How to Soundproof a Dishwasher in 8 Simple Steps
We all love some peace and quiet in the home.
Unfortunately, there are so many causes of noise in every home. In most houses, the dishwasher is one of the biggest culprits.
Whenever there is a load of dishes in the washer, the house can get quite noisy making it difficult to get any work done.
It can also get a bit strenuous trying to hear what someone else is saying.
The good news is that it is entirely possible to have soundproof the dishwasher.
Although you can easily get a quieter dishwasher thanks to the advanced technology, you can simply soundproof your existing one.
Besides saving you a couple of bucks, it will have your home much quieter and return a sense of peace and quiet even with a load of dishes in the washer.
In this article, we are going to highlight a few easy steps to soundproof your dishwasher.
But first, let's take a look at some essential points.
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A Noisy Dishwasher?
If your dishwasher is suddenly making all kinds of noises, then there may be something wrong with it.
You should consider getting it checked especially if it hasn’t been making any noises before.
Some of the reasons why it so noisy suddenly could be:
The pump operates the spray arms and drains the water from the dishwasher.
It consists of the impeller and filter and is located at the bottom.
If the noise from your dishwasher is coming from the bottom, then there are chances that the pump is malfunctioned.
There could be some debris stuck in the pump.
Cleaning the dishwasher could help you fix this problem.
If debris is not the cause of the problem, then you may have to change the pump entirely.
The spray arms need to be working effortlessly. They should be rotating correctly without any inhibition.
Worn out spray arms could be the cause of all the noise.
Check them and have them replaced is they are wobbly.
Another cause for all the noise from your dishwasher could be broken bearings and loose seals.
Bearings and seals are usually made of plastic. This means that they can easily wear out and break.
If this is the case, then you will need to have them replaced.
How to Soundproof a Dishwasher
If the noise from your dishwasher is really quite a bother, then you can think of getting a much quieter one.
Newer models produce so much less noise as compared to the older ones.
There are even some on the market that are said to be soundproof.
However, they are not entirely noise-free and some can get just as noisy.
Rather than spend extra money on getting a new dishwasher, soundproofing your existing one is a much cheaper option.
Here's what you'll need to do so as to ensure that there is no noise from your dishwasher.
Step 1: Unplug the dishwasher from the power source
Of course, you need to make sure that you are safe as you set out on making the dishwasher soundproof.
The first thing you have to do is turn off the washer’s water source as well as unplug it from the power source.
You can then shift the dishwasher to a safe location if necessary before you proceed.
Step 2: Remove the door panel
If you are not particularly familiar with your dishwasher, this may seem like a hard task.
However, it is quite simple.
With a Philip's head screwdriver, remove the screws from the edge of the dishwasher along with the inside of the door.
Carefully close the door and then proceed to remove the front panel.
Step 3: Take measurements
It is important to have the right measurements so that you know how much soundproofing material you are going to require.
Take measurements of the length, width, and depth of the dishwasher without the panel.
Step 4: Install the soundproofing material
With the measurements taken in step 3 above, purchase the right insulation material.
Although there are some that you can use, dishwasher soundproofing material, as well as these sound blocking sheets, work great on the dishwasher.
Depending on your measurements, you may have to cut the soundproofing material so that it fits.
However, try as much as you can to get the right depth.
Cutting down on the depth is much harder than cutting down on the length and width.
Attach the soundproofing material to the front panel and install the panel back to where it was.
Ensure that the screws are tightly in place.
Step 5: Detach the water lines and drag the dishwater from the wall
One crucial place that you have to soundproof is the back of the dishwasher.
To do this, you will have to first disconnect all the water lines.
Proceed to drag the dishwasher out of its place away from the wall giving yourself ample space to work on the back as well.
Step 6: Install insulating blanket around the dishwasher
Normally, dishwashers come with soundproofing insulation wrapped all around them.
With time, the insulation gets worn out and doesn’t do much to absorb the sound.
You will find the insulation attached to the dishwasher with rivets.
Carefully remove the insulation with pins or needle pliers. Doing so will allow you to reuse them when installing the new insulation.
Using the rivets, insert the dishwasher insulation blanket and push it into the frame.
This will help the rivets automatically lock into place.
Click here for reviews of the best dishwasher insulation blankets.
Step 7: Attach soundproofing mats
One major cause for noise is when the dishwasher shakes and hits the wall at the back.
To minimize this, you will have to attach some soundproofing to the back wall.
For this, you will have to cut two horizontal and two vertical strips of the soundproofing mat.
Attach the strips to the back of the dishwasher.
You can use a strong adhesive to ensure that they are firmly held in place.
Alternatively, you can use several strips of mass loaded vinyl on both the horizontal and vertical edges of the dishwasher.
Step 8: Return everything back to its place
Once all that is done, it is safe to return the dishwasher back to place.
Drag it back into its usual position and reconnect the water lines.
Make sure that they are correctly placed before powering the dishwasher.
You can then proceed to plug it back into its power source.
When everything is back as it should be, test the dishwasher to ensure that it is working and most importantly, you have successfully managed to dampen the noise.
On Soundproofing Dishwasher
What most people do not realize is that almost any appliance in the house can be made soundproof.
Rather than have to endure an annoying couple of minutes when the dishwasher is running, simply follow the guide above to soundproof your dishwasher.
However, if you follow the steps above and the dishwasher is still noisy, contact a certified electrician to rule out the possibility of a faulty machine.
If this is the case, you may find it cheaper to buy a new machine.
Soundproofing your dishwasher does not have to be a daunting step.
It doesn’t even have to take up much of your time.
With these simple 8 steps, your dishwasher should be good to go within a couple of minutes!
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How to Soundproof a Dishwasher in 8 Simple Steps
Is your dishwasher making lots of noises? You might have a faulty dishwasher. Here's how to soundproof a dishwasher in 8 simple steps.
Instructions
- Unplug The Dishwasher From The Power Source
- Remove The Door Panel
- Take Measurements
- Install The Soundproofing Material
- Detach The Water Lines And Drag The Dishwater From The Wall
- Install Insulating Blanket Around The Dishwasher
- Attach soundproofing mats
- Return Everything Back To Its Place