When to Call a Pro: Appliance Sounds You Shouldn’t Ignore
Your home’s appliances are supposed to make life easier — not interrupt your day with clanking, buzzing, squealing, or grinding. While a little noise here and there is normal, certain sounds are your appliance’s way of telling you something is wrong. Ignoring these warning signs can turn a minor issue into a major repair, or even a safety hazard.
If you’re noticing unusual sounds coming from your washer, dryer, fridge, dishwasher, or oven, here’s how to know when it’s time to call a professional for service — and why waiting can cost you much more in the long run.
Why Appliance Sounds Matter
Modern appliances are engineered to run efficiently and quietly. So when you hear something unusual, it’s rarely random. Strange sounds often point to:
- Worn-down mechanical components
- Failing motors or belts
- Loose or broken parts
- Obstructions
- Electrical issues
- Imbalanced loads
- Water flow or drainage problems
These issues don’t self-correct. In fact, the longer the appliance runs while making these sounds, the more damage it can cause. Addressing the problem early can save you money, prevent breakdowns, and extend the lifespan of your appliances.
Washer & Dryer Sounds You Shouldn’t Ignore
1. Loud Thumping or Banging (Washer)
If your washer sounds like it’s trying to take off during the spin cycle, something is wrong. While an unbalanced load is a common cause, persistent banging can signal:
- Broken suspension rods
- A failing tub bearing
- A loose drum
- Worn drive components
These issues create strain on the machine and can lead to leaks or total failure if not corrected.
2. Squealing or Screeching (Dryer)
A high-pitched squeal usually points to:
- A worn dryer belt
- Failing rollers
- A seizing motor
If you hear screeching every time the drum rotates, it’s time to shut it down and call a tech. Continuing to run it can burn out the motor or damage the drum.
3. Grinding Sounds (Washer or Dryer)
Grinding is always a red flag. It may indicate:
- A foreign object stuck in the drum
- Failing bearings
- A damaged drive mechanism
The longer the grinding continues, the more likely you’ll face a repair that requires major parts — or worse, complete machine replacement.
Refrigerator Sounds That Signal Trouble
Your refrigerator runs 24/7, so small noises aren’t unusual. But certain sounds are signs of trouble:
1. Clicking or Rapid Ticking
A repeated clicking sound could mean:
- The compressor is struggling to start
- A failing relay
- Electrical component issues
This one often precedes total cooling failure — meaning your food is at risk.
2. Loud Buzzing or Humming
A soft hum is normal. A loud or uneven buzz is not. It might indicate:
- A failing fan motor
- Ice blocking the evaporator
- Dirty or restricted condenser coils
- Compressor failure
A buzzing fridge is working harder than it should and may be on the verge of a breakdown.
3. Knocking or Popping
Occasional pops from temperature changes are normal. Constant knocking, however, can mean:
- A failing evaporator fan
- Loose internal components
- Ice buildup in the cooling system
A tech can quickly diagnose the cause before performance suffers.
Dishwasher Sounds to Take Seriously
Dishwashers are noisy by nature, but unusual sounds still stand out.
1. Grinding During the Wash Cycle
If it sounds like your dishwasher is chewing something up, it might actually be:
- A piece of broken glass or debris in the pump
- A failing wash pump motor
Either one needs attention before it causes further damage.
2. High-Pitched Whining
Whining typically points to:
- A failing circulation pump
- A problem with the water inlet valve
You may also notice weak spray performance or dishes coming out dirty.
Oven & Cooktop Sounds That Mean “Stop Using It”
1. Clicking That Won’t Stop (Gas Stoves)
A few clicks while the burner ignites is normal. Continuous clicking is not. It often indicates:
- A faulty ignition switch
- Moisture in the burner
- A worn spark module
Gas appliances should be repaired quickly for safety reasons.
2. Buzzing or Humming (Electric Stoves & Ovens)
This may point to:
- A malfunctioning control board
- A failing cooling fan
- Loose electrical components
Electrical issues can become hazardous — don’t delay.
When in Doubt, Shut It Down and Call a Pro
If the sound is new, loud, persistent, or simply doesn’t feel right, don’t wait. A quick diagnosis often prevents much bigger problems, including:
- Water damage
- Electrical hazards
- Burned-out motors
- Total appliance failure
It’s always better to be safe than sorry — especially when the cost of ignoring an issue can be far higher than a service call.
Need a Local Appliance Expert? Xigent Repair Can Help
Serving Salem, Keizer, the Willamette Valley, and surrounding communities, Xigent Repair provides fast, reliable appliance diagnostics and repair. If you’re hearing strange sounds from any of your appliances, we can pinpoint the issue and fix it before it turns into something bigger.