<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<articles type="array">
  <article>
    <author-id type="integer">254</author-id>
    <category-id type="integer">108</category-id>
    <created-at type="date">2009-08-24</created-at>
    <id type="integer">10913</id>
    <keywords>kitchen remodel, plumbing tip, plumber help, dish washer</keywords>
    <mainbody>When it comes to installing a new dishwasher, you need not to hire a plumber for this. It is very easy and you can do it yourself. You just have to follow the following steps. 

However, before you start, make sure the following tools are available to you, as you will need them in the process.

Tools
Screwdriver
Multimeter
Slip-joint pliers
Needle-nose pliers
Adjustable wrench

Note: If you are replacing an old dishwasher, you must buy a same size new dishwasher. 

Installation Process
The following steps will let you know how you can install a new dishwasher. We have assumed that you are replacing an old dishwasher with a new one. Therefore, the procedure starts from removing the old dishwasher first and then installing the new one.

1. Turn off the water supply at the valve.
2. At the electrical service panel, switch off the power for the dishwasher.
3. At the top of the dishwasher counter flange, you will find some screws. Unscrew them with the screwdriver to remove them.
4. Now pull out the bottom cover.
5. Be very careful. Make sure that you have turned off the power. Open the electrical box to confirm the same. You can do it by attaching the black multimeter contact to the ground and then touching the red contact to the white wire and the black wire.
6. At the end of the wires, attach wire nuts. Now remove the wires from the terminal screws and tuck them out of the way. 
7. Find out where is the water supply under the washer.
8. Disconnect the water supply line from the water inlet by removing the nut.
9. Loosen the clamp and remove the hose to disconnect the drain hose from beneath the sink.
10. After disconnecting all the attachments, place a blanket in front of the dishwasher, slowly lift up the dishwasher and put it onto the blanket. 
11. Keep a towel ready with you because in this process of lifting up the dishwasher and putting it onto the blanket, some water may spill out. If it happens, just wipe it with the towel. 
12. Now that you have removed the old dishwasher, clean the area where the old dishwasher was placed and where you have to install the new one.
13. Position the new dishwasher on its back.
14. Connect the drain hose with a compression clamp.
15. Wrap the water line connection with Teflon tape and attach the 90-degree brass fitting that is used to connect the water line, also known as dishwasher 90.
16. Adjust the front legs of the new dishwasher downward so that you can easily slide the unit into place. Meanwhile, with the help of an assistant, slide the drain hose also under the sink. 
17. Connect the water line underneath the dishwasher to the dishwasher 90. 
18. Pass the electric cable through the sleeve on the dishwasher and tighten the same so that the cable could not be pulled out. 
19. Now make all the connections of the wire: ground wire to the green screw, white wire to white wire, and black wire to black wire. Use wire nuts to secure the connection.
20. Connect the new drain hose at its previous position. 
21. Fill the water line by opening the hot water valve. 
22. Carefully examine if there is any leaks.
23. If any leaks occur, recheck all the connections and test again.
24. Once you are sure that there is no leaks or problem as such, go ahead.
25. Adjust front legs of the dishwasher and position it properly on a level. 
26. Drive the small mounting screws into the underside of the countertop through the flange in order to attach the dishwasher to the countertop.
27. Reconnect the water supply line.
28. Turn on the power and your dishwasher is ready to act.

Hence, if you follow the above steps, you can easily install your new dishwasher yourself. However, you need to be very careful especially while making the electric connections. Make sure that you have turned off the electric power.</mainbody>
    <published type="boolean">true</published>
    <resource>Owen Walcher writes for the a 
&lt;a href="http://plumbers.besthomeresource.com/"&gt;Find A Plumber Site&lt;/a&gt; which provides plumbing tips to consumer and helps people &lt;a href="http://plumbers.besthomeresource.com/WashingtonPlumbing/"&gt;find quality plumbing contractors in Washington&lt;/a&gt;.</resource>
    <summary>When it comes to installing a new dishwasher, you need not to hire a plumber for this. It is very easy and you can do it yourself. You just have to follow the following steps. However, before you start, make sure the following tools are available to you, as you will need them in the process.</summary>
    <title>Installing A New Dishwasher Without a Plumber</title>
    <wordcount type="integer">0</wordcount>
  </article>
  <article>
    <author-id type="integer">52</author-id>
    <category-id type="integer">108</category-id>
    <created-at type="date">2008-11-27</created-at>
    <id type="integer">9290</id>
    <keywords>Outdoor Kitchen, Outdoor Kitchen Design, outdoor kitchen plan, outdoor kitchens plans</keywords>
    <mainbody>Outdoor kitchens offer you to have a outside kitchen of your selecting for those hot nights when inside is too warm and sticky for cooking. The outside kitchen is perfect for entertaining guests at parties and barbecues, or just for your family dinners. 

With so many different outdoor kitchen designs on hand on the open market, the buyers have the chance to play with different elements and mix designs so as to give the kitchen of their dreams. Depending on the use particular of the open-air kitchen you are looking for , the weather conditions in your area and the space of the intended kitchen, you may select anything from a traditional looking country kitchen plan to a modern day outdoor kitchen global with state of the art appliances.

Magazines about home improvement and home design, interior design advice, gardening and landscaping continually provide articles and tips for choosing a neat outdoor kitchen and how to cut down money while after all getting the of high quality possible. Many of these magazines also recommend the finest places to obtain price estimates and practical knowledge from known outdoor kitchen designers. There are many outdoor kitchen designers who can help develop a customized outdoor kitchen plan tailored particularly to each individual need, including colors, appliances, over all look and functionality.

If you will consult an outdoor kitchen designer, you can see the finish result of what the kitchen will look like through a computer-generated program. Because the outdoor kitchen designer is a expert when it comes to his field, you may also be able to value some treasured tips and ideas on how to conduct the outdoor kitchen even more functional.

There are things that you should keep in mind, for example that it is effective to guarantee that, before choosing an outdoor kitchen, you take into good judgment your budgetary constraints. Among knowing how much you have to spend before entering an outdoor kitchen design showroom, you will be less very likely to over spend.

While you talk with an outdoor kitchen designer or a showroom sales person, make sure that you remember to mention the sum of money that you plan spend on your new  outdoor kitchen. There are inexpensive kitchens on the market. But beware of cheap kitchens, as they are less likely to stand the test of time. After you have researched the company that you intend to purchase the outdoor kitchen from, you will have a good idea of the quality of their kitchens and what others are saying about them.

Do your research and look around, some places are far cheaper for the same products or styles of kitchens. Never commit yourself to the first kitchen that you see. Ask questions about the kitchen, such as the kind of warranty offered on the appliances or work tops, how long it will take to be completed and are installation overhead affiliated when it plays a part in the outdoor kitchen expense or will they be extra. 

Select your outdoor kitchen carefully and you will be enjoying the freedom of eating outdoors on summer nights and entertaining your guests while showing off your brand fresh outdoor kitchen.</mainbody>
    <published type="boolean">true</published>
    <resource>Outdoor Kitchens are the new trend, these outside kitchens will allow you to host parties outdoors and amaze your guests with a fully equipped kitchen in your garden. Find out more about &lt;a href="http://outdoorkitchen.zupatips.com/Outdoor_Kitchen_Design.html"&gt;Outdoor Kitchen Design Basics&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href="http://outdoorkitchen.zupatips.com/Outdoor_Kitchen_Design.html"&gt;Outdoor Kitchen Plans Tips&lt;/a&gt; at Daniel Roshard&#8217;s pages.</resource>
    <summary>With so many different outdoor kitchen designs on hand on the open market, the buyers have the chance to play with different elements and mix designs so as to give the kitchen of their dreams.</summary>
    <title>Design Your Outdoor Kitchen</title>
    <wordcount type="integer">0</wordcount>
  </article>
  <article>
    <author-id type="integer">27</author-id>
    <category-id type="integer">108</category-id>
    <created-at type="date">2008-05-02</created-at>
    <id type="integer">8036</id>
    <keywords>dishwasher, dishwashers, kitchen appliances</keywords>
    <mainbody>So, you think you need a new dishwasher,  but you don't know the why, where or how.  Lucky for you we have a few basic pointers as to what to look for in a new dishwasher.  So whether you've never owned a dishwasher before or are an old pro at buying dishwashers, there should be a few handy tips in here.  Let's just start off by saying, that you've made a great choice in getting a dishwasher at all.  The modern models available are very water and energy efficient, plus have the extra benefit of being able to disinfect your plates and cutlery in a way you could never do by hand.

The Many Types Of Dishwashers

Actually, there really aren't that many basic dishwasher types.  There are two basic types, and they are portable, and undercounter.  The manufacturers will hype a bunch of differences between the two, but there's only one good reason why I would buy a portable.  If I was living in a rental accommodation like an apartment, and I wanted to take the dishwasher with me when I left.  Otherwise, an undercounter takes less space, and blends in much better with your existing kitchen.  I suppose if money is a concern, then a portable wouldn't have the installation costs that an undercounter would have. 

Does Your Dishwasher Perform?

One of the biggest factors to influence the performance of your dishwasher, is the temperature of the water it is using.  Manufacturers usually recommend that the hot water a dishwasher uses, be around 135 to 145 degreesfarenheit .  If your water heater is not sending water to the dishwasher that is at least 120 degrees your dishwasher will under perform.  Check the water at the tap nearest to your dishwasher with a thermometer to find out what temperature your dishwasher is using.

Size Does Matter

Consider the size of the dishwasher you'll need.  A family of two will need a smaller dishwasher then a family of six.  Even if you have enough dishes to allow a family of two to wait over a week to run the dishwasher, it's probably a bad idea to buy a bigger model.  Dishwashers should be run at least once a week to keep them lubricated, and to prevent the seals from drying out.  A smaller family should just get a smaller dishwasher, and run it more frequently.

Running Out Of Gas

In these days of energy conscious thinking, we should all do our part in minimizing our energy uses.  While all dishwashers are required by law to meet minimum federal energy requirements, some do even better.  Dishwashers with the ENERGY STAR logo, will use a minimum of 25 percent less energy than those who don't.  Your great great great grandchildren will thank you.

So, that should be enough to get started in the wonderful world of dishwasher shopping.  Keep looking around till you find the one that fits your needs and lifestyle.</mainbody>
    <published type="boolean">true</published>
    <resource>Read more great information on your &lt;a href="http://www.accessorykitchen.info/" title="kitchen design"&gt;kitchen design&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href="http://www.backsplashkitchen.info/" title="kitchen cabinets"&gt;kitchen cabinets&lt;/a&gt; , visit http://foolishmumbles.com/2006/09/29/dishwasher-buying-guide/</resource>
    <summary>So, you think you need a new dishwasher,  but you don't know the why, where or how.  Lucky for you . . .</summary>
    <title>Dishwasher Tips For The Buyer</title>
    <wordcount type="integer">0</wordcount>
  </article>
  <article>
    <author-id type="integer">27</author-id>
    <category-id type="integer">108</category-id>
    <created-at type="date">2008-03-21</created-at>
    <id type="integer">7786</id>
    <keywords>kitchen remodeling, kitchen countertops, countertops</keywords>
    <mainbody>Laminate kitchen countertops should last a lifetime, if you know a few tricks for maintaining and repairing them.  Laminate comes in an seemingly infinite number of styles and patterns these days.  It also requires practically no maintenance to keep it looking good.  But like all indestructible things these days, there comes a time when the inevitable happens, and things need a little TLC. 

Wax On Wax Off

One of the great things about having such a variety of patterns that laminates comes in these days is how well they hide the dirt.  Assuming you want the dirt hidden.  Every once in a while, giving your countertops a little extra cleaning with a soap and a brush will remove a surprising amount of hidden dirt.  This is a good exercise for both your countertops and the people who use them.  Now here's something you probably never thought of doing for your countertops now that they're squeaky clean.  Try a little car wax.  Yep you heard me.  Car wax.  The same way your car enjoys the protection of a little wax coating, so will your countertops.  Not to mention a nice shiny finish.  If your a little unsure of the benefits, try waxing a small section that is the least visible of all your countertops.  That way you can see if you like the look after all that effort.

Bubble Bubble Boil and Iron

Every notice little bumps forming in your laminate countertops.  If your like me, you probably figured the only way to fix something like that was to replace the whole countertop.  Well, there is a way to fix those bumps, and it's much cheaper then replacing the entire thing.  Simply place a damp towel or cloth over the offending bumps.  Next heat up a clothes iron, and place it on the cloth for ten seconds or so.  This kind of softens up the glue under the laminate that is causing the bump.  Next you need to place something heavy on the laminate section for at least twelve hours.  You could try getting one of your kids to sit on it.  A medium sized eight or nine year old should do the trick.  Of course if you don't have one of those available, then a few really heavy books should do the trick. 

Just A Flesh Wound

So someone (usually named I-don't-know) in my house has just taken a chip out of your beautiful laminate in the most visible spot of the entire countertop.  Apart from the obvious aesthetic damage, this chip now has the potential to allow water in to damage the supporting wood base underneath.  Forunately most home centers carry a chip filler that comes with an assortment of colors that should match your countertop.  While not totally naked to the eye, it should be less noticeable, and will definitely prevent water from doing any damage.</mainbody>
    <published type="boolean">true</published>
    <resource>Read more great information on your &lt;a href="http://www.appliancekitchen.info" title="kitchen design"&gt;kitchen design&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href="http://www.islandkitchen.info/" title="kitchen cabinets"&gt;kitchen cabinets&lt;/a&gt; , visit http://foolishmumbles.com/2006/09/29/kitchen-countertops-can-last-a-lifetime/</resource>
    <summary>Laminate kitchen countertops should last a lifetime, if you know a few tricks for maintaining and repairing them.</summary>
    <title>Kitchen Countertops Can Last A Lifetime</title>
    <wordcount type="integer">0</wordcount>
  </article>
  <article>
    <author-id type="integer">152</author-id>
    <category-id type="integer">81</category-id>
    <created-at type="date">2008-02-23</created-at>
    <id type="integer">7621</id>
    <keywords>burr coffee grinder,antique coffee grinder,coffee grinder maker,aid coffee grinder kitchen</keywords>
    <mainbody>The type of coffee grinder that you select can have a big impact upon the flavor of your coffee. Grinders release the oils of the beans and their aromas right before you make a pot of coffee. A grinder with sharp blades will perform better than one with dull ones, and serrated rotating blades at different angles will chop the beans into finer pieces - or at least more quickly - than one without. 

There are basically two types of grinders, blade grinders and burr grinders. Blade grinders are much cheaper, but you have no way of controlling how coarse or fine you want your bean ground. Blade grinders actually chop your beans, which overheats them, causing your beans to lose a lot of their flavor.

Burr grinders on the other hand grind the coffee between two metal burrs. The best part is that these grinders allow you to chose how coarse or fine you want your coffee ground. The downside is that these grinders will cost you anywhere between $100 and $600. If you're a connoisseur of coffee then it's worth it, but if freshly brewed coffee and instant coffee still taste the same to you, you're not ready for a burr grinder.

Also, it might be best to use a coffee grinder that is not attached to your coffee maker. Grinders that are attached to coffee makers can be difficult to clean, and may not grind as uniformly.

Coffee grinders are just one example - how you put your ground coffee in the coffee maker, the quality of water you use, and so forth, all contribute to the final product. 

Coffee experts recommend adding two heaping tablespoons of whole beans to the grinder for every six ounces of water you plan to use. To be exact, you probably should measure out your water before you add it to the coffee maker if you are using a drip coffee maker.

As for the type of coffee maker to go with coffee grinders, experts say here that a press pot or a coffee maker with a gold cone, or other permanent filter, is best. Picky coffee drinkers do not use paper filters. They have an aftertaste and absorb the special aromatic oils from the coffee beans that are essential for superb taste. If you must use paper filters, try rinsing them with hot water beforehand to wash out the aftertaste.

It is also important to know how long to let your coffee brew. After using coffee grinders, the ground coffee is very delicate. If water contacts it for too long, for instance, your coffee can end with an overly bitter coffee. Never keep the coffee heating up for too long after it has been made - the taste will start to become bitter because the beans will be burnt. Letting coffee stand for extended periods of time can also ruin the flavor.</mainbody>
    <published type="boolean">true</published>
    <resource>For more great coffee grinder related articles and resources check out &lt;a href=http://topcoffee.info&gt;http://topcoffee.info&lt;/a&gt;</resource>
    <summary>The type of coffee grinder that you select can have a big impact upon the flavor of your coffee. Grinders release the oils of the beans and their aromas right before you make a pot of coffee...</summary>
    <title>How Coffee Grinders Can Jumpstart Your Java</title>
    <wordcount type="integer">0</wordcount>
  </article>
  <article>
    <author-id type="integer">27</author-id>
    <category-id type="integer">108</category-id>
    <created-at type="date">2008-02-23</created-at>
    <id type="integer">7620</id>
    <keywords>ceramic tile countertops, countertops, kitchen countertops</keywords>
    <mainbody>Ceramic tile countertops can remain great looking, if you know a few simple tricks.  When brand new, ceramic tile has got to be one of the most beautiful countertop choices you can make.  The vast array of choices these days in style and patterns, make it easy to find an appropriate tile for any taste, in any situation.  While the tile is great looking, it is also very durable, and almost indestructable.  What is not quite so resiliant though, is the grout that fills the gaps between the tiles.  It will, over time absorb moisture, and stain.

An Ounce of Prevention

One of the best ways of keeping the grout looking good and dry is to use a grout sealant.  Any reputable installer, will be sure to apply a sealant to all the grout they use.  If your doing the install job yourself, be sure to use a sealant.  This can prevent a lot of problems and save time later.  Most home centers will carry several types, but silicon based sealant is the best.  If your really the fussy type, apply two coats of sealant.  Three coats however would probably just be silly. 

Out Damn Stain!

Fear not, if  you have have grout that is stained, there are some simple solutions.  Make a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar, and grab a toobrush.  Preferably not one you have used in the past, or plan on using in the future.  While tedious, especially if you have a lot of grout to clean, this should work well for cleaning most basic stains.  If the stains are still there, try using hydrogen peroxide instead of the vinegar and repeat the process.  If cleaning dosen't seem to work, you can buy grout stain from your local home center. 

The Last Resort

If nothing above seems to work, you can always just replace the existing grout with new stuff.  Removing the old grout can be accomplished with either a high tech dremel tool, or a low tech can opener.  Either way, just be careful not to damage the existing tile.  Then, replace with new grout, as per the manufacturers instructions.

Broken But Still Good

The only other big problem with ceramic tile counter tops, is if the tiles themselves become cracked or broken.  Hopefully you or your installer were smart enough to keep a few extra replacement tiles lying around.  Then it's just a simple case of replacing the tile.  If not, then perhaps the home center still carries your specific tile, or maybe they have some with the odds and ends of prior jobs.</mainbody>
    <published type="boolean">true</published>
    <resource>Read more great information on your &lt;a href="http://www.aidkitchen.info/" title="kitchen design"&gt;kitchen design&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href="http://www.counterkitchentop.info/" title="kitchen cabinets"&gt;kitchen cabinets&lt;/a&gt; , visit http://foolishmumbles.com/2006/09/29/ceramic-tile-countertops-beautiful-and-fussy/</resource>
    <summary>Ceramic tile countertops can remain great looking, if you know a few simple tricks.</summary>
    <title>Ceramic Tile Countertops - Beautiful And Fussy</title>
    <wordcount type="integer">0</wordcount>
  </article>
</articles>
