Noises Only When Appliances Run

This hub covers noises that only happen when appliances or automated systems run—washing machines filling, dishwashers cycling, ice makers shutting off, or water heaters refilling.

Because these events can involve fast valve shutoff or high demand, the sound may be banging, rattling, or buzzing and may only happen during certain cycles.

Use the groups below to match which appliance or system triggers the noise and open the closest article title.

Related subcategory: Air, Noise & Vibration in Pipes

Washing machine, dishwasher, and ice maker noises

Noises tied to common kitchen and laundry appliance events. These are often brief and tied to fill, drain, or valve actions.

• Pipes noisy when washing machine fills

  Typically heard when the washer’s inlet valves open; sounds range from a light rattle to a sharp bang and often point to loose pipe straps or fast valve action.

• Pipes vibrate during clothes wash

  Vibration may come from pump cycles or tub movement transmitting through piping and mounting points; checking supports and isolation can narrow the cause.

• Noise when dishwasher runs

  Noises during a dishwasher cycle can come from fill valves, circulation pumps, or water hammer when flows change quickly.

• Rattling during dishwasher drain

  Rattles on drain are often due to loose drain lines, air in the trap, or vibration against cabinet framing; the sound usually coincides with the disposal or pump running.

• Hammer when ice maker shuts off

  A brief hammer or bang when an ice maker stops filling is commonly caused by a fast-closing fill valve or marginally secured piping that shifts under pressure.

Heater, humidifier, and softener cycles

Noises that happen when household systems refill or regenerate. These systems often run on timers or demand cycles that produce intermittent noise.

• Noise when water heater refills

  Refill noises can be caused by inlet valves or the heater’s dip tube; mineral buildup and pressure changes may make the sound more pronounced.

• Noise when humidifier runs

  Humidifier cycles may produce humming or clunking from internal pumps or from water flow through small piping and valves.

• Noise during water softener regeneration

  Regeneration includes timed fills and backwashes; banging or gurgling during those steps usually tracks to valves, brine lines, or loose fittings.

• Pipes noisy during dryer steam cycle

  Steam or water injection cycles on a dryer can cause short bursts of flow and pressure change, leading to rattling or knocking in nearby piping.

Smart shutoff and pump-related noise

Buzzing or noise tied to smart valves or booster pumps. Electrical devices and small pumps can add a distinct tone or buzz when they cycle.

• Buzzing when smart shutoff cycles

  Electronic shutoff valves may buzz or click when actuated; the sound often comes from the valve motor or solenoid rather than the piping itself.

• Noise when pressure booster pump runs

  Booster pumps can transmit vibration and tone into plumbing, especially if mounts or isolation are degraded.

Irrigation and outdoor auto-fill

Noise that happens during irrigation hours or when outdoor auto-fill runs. These events usually occur on timers or at set pressures.

• Noise when sprinkler system starts

  Start-up noises are commonly from zone valves opening or pressure surges; intermittent banging or whining usually lines up with zone activation.

• Noises only during irrigation hours

  If sounds only appear during scheduled irrigation, they likely stem from controller cycles, backflow preventers, or shared supply vibrations.

• Hammer when pool autofill runs

  Pool autofill valves can close quickly and cause water hammer or knocking in the supply lines if arrestors or restraints are absent.

RO system, fridge, and sump discharge links

Noises tied to specialty water uses or discharge events. These are often brief and linked to tank fills or pump discharges.

• Banging when reverse osmosis system fills

  RO storage tanks fill intermittently and can create a knocking or banging when check valves or tubing shift under pressure.

• Noise when fridge water dispenser used

  Fridge fills and dispenser cycles can cause clicking or knocking from small solenoid valves or short bursts of flow through tight tubing.

• Pipes noisy when sump pump discharges

  Sump discharge events can cause surges and vibrations in outdoor or basement piping, especially when check valves slam or hoses move.

General appliance-only pattern

When the noise only happens during cycles and not during normal hand use, it points to device timing or automated valves.

• Noise only during appliance cycles

  Patterns that strictly match appliance cycles suggest the source is the appliance or its valves rather than steady household plumbing.

All Articles in This Cluster

• Pipes noisy when washing machine fills
• Pipes vibrate during clothes wash
• Noise when dishwasher runs
• Rattling during dishwasher drain
• Hammer when ice maker shuts off
• Noise when water heater refills
• Noise when humidifier runs
• Noise during water softener regeneration
• Pipes noisy during dryer steam cycle
• Buzzing when smart shutoff cycles
• Noise when pressure booster pump runs
• Noise when sprinkler system starts
• Noises only during irrigation hours
• Hammer when pool autofill runs
• Banging when reverse osmosis system fills
• Noise when fridge water dispenser used
• Pipes noisy when sump pump discharges
• Noise only during appliance cycles