Washing Machine Making Loud Noise? 9 Causes & Fixes
There are few things more alarming than walking into your kitchen to find your washing machine making loud noise that wasn’t there yesterday. Is it about to break down completely? Is it safe to keep using? And — perhaps most importantly — do you need to call someone out, or can you sort it yourself?
The good news is that not every loud washing machine noise means disaster. Some sounds are completely normal. Others are a sign of a small, easy-to-fix problem. And some — yes — do need a professional repair engineer before things get worse.
At Westminster Appliances, we carry out washing machine repairs across London every single day. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every type of washing machine noise, what it means, and exactly what you should do next.
Why Is My Washing Machine Making a Loud Noise?
A washing machine making a loud noise is usually caused by an unbalanced load, worn drum bearings, trapped foreign objects, a blocked drain pump, damaged shock absorbers, or a worn drive belt. The exact cause depends on the type of noise and when it occurs during the wash cycle. While some issues can be fixed at home, grinding, roaring, or scraping noises often require professional repair.
1. Is That Noise Normal — Or Should You Worry?
Before you do anything else, it’s worth knowing that all washing machines make some noise during a normal cycle. A low hum when the motor is running, the sloshing sound of water and clothes moving around the drum, and the faster whirr of the spin cycle — these are all completely expected sounds.
The question isn’t whether your washing machine makes noise. The question is whether the noise has changed — become louder, higher-pitched, or happened at a point in the cycle where you’ve never heard it before.
Normal Washing Machine Sounds You Can Ignore
- A low humming when the motor is running
- Sloshing and swooshing as clothes move through water
- Gentle clicking at the start or end of a cycle (timer or door lock engaging)
- A soft rattling during the spin cycle at normal speed
- A pop or thud sound when the water valve opens at the beginning of a fill
- The motor switching direction between wash and spin modes
Warning Sounds That Need Attention
- Loud banging or clanging during the spin cycle
- A grinding or rumbling noise that gets worse as spin speed increases
- A high-pitched squealing when the drum is turning
- A persistent scraping sound at any point in the cycle
- A roaring or jet-like noise during spin
- Any noise accompanied by the machine vibrating violently or moving across the floor
The Golden Rule — When to Stop the Machine Immediately
If you hear a scraping noise, a roaring or jet-like sound, or notice black dust or grease underneath your machine — stop the cycle straight away. These are signs of serious internal damage, and continuing to run the machine can make the repair significantly more expensive, or even cause irreparable damage.
2. What Type of Noise Is Your Washing Machine Making?
The type of noise your washing machine is making is the single biggest clue to what’s wrong. Use the table below to identify the sound, understand the most likely cause, and see whether it’s something you might be able to fix yourself or whether you need a professional.
| Noise Type | When It Happens | Likely Cause | DIY Fix? |
| Loud banging | Spin cycle | Unbalanced load / worn shock absorbers | Sometimes |
| Grinding / rumbling | Spin cycle | Worn drum bearings / foreign object in pump | Rarely |
| Rattling | Any cycle | Coins, keys, bra wires / loose drain hose | Yes |
| Squealing | Spin cycle | Worn drive belt / motor bearings / overloading | Rarely |
| Thumping | Spin — large items | Unbalanced load / shipping bolts not removed | Yes |
| Clicking | Start or end of cycle | Normal timer / blocked filter / door latch | Sometimes |
| Loud humming | Filling or draining | Water supply issue / blocked drain pump | Sometimes |
| Scraping | Any cycle | Bra wire / item past door seal / drum split | No — stop now |
| Roaring / jet noise | Spin cycle | Excess detergent / serious internal fault | No — call engineer |
| Knocking | Between cycles | Motor clutch transitioning — often normal | Monitor |
3. The 9 Most Common Causes of a Loud Washing Machine
Now let’s go through each cause in detail — starting with the most serious and working our way through to the simplest fixes.
Cause 1 — Worn Drum Bearings (Most Common Serious Cause)
Drum bearings sit at the back of your washing machine and allow the drum to rotate smoothly and quietly. Over time — typically after several years of regular use — these bearings wear out. When they do, you’ll hear a loud rumbling or grinding noise that gets progressively worse, particularly during the spin cycle.
Worn drum bearings are one of the most common causes of a washing machine making a loud noise during spin. The noise typically starts quietly and gets louder over a period of weeks or months. By the time it sounds like a loud rumble or roar, the bearings have usually failed completely.
Symptoms to look out for:
- Rhythmic rumbling or grinding during spin
- Drum wobbling slightly when you push it by hand
- Brown oily water or grease stains on the floor underneath the machine
Can you fix it yourself?
Drum bearing replacement is a labour-intensive job that requires disassembling a large part of the machine. We strongly recommend contacting Westminster Appliances for professional appliance repair services if you suspect drum bearing failure.
Cause 2 — Unbalanced Laundry Load (Easiest Fix)
An unbalanced load is the most common cause of a washing machine making a loud banging noise during the spin cycle — and thankfully, it’s also the easiest to fix.
When heavy items like towels, bedding, or jeans clump together on one side of the drum, the machine becomes uneven as it spins. At high speeds, this causes it to bang, rock, and vibrate.
How to fix it:
- Pause the cycle
- Open the door
- Redistribute the laundry evenly around the drum
- Mix heavy and light items together
- Restart the spin cycle
In many cases, the banging noise disappears immediately.
Cause 3 — Foreign Objects in the Drum or Pump
Coins, keys, hair grips, bra wires, and small toys are the most frequent culprits when a washing machine starts rattling.
These items can work their way between the drum and the outer tub — or get lodged in the drain pump filter — causing a persistent grinding, rattling, or scraping noise whenever the machine is running.
A bra wire that has slipped past the door seal is a particularly common cause of a loud scraping or grinding noise in washing machines.
According to Which?, trapped foreign objects are among the most common causes of unusual washing machine noises reported by UK homeowners.
How to fix it:
- Check all pockets before every wash
- Inspect the rubber door seal carefully
- Remove any visible objects
- Clean the pump filter regularly
- Check the drum for loose items before starting a cycle
Routine maintenance can often prevent this problem from occurring in the first place.
3. The 9 Most Common Causes of a Loud Washing Machine (Continued)
Cause 4 — Machine Not Levelled Properly
A washing machine that isn’t sitting level on the floor will vibrate and rattle during the spin cycle, even if there’s nothing mechanically wrong with it. The faster the spin speed, the worse the noise and vibration becomes. In some cases, the machine can actually walk across the floor.
How to Fix It:
- Place a spirit level on top of the machine.
- Check both front-to-back and side-to-side.
- Adjust the machine’s feet until the bubble sits centrally.
- Tighten the locking nuts to prevent the feet from moving over time.
A properly levelled machine should operate much more quietly and with significantly less vibration.
Cause 5 — Blocked or Faulty Drain Pump / Filter
The drain pump removes water from the washing machine during and after the wash cycle. If the pump filter becomes blocked with lint, hair, or small objects, the pump has to work harder, producing a loud humming, buzzing, or grating noise.
A washing machine making a loud noise when draining is often linked to a blocked filter or pump issue.
How to Fix It:
- Locate the pump filter behind the lower front access panel.
- Place a towel underneath before opening it.
- Slowly unscrew the filter.
- Remove lint, debris, coins, and other obstructions.
- Rinse thoroughly and reinstall.
Regular filter cleaning can prevent many common drainage problems.
Cause 6 — Worn or Broken Shock Absorbers
Shock absorbers, also known as dampers, help control drum movement during the spin cycle. When they wear out, the drum can move excessively and strike the machine cabinet, causing loud banging or clanging noises.
This issue is especially common in older washing machines that have seen years of regular use.
Symptoms:
- Excessive drum movement
- Loud banging despite balanced loads
- Increased vibration during spin cycles
- Machine rocking from side to side
Can You Fix It Yourself?
Replacing shock absorbers requires partial disassembly of the appliance. While experienced DIY enthusiasts may be able to perform the repair, most homeowners are better off using a professional appliance repair service.
Cause 7 — Damaged Spider Arm
The spider arm is a metal support bracket attached to the rear of the drum. Over time, corrosion and metal fatigue can weaken the component until it cracks or breaks.
When this happens, the drum becomes unstable and can scrape against the outer tub, creating a loud grinding, roaring, or scraping noise.
Warning Signs:
- Loud grinding during spin
- Drum appears off-centre
- Excessive wobbling
- Metal scraping noises
Important:
If you suspect a damaged spider arm, stop using the machine immediately. Continuing to operate it can cause catastrophic damage to the drum assembly and outer tub.
Cause 8 — Worn Drive Belt or Pulley
The drive belt transfers power from the motor to the drum. As it ages, the belt can become stretched, cracked, or worn, causing a high-pitched squealing noise.
Similarly, a worn pulley can produce squeaks, chirping sounds, or intermittent squealing.
Common Symptoms:
- Squealing during spin
- Reduced spin performance
- Burning rubber smell
- Drum struggling to reach full speed
Can You Fix It Yourself?
Drive belt replacement is possible for confident DIY users, but access requirements vary between manufacturers and models.
Cause 9 — Shipping Bolts Not Removed (New Machines Only)
If your washing machine is brand new and making a loud banging noise, the installation may be the problem.
Transit bolts are fitted during transport to secure the drum and prevent damage. If they are not removed before use, the drum cannot move correctly.
Signs Transit Bolts Are Still Installed:
- Extremely loud banging from first use
- Excessive vibration
- Drum feels rigid
- Noise begins immediately during spin
Always check the installation manual before using a newly installed machine.
4. How to Test Your Drum Bearings at Home
If you suspect worn drum bearings are responsible for your washing machine making a loud noise, there are two simple tests you can perform.
Step 1 — The Drum Spin Test
- Turn off and unplug the machine.
- Open the door.
- Rotate the drum slowly by hand.
A healthy drum should rotate smoothly and quietly.
Potential bearing failure indicators:
- Grinding sounds
- Rough movement
- Resistance while turning
- Rumbling noises
Step 2 — The Drum Lift Test
- Grip the drum at the top (12 o’clock position).
- Gently move it up and down.
A healthy drum should have very little movement.
Signs of bearing failure include:
- Noticeable vertical movement
- Clunking noises
- Clicking sounds
- Loose feeling drum
What the Results Mean
| Result | Likely Diagnosis |
| Smooth, quiet drum | Bearings likely healthy |
| Rough or noisy drum | Bearing wear beginning |
| Drum moves significantly | Bearing failure or spider arm damage |
| Clunking during movement | Immediate inspection recommended |
5. Quick DIY Checks Before You Call Anyone
Before arranging a repair, work through this checklist.
DIY Inspection Checklist
✔ Check clothing pockets for coins, keys, and other loose items
✔ Inspect the rubber door seal for trapped objects
✔ Clean the drain pump filter
✔ Check the machine is level
✔ Redistribute unbalanced laundry loads
✔ Inspect the drain hose for kinks
✔ Confirm transit bolts have been removed on new machines
✔ Look for signs of leaks, grease, or black dust underneath the appliance
Many noisy washing machine issues can be resolved in just a few minutes using these simple checks.
6. Washing Machine Loud Noise — By Cycle Stage
The timing of the noise often provides an important clue.
| Cycle Stage | Common Noise | Most Likely Cause |
| Fill Cycle | Loud humming or banging pipes | Water supply issue or water hammer |
| Wash Cycle | Grinding or rattling | Foreign object or bearing wear |
| Spin Cycle | Banging, grinding, squealing | Bearings, drive belt, shock absorbers, unbalanced load |
| Drain Cycle | Humming or grating | Blocked pump filter or worn pump |
| End of Cycle | Single clunk or click | Usually normal motor operation |
Identifying when the noise occurs can significantly narrow down the possible causes.
7. When Should You Stop Using Your Washing Machine?
Many washing machine noises can wait until a convenient repair appointment. Others require immediate action.
Stop Using the Machine Immediately If You Notice:
- A grinding noise that becomes louder with every wash
- Black dust, grease, or oily water underneath the machine
- Severe vibration despite correct levelling
- Persistent scraping sounds
- Burning smells alongside unusual noises
- The drum sitting off-centre
- A roaring or jet-like sound during spin
If your washing machine shows any of these warning signs, stop using it and arrange an inspection as soon as possible. At Westminster Appliances.
For urgent faults that could lead to further damage, seeking emergency appliance repair assistance can often prevent a minor issue from turning into a major expense.
8. Should You Repair or Replace a Noisy Washing Machine?
One of the most common questions we hear from customers is whether a noisy washing machine is worth repairing or if replacement is the smarter option.
The answer depends on three key factors:
- The age of the machine
- The type of fault
- The cost of repair compared to replacement
When Repair Is Worth It
In most cases, repairing a washing machine makes sense when:
- The appliance is less than five years old
- The fault is minor, such as a blocked pump filter or foreign object
- The issue involves a drive belt or shock absorber replacement
- The machine is still under warranty
- The repair cost is significantly lower than replacement
Many washing machine problems that cause loud noises can be fixed quickly and economically by a qualified repair engineer.
When Replacement Makes More Sense
Replacement may be the better option if:
- The machine is more than eight years old
- Drum bearings have completely failed
- The spider arm is severely damaged
- Multiple components are failing simultaneously
- Repair costs exceed 50% of the cost of a comparable new appliance
As a general rule, older appliances suffering from major structural faults are often beyond economical repair.
For a detailed breakdown of costs and decision-making factors, see our Repair vs Replace Appliance Guide on Westminster Appliances. It explains when repairing an appliance is financially sensible and when replacement provides better long-term value.
Average Washing Machine Lifespan in the UK
Most washing machines last between 7 and 11 years, depending on:
- Brand quality
- Usage frequency
- Maintenance habits
- Water conditions
Regular servicing and proper maintenance can often extend the lifespan significantly.
9. How to Prevent Your Washing Machine Making Loud Noises
Prevention is always easier and cheaper than repair.
Many causes of a washing machine making a loud noise can be avoided through simple maintenance and good usage habits.
Loading Tips to Protect Your Machine
- Avoid overloading the drum
- Mix heavy and light items together
- Avoid washing single heavy items on their own
- Use mesh laundry bags for bras and delicate items
- Follow the manufacturer’s load recommendations
Monthly Maintenance Checklist
- Clean the pump filter
- Inspect the rubber door seal
- Run a hot maintenance wash
- Check machine levelling
- Inspect the drain hose
- Remove detergent residue buildup
Additional Noise Reduction Tips
- Reduce spin speed where appropriate
- Install anti-vibration pads
- Leave clearance between the machine and surrounding walls
- Use the correct amount of detergent
- Address unusual noises immediately before they worsen
Small maintenance tasks performed regularly can prevent many expensive repairs later.
10. Conclusion
A washing machine making a loud noise doesn’t automatically mean an expensive repair is on the horizon. In many cases, the issue is something simple, such as an unbalanced load, a blocked filter, or a foreign object trapped inside the machine.
However, noises such as grinding, roaring, or persistent scraping should never be ignored. These symptoms often indicate serious faults such as worn drum bearings, damaged spider arms, or suspension problems that require professional attention.
By identifying the type of noise and when it occurs during the cycle, you can often diagnose the problem quickly and avoid unnecessary damage.
If in doubt, arranging an inspection early can prevent a small issue becoming a major repair.
11. Washing Machine Making Loud Noise in London? Westminster Appliances Can Help
If you’ve followed this guide and your washing machine is still making a loud noise, our experienced team is here to help.
At Westminster Appliances, we provide professional appliance repair services throughout London, covering all major manufacturers including Bosch, Hotpoint, Samsung, Indesit, Beko, Hoover, and many more.
Whether you’re dealing with:
- Grinding noises during spin
- Loud banging and vibration
- Drain pump problems
- Drum bearing failures
- Squealing drive belts
- General washing machine faults
Our qualified engineers can quickly diagnose the issue and provide honest advice on whether repair or replacement is the most cost-effective solution.
Why choose Westminster Appliances?
- Same-day and next-day appointments available
- Experienced domestic appliance repair engineers
- All major washing machine brands covered
- Honest repair vs replacement advice
- Fast response throughout London
Visit Westminster Appliances today to book a repair or discuss your washing machine problem with our friendly team.
For more appliance care tips, repair advice, and the latest updates, follow Westminster Appliances on Instagram. If you’ve used our services, we’d greatly appreciate you taking a moment to leave us a Google review—your feedback helps us continue providing trusted appliance repairs across London.
12. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it normal for a washing machine to make a loud noise when spinning?
Some noise during the spin cycle is completely normal. However, loud banging, grinding, squealing, or roaring sounds are not normal and should be investigated.
Q: Can a brand-new washing machine make loud noises?
Yes. The most common cause is transit bolts that haven’t been removed during installation. These bolts prevent the drum from moving correctly and can cause excessive noise and vibration.
Q: Why is my washing machine suddenly louder than usual?
A sudden increase in noise is often caused by:
- Foreign objects trapped in the drum
- Unbalanced laundry loads
- A blocked pump filter
- Early-stage bearing wear
Q: Why is my washing machine making a loud noise and not spinning properly?
This often indicates:
- Drum bearing failure
- Drive belt problems
- Pump issues
- Motor-related faults
Professional diagnosis may be required if basic troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the problem.
Q: Can overloading damage a washing machine?
Yes. Regular overloading places additional strain on bearings, shock absorbers, suspension components, and drive belts, leading to premature wear and louder operation.
Q: How do I know if my drum bearings have failed?
Common signs include:
- Loud rumbling during spin
- Drum movement during the lift test
- Grinding sounds when turning the drum by hand
- Grease or oily residue underneath the machine
Q: Is it safe to keep using a washing machine with a grinding noise?
Not always. Grinding can indicate a trapped foreign object, but it may also signal bearing failure or spider arm damage. If the noise continues or worsens, stop using the appliance and arrange a repair.
Q: Why do my water pipes bang when the washing machine fills?
This is often caused by water hammer, a plumbing issue where fast-moving water suddenly stops. The problem is usually related to household pipework rather than the washing machine itself.
Q: How much does washing machine repair cost in the UK?
Costs vary depending on the fault. Minor repairs are usually inexpensive, while major repairs involving drum bearings or structural components require more labour and therefore cost more.
Q: When should I call a professional repair engineer?
You should seek professional assistance if:
- The machine fails the drum bearing tests
- The noise persists after basic troubleshooting
- The appliance vibrates excessively
- You notice burning smells, grease, or scraping sounds