Show Notes: Countertops and Water Saving Tips – On the House
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Show Notes: Countertops and Water Saving Tips

By on April 18, 2015

Suffering from new countertop confusion? We have help for you. Would you like to learn to save water? We have help for that too! James and Morris have been collecting ideas and answers  to share with you this week on these subjects and many more.

Thank you to our guest, Kevin Brady of Precision Leak Detection:

http://www.precisionleak.com

 

We have had many calls asking for the Wood Cabinet Cleaning Recipe so here you go:

According to Clean Your House & Everything In It, by Eugenia Chapman & Jill Major, blend the following ingredients to clean your fine wood cabinets:

2 tablespoons of linseed oil,

2 tablespoons of turpentine

1 quart of boiling water

Wear rubber gloves, dip a rag in the cleaner, wring it out until it is barely damp, scrub small areas (one door at a time, for example), and wipe it dry immediately. This also is a super blend for cleaning fine furniture, but remember that water should never be allowed to let stand on or soak into wood. When the cleaner cools off, the oil and turpentine will separate from the water. Throw out the cleaner (don’t reheat it in your microwave), and make a new batch.
By the way, Lin-sol, a linseed-oil base soap, is best for metal, painted, imitation wood, Formica and plastic kitchen cabinets.

You may think a cleaner that includes water is not proper for use on wood, but chances are, the spray cleaner you currently use is loaded with it. Interestingly, furniture oils are not always the answer either, because oil alone does not work well as a grease remover.

 

Water Saving Tip

If you are cutting back on landscape water try this:

Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants. Mulch will slow evaporation of moisture while discouraging weed growth. Adding 2 – 4 inches of organic material such as compost or bark mulch will increase the ability of the soil to retain moisture. Press the mulch down around the dripline of each plant to form a slight depression which will prevent or minimize water runoff.

http://eartheasy.com/live_water_saving.htm 

 

End The Countertop Confusion

With so many countertop materials in the market place where do you begin to select a material that will make you smile and last a good long time without becoming “dated”. We like to stick with materials that are tried, true and affordable.

 

Granite

Stone is very popular and always will be. The colors and patterns made by Mother Nature are endless and fascinating. You will definitely find a stone that will make you say WOW!

Granite must be properly sealed to maintain durability. Don’t let sealing scare you…. It is very easy to do. Prices for granite start about $15.00 per square foot and go up. Add in the fabrication and installation for a $50.00 per square foot price tag. Be aware the edge you select for your granite can double the final cost.

Prices for granite start about $15.00 per square foot and go up. Add in the fabrication and installation for a $50.00 per square foot price tag. Be aware the edge you select for your granite can double the final cost.

Quartz

One of the hardest minerals on earth, quartz countertops can be the most durable option for kitchens. Your cost will be very close to granite and sometimes even more depending on the color and edge detail you select. Plan for $60 to $90 per square foot, including installation.

Tile

This is one of the most affordable counter options. The cost of the tile can start at $30 per square foot installed. Ceramic or stone tile is extremely durable, and one of the few do it yourself countertop options.

Plastic Laminate

At $8 to $20 per square foot installed, it’s very affordable, but not the most durable of countertops. You can find a pattern or look for any style and taste in laminate materials today.

 

Quick Water Tip

When the weather has warmed, inspect your outdoor faucets for damage. Turn on the water and put a finger in the opening. If you can completely stop the flow of water, you probably have a damaged interior pipe that will need to be replaced.

http://houseandgardendiy.com/2012/03/9-quick-home-improvement-tips-for-spring/

 

Water Use Calculator App
By National Ground Water Association

FOR IPHONE – IPAD FREE

Description
Are you water wise? Try using the water use calculator created by the National Ground Water Association to find out.
More and more people are becoming aware of the importance of using water wisely. But how can you know if you are truly doing a good job or a poor one when it comes to conserving and not wasting water?

This calculator gives you the answers. It is easy to use and can provide a reference for your use or that of your family.
Simply answer the questions about who is using water in your house and see formulas change automatically on how much water you’re using in your dishwasher, toilets, shower, and more.
Features include:
•Easy-to-enter categories
•Automatic responses to data entered
•Total use calculated for standard appliances and water-saving appliances

It is an ideal tool for anyone who is conscious about the importance of smartly using water to

 

Website Mentions:

 CSST Flexible Gas Line: Natural Gas Pipe, Propane Gas Line, TracPipe:

http://www.tracpipe.com/

Underground Gas Polyethylene Piping System:

https://www.gastite.com/us/products/underground.html

Tru Flex Metal Hose Llc PFST – 1225 Corrugated Stainless Tubing ½” x 25″ Industrial Tubing

http://www.amazon.com/Metal-PFST-1225-Corrugated-Stainless-Tubing/dp/B004Y7541K/ref=sr_1_2/177-9366201-2607119?ie=UTF8&qid=1429368260&sr=8-2&keywords=flexible+gas+line

Safer Paint Strippers:

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,20248403,00.html 

How to kill and get rid of Dampwood Termites:

http://www.epestsupply.com/dampwood_termites.php#distributionmap

Drywood Termites Management Guidelines – UC IPM

http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7440.html

 

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