Refrigerator - Intermittent Buzzing or Vibrating Noise

If you hear a buzzing noise coming from your Refrigerator, it is most likely coming from the icemaker or water valve. This sound is normal.

 

Understanding Why a Refrigerator Is Making an Intermittent Buzzing or Vibrating Noise

The icemaker will make a rattling, humming, buzzing, or vibrating sound during the following conditions.

 
  • The icemaker is trying to fill with water. This would occur approximately every 1 hour to 1-1/2 hours.
  • The icemaker is On, but the water supply to the Refrigerator is turned Off. The buzzing noise would be be heard approximately every 15 minutes (every time the icemaker calls for water). Check and make sure the water is turned on to the icemaker.
    • On models with the XWF water filter, found on many Bottom-Freezer and Side-by-Side Refrigerator models, you may hear the sound for 5 seconds about once every hour. It is caused by an isolation valve that is designed to help prevent major leaks from the filter.

To keep a constant buzzing every 15 minutes from occurring, make sure the icemaker is turned OFF if water is not connected to the Refrigerator.

 

Additional Appliance Support

You may want to take a look at our Refrigerator - Normal Sounds and Noises Made article.

 

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