When a washer makes a buzzing sound, the most common fault is that there is something stuck in the pump and blocking it. The buzzing sound occurs as the drain pump tries to run but something is blocking it and the “buzzing” noise occurs. As a blocked pump is the most probable cause for a buzzing washer, there can also be a other problems that can cause this noise. We will list the most common reasons for this problem beginning with the most probable first. If your washing machine is NOT buzzing but instead your washer is not spinning or draining during the cycle, then a different troubleshooting method is needed.
MOST PROBABLE REASONS FOR A BUZZING SOUND IN WASHING MACHINE:
- Blocked Drain Pump: An object has lodged itself inside of the drain pump. There can be items such as a small sock, a coin, a toothpick, or something small in your clothes pockets when you wash them. These items can fall out of the pockets and end up in the drain pump causing it to become blocked and make the buzzing noise you hear. Here is an audio recording of a blocked drain pump. Unfortunately, the only way to fix this problem is to take the washing machine apart and open up the pump and remove the object causing the buzz sound. To find directions to take your specific washing machine apart, do a Google search for Make and Model of your washer.
- Motor Coupling Broken: The motor coupling has broke and the motor turns but nothing happens. This will also cause a buzzing noise which can also be described as a vibrating noise. To fix this issue you will need to take the washer apart. Here is a video to show you what to look for if your washer motor coupler is broken. Once you know that the motor coupling is broken and needs replaced, we recommend ordering the part online. Simply do a search for “washing machine model motor coupler” and you will find the part needed for your specific washing machine.
- Washer Drive Block Loose or Worn: The washer drive block is not tight or has worn out. The part will need to be replaced to fix this problem. Here is an audio clip of a worn washer drive block to help you to diagnose that this is your actual issue. To further assist you with this issue, here is a video to show you how to replace a washer drive block.
- Worn Agitator Dogs: When these are worn, you will hear a clicking or crunching noise. These small plastic parts are used to turn the top of the agitator in one direction. This pushes the clothes down to the bottom part of the agitator to be washed. Here is what your washing machine will sound like when the agitator dog ears are worn. To replace these, order them online (about $5 bucks) and then install them in your washer. Here is a video to show you how to remove and replace washing machine agitator dogs.
- Washer Motor Burned Out: This may result in a buzzing noise depending on circumstances. The way to tell a bad motor is a distinct burning smell. This usually means your washing machine is old and the motor has died from old age. You may need to start thinking about buying a new washing machine. if that is not possible, you can buy a new washer motor for around $100 and install it yourself. Here is video showing how to remove a washing machine motor.
CAUTION: When troubleshooting your washing machine problems, always be safe by unplugging the machine and using common sense. Think SAFETY!
The website RepairClinic has thousands of parts for your washing machine and has many troubleshooting methods to fix any appliance. Another DIY appliance website is AppliancePartsPros which can assist you greatly when needing washing machine parts.
If you have another probable cause for a buzzing washing machine, please leave a comment below to assist others.
Yvonne,
If the door buzzes be sure you put the correct OEM door switch in your Frigidaire washer. Some generic washer parts MAY NOT fit perfectly and therefore buzzing and vibration will occur. Either way be sure it is secure and tight or vibration may occur. Re-tighten the screws holding it in place. Also, be sure it is correctly in place and seated properly. If you do have an OEM part, and it is installed correctly, and the buzzing vibration persists, then yes a new strike may be needed. Also be sure the hinges on the washer door are tight as if these become loose the door can droop down and not line up perfectly and therefore cause the buzzing sound from vibration.
-RR
I just replaced the door lock assembly on my Frigidaire infinity washer. Spin works now, but the door lock area makes a loud buzzing sound. I took it back apart and checked everything and put back together tightly. It buzzes worse. If I push on the door or hold it up slightly, it might stop briefly but starts up again. Seems to be a vibration buzz. Only read one other person online with this problem and it only said make sure it is tight and replace the striker. Have ordered striker. Any other ideas in the meantime?
Steve,
Is the sound more of a buzzing (electrical) or a humming (vibration) sound? Sounds like you may need to inspect and test the motor. If the lid switch is working properly and the washer changes, works okay sometimes and sometimes not, test the motor and cap if applicable. When you say it sometimes shuts off, at what exact point does it USUALLY shut off? Can you supply us with your Whirlpool Top Load serial number?
-RR
I have a Whirlpool washing machine. It makes a buzzing sound from the bottom, but it is not an exact or patterned noise. Sometimes loud sometimes not. Sometimes it will make the noise and then “catch” noise goes away and washer continues to work.
Other times it will make the buzzing sounds and then shut off like a relay or something overheating, then when it seems it has cooled down it will click and start on its own. Sometimes it will finish the entire cycles and load sometimes it will shut down again and then come on later.
It doesn’t seem to just be before the spin cycle, but that is when it happens most often. It does seem to happen anytime the drum needs to spin, agitate or the other motion it makes when draining. So just not sure what it is. The washer actually works and completes load all the way without it buzzing, shutting down and then starting back up where it left off.
Initially when this started happening I thought I had smelled an electrical burn smell, but as this has gone on for a little while when it happens and shuts off or keeps running i do not smell the electrical burnt smell.
I tested the lid switch with multi-meter and the ohms checked out, meaning the switch is okay, per the meter reading of 0.03 -0.00, than open lid and infinite. So seems like it is not the switch and the noise comes from the bottom of the washer.
Any help before i drop $500 on a new washing machine?
Whirlpool top load Supreme 8 cycle 2 setting washing machine.
I have the same problem – humming sound after wash cycle. washer wont drain. The humming sound is intermittent. It would hum, stop for a while and hum again. Like the machine is trying to do something but something is preventing it. After an extend time, it just starts draining/spinning and completes the wash cycle.
I checked the pump suction and discharge but there was nothing wrong. I checked the the pump itself and it seemed fine. I moved the impeller with my fingers and it turned fine.
I am a couples away from buying a new set. Any help is appreciated.
my son overloaded my washer, I found it all moved around from being off balance I assumed. I turned it on and it was making a loud noise.
found youtube video, took apart, and found the motor coupler broke, I replaced that and put back together. now it is just making a light buzzing noise. before I couldn’t even turn the agitator with my hand, but now I can. But it still doesn’t spin. When I had it apart, I noticed that some oil leaked from transmission.. Please help! what do I need to do now!!
Found a sock from my 2 year old in the pump. Removed and working perfectly now. Thanks for your help!!
Dave,
Unplug the washer for 10 minutes and plug back in. This may reset an issue the washer is having. If this does not remedy the problem, let us know where the buzzing is coming from. (Panel, Motor, etc).
-RR
Can any one help I have a dyson washer but when I press the start button it makes a buzzing noise from the draw and just keeps saying press start
Oh my God this article is awesome, my washing machine started acting up the motor wouldn’t do anything but buzz, I started thinking man oh man im gonna have to buy a new motor, 150.00 oh no, then I thought even worse a new washing machine, I read your article and checked my washer pump, my infant 1 year olds sock was lodged tightly in the pump and twisted it and got it out put it all back together and the washer is back in business you saved me a ton.