Loud Washer

Loud Washer

Why Is My Washing Machine So Noisy?
If your washer has started making banging, grinding, or screeching noises, it’s more than just annoying—it could be a sign that something's wearing out or already broken. At Local Solutions Appliance Repair, I help homeowners in the St. John's area pinpoint and fix these issues before they turn into bigger (and more expensive) problems.

Here are the most common reasons your washing machine might be making loud noises—and what to do about them.

1. Unbalanced Load

An unbalanced load is the simplest cause of loud banging or thumping during spin cycles. Overloading, underloading, or bulky items like blankets can shift during the cycle.

Solution: Stop the washer and redistribute the load evenly. If the issue persists, further inspection may be needed.

Prevention Tip: Always balance large or heavy items across the drum and avoid mixing small and large items in a single load.

2. Worn Suspension Rods or Dampers

Suspension rods (top-loaders) or shock absorbers (front-loaders) keep the drum stable during high-speed spins. If these wear out, you’ll hear a lot more banging and vibration.

Solution: Worn suspension components need to be replaced. I stock common suspension kits for fast turnaround repairs.

Prevention Tip: Reduce heavy impacts by not slamming the lid or door shut and avoid constant overloading.

3. Broken Drum Bearings

Drum bearings help your tub spin smoothly. Over time, they can wear out—causing a grinding or rumbling sound that gets worse as the spin cycle accelerates.

Solution: Bearing replacement is a more advanced repair but absolutely fixable. I’ll inspect and confirm if this is the issue and provide a detailed estimate. If left too long and the drum support is affected, you generally will not repair this as the cost outweighs the appliance value.

Prevention Tip: Don’t ignore early signs like squeaks or minor rattles. Acting early can reduce repair costs.

4. Foreign Object in the Drum or Pump

Coins, nails, bra wires, or other small items can slip through the drum holes and get trapped in the pump or tub, causing grinding, clicking, or scraping noises.

Solution: If safe to do so, check the drum and rubber seal for trapped items. Otherwise, I can remove the washer’s pump or tub housing to extract any obstructions safely.

Prevention Tip: Always check pockets and use garment bags for delicates or items with wires or straps.

5. Loose or Broken Motor Coupler / Pulley / Belt

In belt-driven washers, a worn belt or loose pulley can cause thumping or slapping sounds. In direct-drive units, the motor coupler could be worn out or broken.

Solution: I’ll determine which drive system your washer uses and inspect for damage. Replacements are often inexpensive and done quickly.

Prevention Tip: Avoid overloading your washer, especially with dense, heavy fabrics like towels or jeans.

6. Loose Washer Feet or Installation Issues

If your washer isn’t level or the floor beneath it is uneven, the entire unit may vibrate and make noise—even if the machine is working fine mechanically.

Solution: Adjust the washer feet to ensure it's level and check for flexing in your floor. I can also recommend anti-vibration pads or inspect for any frame damage.

Prevention Tip: When installing a new washer, ensure it's level from the start. Small shifts over time can be corrected easily with a quick tune-up.

Book an In-Home Inspection

Strange noises can be an early warning sign of a serious washer failure. The sooner you act, the easier (and more affordable) it usually is to fix. I specialize in diagnosing and repairing loud washers quickly and professionally—whether it’s a simple fix or a deeper issue.

Book your repair online today with Local Solutions Appliance Repair and I’ll help bring peace and quiet back to your laundry room.