove the back of the washer to see if the belt is still on the pulley system.

Why won't my whirlpool washer drain and spin?

The most common cause of a washing machine not spinning is a defective lid switch. That's generally pretty easy to replace and not very expensive. A common cause for the washer not draining is a clogged drain hose or pump. Those can be checked rather easily.

What would cause a Whirlpool dishwasher not to wash?

Improper loading, a clogged or blocked spray arm or a clogged filter may cause your dishwasher to perform poorly. If your dishwasher is not cleaning dishes on the bottom rack, check for these issues and consult your owner's manual. Consult a professional for repairs if you're still having issues.

What buttons do I push to reset my dishwasher?

How to reset a dishwasher control panel
  1. First press the “Cancel/Resume” button, which won't be illuminated, then unplug the appliance from the outlet. ...
  2. Wait approximately 1 minute, plug the cord back into the AC outlet or flip the breaker back on.
  3. Start a new cycle and check if the dishwasher is working properly.

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