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Re-activateBefore blindly replacing something that's broken or otherwise needs attention, check the Internet for repair and installation help. You may save yourself a small fortune.
Recently, I was having trouble with my kitchen faucet. The sprayer worked, but there was hardly any pressure from the spout. I couldn't find a problem after removing the handle, washers and springs. So I spent $30 on a new faucet.
But before installing it, I decided do some investigating using various Web searches. I came up with instructions on the Delta Web site explaining how to remove the spout and access what's known as a diverter assembly, which diverts water from the spout and sends it to the sprayer (I didn't even know there was such a thing, which was hidden behind the spout.)
I followed the instructions and found debris lodged in the assembly, causing it to stick. I cleaned it out and reassembled the faucet. Now everything works fine. The entire job took just a few minutes. I returned the new faucet, saving my $30.
So whether it's a Web site or forum where you can ask questions of experts or other users, don't forget those Web resources. There are plenty of great sites, such as do-it-yourself.com, do-it-yourself network, monkeysee.com, and newsgroups and other forums (use a Web search or visit Google Groups). (Here's our blog on the stellar resources of appliancerepair.com.) Using these sites, you never know how much money and aggravation you'll save. Plus, you'll get the satisfaction of doing it yourself.
Consumer Reports Home and Garden pages also include lots of tips to help save money buying, installing, and using products around the house. We've compiled a useful treasury of great do-it-yourself weekend projects, complete with how-to tips.
Do you have your own examples of how the Web helped you with a project? If so, then post a response below. We'd like to hear them.—Anthony Giorgianni
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