Are Noises Normal with a New Washing Machine in Surrey?

You've just had a new washing machine installed, and now it's clicking, thumping, humming, or shaking its way through its first cycle. Naturally, that raises a question: is something wrong, or is this just what new machines do?

Quick take: Most noises from a new washing machine are completely normal, particularly in the first few washes. The key question isn't whether there's any noise, but what kind of noise and when it happens. That said, a handful of sounds do need attention. For many Surrey homeowners, the cause turns out to be something simple like a levelling issue or transport bolts that were never removed. This blog walks through what's normal, what's not, and what to check before calling anyone out.

Is It Normal for a New Washing Machine to Make Noise?

Yes, absolutely. A new washing machine will often sound quite different from the old one, and that can catch people off guard. UK manufacturer guidance confirms that low-level noise during a wash programme is completely normal, and that most sounds from a new washing machine are either expected or easy to correct.

The more useful framing is this: the right question isn't "Is there any noise?" but "What type of noise, and when does it happen?" A brief thump during a mode change, a click as the door locks, or a quiet hum while the pump drains water are all part of standard operation.

What does warrant attention is noise that's persistent, getting worse, or paired with something else going wrong, like the machine not spinning, moving across the floor, or showing an error code. For most Surrey households though, those early unfamiliar sounds are nothing to worry about.

Common Noises After Getting a New Washing Machine

New washing machines produce a wider range of sounds than many people expect. The most common ones include thumping, rattling, squealing, knocking, humming, buzzing, clicking, and occasional gurgling during the drain phase.

It helps to split these into two groups.

Noises that are usually normal include door-lock clicking at the start of a cycle, a quiet hum during draining, brief load-sensing spins before the main wash begins, spray sounds as water enters the drum, and some knocking as the machine shifts between programme stages.

Noises that need checking include repeated rattling throughout the cycle, violent banging, unusually loud vibration, persistent squealing, a jet-like roaring sound, or grinding that carries on even after you've done the basic checks.

If you're based in Guildford, Woking, or anywhere else across Surrey and you're unsure which category your noise falls into, keep reading. The sections below cover each type in detail. For any plumbing issues connected to the installation itself, the Plumbing Surrey team is always on hand.

Why Your New Washing Machine Makes Banging or Thumping Sounds

Banging and thumping from a new washing machine usually come down to one of four things: a normal shift in the drive system, an unbalanced load, a machine that isn't level, or transport bolts that were left in after delivery.

For a brand-new appliance, that last point is the one to check first. Transport bolts (sometimes called transit bolts or shipping bolts) are fitted by manufacturers to protect the drum during delivery. They must be removed before the new washing machine is used. UK manufacturer and retailer guidance consistently flags this as the first thing to check when a new washer makes a knocking noise. Leaving them in can cause loud banging and lasting drum damage. Some manufacturers state that failure to remove transit bolts will void the warranty.

Once you've confirmed the bolts are out, look at load balance and levelling. An off-balance load, like a single heavy item such as a duvet, jeans, or a bathmat, can cause the drum to hit the cabinet during spin, which sounds far worse than it is. Redistributing the load and running the cycle again usually sorts it. Manufacturer guidance notes that large items such as towels and bedsheets are among the most common causes of thumping on new machines.

It's also worth checking that drain and inlet hoses aren't resting against the back panel, as they can knock at higher spin speeds.

Homeowners in Epsom, Reigate, and Sutton fitting a new washing machine should run through this checklist before assuming there's a fault.

What Causes a New Washing Machine to Vibrate or Shake?

Some movement during spin is expected. Some shaking during spin is normal. What isn't is a machine that walks across the floor, vibrates heavily enough to rattle nearby items, or produces a deep thudding throughout the cycle.

The most common causes are an uneven or unsuitable floor, poor levelling, an unbalanced or overloaded drum, or transport bolts that are still fitted.

Floor type matters more than most people realise. UK manufacturer guidance advises against wooden floors, noting they are particularly unsuitable for washing machines. If your utility room has floorboards, the machine may need a solid board underneath to reduce flex. Carpet or soft tiled flooring can also allow a machine to shift during spin, so a hard, stable surface, ideally in a corner, is the better option.

Levelling is a quick fix. All four feet should be in firm contact with the floor, and the lock nut on each one should be tightened once the correct height is set. UK guidance explains that a noisy or vibrating new washing machine is sometimes simply a case of feet not being properly adjusted.

Finally, watch how you load it. Overloading or throwing in a single heavy item can throw the drum off balance. A balanced, sensibly loaded drum makes a real difference to how quietly a machine runs.

Customers in Camberley, Farnham, and Dorking can get in touch with Plumbing Surrey for plumbing support if vibration issues persist after running through these checks.

New Washing Machine Humming, Buzzing, or Clicking Noises

Humming, buzzing, and clicking are the sounds most likely to cause unnecessary worry, because several versions of each are completely normal.

A quiet hum during the drain phase is the pump doing its job. UK manufacturer guidance confirms this is a standard operating noise, most common as water clears the drum. Clicking at the start of a cycle is also expected: the door locks, unlocks, and locks again before spinning begins. Some machines also click during load sensing before water is added.

A louder hum is worth checking. This can happen when the water supply valve isn't fully open and the machine can't fill properly. Turn the valve fully open and run a cycle.

Repetitive tapping throughout the whole cycle, rather than just at the start, is usually something knocking the cabinet. Hoses that aren't properly routed, or a small item caught near the drum seal, can produce sounds that feel alarming but have simple causes.

If you're in Redhill or Dorking and can't pin down the source of a persistent noise, the Plumbing Surrey team is always happy to help with the plumbing side of things.

When to Worry About Noises from a New Washing Machine

Most noises from a new washing machine are harmless, but some do need attention. The ones worth acting on are persistent, worsening, violent, or paired with another problem such as the machine failing to spin, moving across the floor, or showing an error.

Persistent grating should prompt you to clean the debris filter, but a jet-like noise requires a service call. If vibration and movement continue after the standard checks, book a repair. If a new washing machine is still knocking loudly after transit bolts have been removed, it may have sustained drum damage.

From a consumer rights angle, UK law confirms that faulty goods must be offered a full refund, and that items returned within six months must generally be repaired or replaced. The seller, not the manufacturer, is responsible. If the fault appears genuine, contact the retailer first.

It's also worth registering it with the manufacturer so you can be contacted if a safety recall is issued. If an appliance appears unsafe, stop using it, unplug it, and return it to the retailer rather than attempting a repair yourself.

Customers across Guildford, Woking, Sutton, Epsom, and Reigate can reach the Plumbing Surrey team for plumbing work connected to appliance installation, including water supply, drainage, and connection work.

Final Thoughts on Noises from a New Washing Machine

A new washing machine can sound unfamiliar without being faulty. Before treating any noise as a defect, work through the checklist: transit bolts removed, machine properly levelled, solid floor, hoses clear, load balanced, water supply valve fully open. These steps resolve the vast majority of noise complaints across Surrey.

Normal noises are brief, tied to a specific programme stage, and don't get worse. The sounds that need action are those that remain after the basic checks or cause the machine to move.

If you think there's a genuine fault, keep your proof of purchase and contact the retailer. In the UK, you're entitled to a repair, replacement, or refund if a product is faulty. For plumbing work connected to a new washing machine installation, the team at Plumbing Surrey covers the full stretch of Surrey, from Camberley and Farnham to Redhill and Dorking. Get in touch if you need a hand.

New Washing Machine Noises FAQs

Is it normal for a brand-new washing machine to sound different from the old one?

Yes. New machines use different motor and pump designs, so sounds during wash, spin, and drain can differ quite a bit from what you're used to. UK manufacturer guidance confirms low-level noise during a wash programme is normal, and that most sounds are either expected or easily corrected.

Are clicks right after I press Start usually a fault?

Not usually. The door locks, unlocks, and locks again before the cycle begins, which produces clicking. Some machines also click during load sensing before water is added.

Can transit bolts really make a new washer sound broken?

Yes. UK manufacturer guidance is consistent: shipping bolts must be removed before use. Leaving them in can produce loud knocking and may cause drum damage. Some manufacturers state that failure to remove them will void the warranty.

Is humming during draining normal?

Usually, yes. The drain pump becomes more noticeable once most water has left the drum. Manufacturer guidance classes quiet humming during draining as a normal operating noise. If the hum is loud or the machine fails to drain, investigate.

Why does it shake more with towels or one heavy item?

Bulky items clump on one side of the drum during spin. Adding a couple of smaller items to even the load out usually helps.

When should I contact the retailer?

If loud noises persist after removing transit bolts, levelling the machine, and balancing the load, contact the retailer. Under UK consumer law, goods returned within six months must generally be repaired or replaced. Surrey homeowners with plumbing-related installation concerns, such as supply connections or drainage, can contact Plumbing Surrey directly.