Fix Your Stuff Community Store

Repair guides and support for top and front loading Whirlpool brand washers.

480 Questions View all | 964 Parts Shop

Options

Why does my washing machine make noise when not in use?

I woke up this morning to a strange noise coming from my laundry room. My washer seemed to be making a noise that sounded like it was slightly running (not agitating or filling with water, just kind of humming). The noise stopped when I unplugged it. But when I tried to turn it on to run a cycle, nothing happened. None of the lights turned on or anything at all. When I plug it back in, the sound starts again after about 5 to 10 seconds.

Update (10/28/23)

The noise seems to be coming from the water drainage hose. It is like it's trying to empty water from the machine but it's not turned on.

Answer this question I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Yes No
Score 1
1 Comment

Hi @moriahmedina,

What is the model number of the washer?

by

Add a comment

3 Answers

Filter by:
Most Helpful Newest Oldest
Most Helpful Answer

Options

"The noise stopped when I unplugged it. But when I tried to turn it on to run a cycle, nothing happened." >> you didn't plug it in!

"When I plug it back in, the sound starts again after about 5 to 10 seconds." >> Your water pump may be activating. If anything is activating when it is OFF, that would indicate a defective controller.

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No
Score 2

8 Comments:

I did plug it back in when I tried to run the cycle. I didn't try to turn it on after I had unplugged it.

Thank you so much for the info about the defective controller. I will look into it. Thank you.

by

Did you ever get it fixed? Mines doing exact same thing now

by

@alison86293

What is the model number of the washer?

by

Most Whirlpool washing machines will have a PCB schematic inside the unit for technician reference. The document should contain info telling you what pins connect to components from the controller. You can use a multimeter to determine if the water pump is activating at the wrong time.

by

Whirlpool has a known issue of washers making noise when off and they are fixing them for free. If you have a whirlpool…call the 800 number

by

Show 3 more comments

Add a comment

Options

Hi, just yesterday returning to our vacation home we discovered our washer making the same noise immediately after we turned the water back on after being away for 3 weeks. I too have model WTW4816FW3.

Since I couldn't make it stop by pressing buttons I simply unplugged it overnight. This morning I plugged it back in and after about 5 seconds the same buzzing noise started up. There were no control light indicators on, so I pressed the start/reset button for more than 3 seconds and the noise stopped. I'm currently running an empty load to see what happens next, and I will also be calling Whirlpool to check on a fix and/or warranty claim.

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No
Score 0
Add a comment

Options

1- Unplug the washing machine for 10 seconds.

2- Plug it in and wait 10 seconds. It may make the noise again.

3- Press the start button for five seconds and the noise will go away.

4- Wait five seconds and start washing a load as normal.

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No
Score 0
Add a comment

Add your answer

Moriah Medina will be eternally grateful.
View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 29

Past 7 Days: 199

Past 30 Days: 786

All Time: 9,007