In a busy Kariega household, a washing machine that suddenly sounds different is usually telling you something. Some noises are harmless, some mean a cheap fix and some mean stop using it now. Here is how to tell them apart.
A rumble or roar during the spin usually means worn bearings. Loud banging means worn shock absorbers, an unlevel machine or an unbalanced load. Humming without draining points to a blocked or jammed pump. Squealing can be a worn belt. Clicking without starting is often the door lock. Grinding while draining usually means a foreign object in the pump.
Why noise matters
Washing machines are never silent, but you get used to how yours sounds. When it changes, it is worth paying attention. Catching a problem early often turns an expensive repair into a cheap one. Worn bearings caught early, for example, are a standard repair. Left for months, they can damage the drum shaft and tub, at which point the machine may not be worth fixing.
Rumbling or roaring during the spin
Likely cause: worn drum bearings.
The drum spins on bearings at the back of the tub. When they wear, they make a rumbling, roaring or jet-engine noise during the spin that gets louder over weeks. You may also feel roughness if you turn the empty drum by hand, or notice the drum has some play when you lift it.
Common in Kariega because: busy family households run heavy loads, often overloaded with towels, bedding and school uniforms, and work overalls add weight.
What to do: Book a repair soon. Bearings are usually worth replacing on a good machine.
Loud banging or thumping
Likely causes: worn shock absorbers or suspension springs, an unlevel machine, an unbalanced load or transit bolts left in.
If the drum bangs against the cabinet during the spin, or the whole machine shakes and walks across the floor:
1. Check the load. A single heavy item like a duvet or a pair of jeans can unbalance the drum. Redistribute the load and try again. 2. Check the machine is level. Adjust the feet so it does not rock. 3. If it is a new machine, check the transit bolts were removed. These lock the drum for transport and must come out before use. 4. If it still bangs, the shock absorbers or springs are probably worn.
What to do: Do not keep running a machine that bangs violently. It can damage the tub, drum and other parts.
Humming but not draining
Likely causes: blocked pump filter, jammed pump impeller or failed drain pump.
If you hear a hum at the end of the wash but the water does not drain, the pump is trying to run but cannot. Coins, hair clips, buttons, bra wires or a sock can jam it.
What to do: Clean the pump filter (usually behind a small panel at the bottom front). Place a tray and towels underneath, unscrew it slowly and let the water drain. Remove any objects. If it still hums without draining, the pump may need replacing.
Grinding or rattling while draining
Likely cause: something in the pump or between the drum and tub.
Small hard objects in the pump make a grinding or rattling noise. Coins and bra wires can also get trapped between the drum and the outer tub, making a scraping noise during washing.
What to do: Clean the pump filter. If you hear scraping during the wash, stop using the machine and have the object removed before it damages the drum or seal.
Squealing or squeaking
Likely causes: worn drive belt, worn motor brushes or dry bearings.
On belt-driven machines, a worn or loose belt can squeal, especially at the start of a spin. Worn motor brushes can also cause noise and weak spinning.
What to do: Book a repair. Belts and brushes are inexpensive parts.
Clicking but not starting
Likely cause: the door lock.
When you press start, the door lock clicks to engage. If it clicks repeatedly but the machine does not start, or clicks and then shows an error, the lock may be faulty or the door catch damaged.
What to do: Make sure the door is firmly closed and nothing is caught in it. If it continues, the lock may need replacing.
Buzzing when filling
Likely cause: inlet valve trying to open with little or no water.
A buzz when the machine should be filling, with little water coming in, points to a closed tap, low pressure, a blocked inlet filter or a faulty valve.
What to do: Check the tap is fully open and clean the inlet filter.
Loud beeping
Usually an error alert. Check the display for an error code and take a photo.
When to stop using the machine
Switch it off and call a technician if:
- It bangs violently and moves across the floor
- You hear scraping metal during the wash
- It smells of burning
- It trips the power
- Water leaks onto the floor
Repairs in Kariega and Despatch
We repair all of these faults at your home in Kariega and Despatch, usually same day or next day. Send us a short video of the noise on WhatsApp along with a photo of the model sticker, and we can often tell you the likely cause before we arrive.
Frequently asked questions
Is a noisy washing machine dangerous?
Most noises are not dangerous immediately, but violent banging, burning smells, scraping metal and tripping the power are reasons to stop using it right away.
How much longer will my machine last with noisy bearings?
It varies, but worn bearings get worse and can damage other parts. It is best to repair them soon after the noise starts.
Can you diagnose the noise from a video?
Often, yes. A short video of the noise plus the model sticker helps us identify the likely fault and bring the right parts.
Apex HVAC is an independent company and is not affiliated with or authorised by any appliance manufacturer. This guide is general advice. For anything involving electricity or refrigerant gas, use a qualified technician.
Need a hand? See our washing machine repair service in Uitenhage (Kariega).