I thought building a water still would be a cheap, clever fix. Just a few trips to the hardware store, right? But by the time I’d bent copper tubing (kinked it twice), drilled holes in the wrong size stopper, and sealed leaks with three different types of caulk, I’d spent $85—more than a decent water filter. The kitchen looked like a science fair gone wrong. I filled the coil with salt to keep it from kinking, but then spent an hour shaking it out. The plastic bucket I used as a condenser leaked, and the silicon sealant never really dried. I kept thinking: this is supposed to be simple, but I’m just making a mess. When I finally tried it, the water tasted like rubber and regret. I could have just boiled water on the stove. Instead, I lost a weekend and a chunk of my budget chasing a DIY win that never came. #DIYDisaster #HomeBudgetFail #BrokeButCreative #Home