Home Improvement Project (HIP) #1

What do a dishwasher, a copper pipe and a blow torch have in common? Home Improvement Project (HIP) #1: Replacing the dishwasher. So, Ma and Pa H decided the appliances I came with were the wrong color and they would like to "upgrade." Well, I sensed this could mean something terrible for me, but I let them do it anyway. The beautiful new Kenmore refridgerator arrived and was easily able to slide into place. The plan for the new Whirlpool dishwasher was to let Pa H install it. Well, on Sunday, Pa decided to get the dishwasher job done. After about 8 hours, 5 tries to hook up the water line, 3 trips to the hardware store and lots of frustration later, the dishwasher was finally "installed." My hardwood trim did get a knick from the repeated in and out of the dishwasher, but I didn't complain much. So, Pa said the first thing to do was to push a button. Button pushed, check. Dishwasher: nothing. "What is going on here?" they thought. Electrical, check. Water line, check. Okay, try again. Push button. Dishwasher: nothing. "Hummm....." Pa H says, "I'm going to bed now." The next morning, another check of the electrical connection revealed a lose spot that got reconnected. (I disconnected it to play a little trick on them. Hehe. ) Okay, one more time. Push button. Dishwasher: light comes on. "Yeah, it's working!" they shout. Okay, now let's run a cycle. Push "rinse." Dishwasher: no water rushing sound. "Hummmm...." Pa H says, "I'm going to work." Later, it was discovered that the copper water line was kinked and so that's why the water wasn't coming out. Pa H had done some research at work and had a brilliant idea. "I'm going to the hardware store." Okay, now he's got it figured out! Pa H comes back with a blow torch, a new valve, new piping, plumbing sandpaper, and this really cool flame resistant material. I'm starting to think Pa H knows what he is doing. He looks like a man with a plan and a purpose. About an hour later, the dishwasher is really "installed" this time with a brand new water line and valve. Push button. Dishwasher: lights up. Push "rinse" cycle: Water begins to fill the basin. Oh yes, Pa H has learned how to master the dishwasher installation! Ma H is now very happy that her dishwasher works and that her husband has done such a good job. What will the next HIP be for the Hardy House? Stay tuned for more adventures in home ownership.