Top Load Washer - Normal Sounds

Below is a list of sounds you may hear during the typical operation of a GTW460*, GTW485*, GTW490*, GTW680*, GTW750* washer model purchased September of 2015 and after.

These washing machines were designed to provide a great wash on all cycles and provide options that help make the chore of laundry more enjoyable.

Normal Noises

This information is intended to help educate you on what is considered the normal noise of these washers. Each time the lid is closed, the wash system senses the wash load and engages a new drive system programmed to reduce wear on clothing while maintaining great cleaning performance.

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Cycle	Sound	Reason
Lid Locking / Sensing	Metallic "Click"	At the beginning of the cycle, the lid will lock, creating a clicking noise. The basket will then spin up and coast down several times to sense the load size.
Water Fill	Waterfall sound and electric hum	Water is being added to the basket and the basket slowly spins to distribute the water evenly over the clothes.
Agitating (recirculating pump on)	Grinding or electric pulse with waterfall sound	The machine has a drive system that uses gears. The sound is the motor rotating back and forth to agitate the laundry.
Agitating	Electric hum or grinding sound	The impeller rotates one direction, followed by a short pause, and then rotates the opposite direction.
Drain	Electric hum with water flowing	Occurs when the unit pumps the water out.
Drain (End)	Slurping or gurgling noise	At the end of the drain cycle caused by the combination of air and water being pumped out.

Normal sounds you may hear during typical operation of a GTW460/GTW485/GTW490*:

Cycle	Sound	Reason
Lid Locking / Sensing	Metallic "Click"	At the beginning of the cycle, the lid will lock creating a clicking noise. The basket will then spin up and coast down several times to sense the load size.
Water Fill	Waterfall sound and electric hum	Water is being added to the basket and the basket slowly spins to distribute the water evenly over the clothes.
Agitating	Electric hum or grinding sound	The agitator rotates one direction, followed by a short pause, and then rotates the opposite direction.
Drain	Electric hum with water flowing	Occurs when the unit pumps the water out.
Drain (End)	Slurping or gurgling noise	At the end of the drain cycle caused by the combination of air and water being pumped out.
Spin	Motor "ramping (speeding) up" or "coasting (slowing) down"	The motor will speed up incrementally during the spin cycle. When the spin is complete, it will coast until it stops.

Repair Service Needed

If the above suggestions do not resolve the concern with a noise your washer is making, service may be needed. For repair service, please schedule a repair appointment with GE Appliances Factory Service.