Why should I fix a dripping faucet?

I received this information from my inspector. Way to look at the big picture. It seems if you have a dripping faucet and cannot fix it on your own, go ahead and call that plumber! You will be saving money in the long run and of course, water, which is a great resource in need of conservation.

Drip Calculator: How much water does a leaking faucet waste?

Check your faucets at home — do any of them drip? Well, maybe it’s just a small drip — how much water can a little drip waste? True, a single drip won’t waste much water, but think about each faucet in your home dripping a little bit all day long. What if every faucet in every home on your block … in your town … in your state also dripped? The drips would add up to a flood of water wasted down the drain.

There is no scientific definition of the volume of a faucet drip, but after measuring a number of kitchen and bathroom sink faucets, the volume seems to be between 1/5th and 1/3rd if a milliliter (mL). Drips from bathroom tubs come in a bit more, though, at about 1/2 mL. So, for our calculations below (numbers are rounded), we are going to use 1.4mL as the volume of a faucet drip. So , by these drip estimates:

One gallon: 15,140 drips

One liter: 4,000 drips

Looking at it this way, it seems like that drop of water down the drain is pretty insignificant. But, as you can see by using the form below, all those drops flowing in “real time” can really add up to a flood.

Approximate Water Wastage

Drips per day: 259,200

Liters per day: 65
Gallons per day: 17

Gallons per year: 6,248

The above information and calculator can be found at http://ga.water.usgs.gov/drought/dripcalculator.html

What documents do I need when purchasing a home?

The new year is under way and many homebuyers, first time or otherwise, are thinking about purchasing a home. With the holidays behind us and spring right around the corner, many new listings will be coming on the market. I have been finding in our local Denver metro market that homes in good condition and priced right are selling quickly, often getting multiple offers.

Since no document and stated income loans are now a thing of the past (thankfully), this article can help get you ready and make the loan process faster and easier. By being prepared, you will be ready to submit an offer and be more likely to get the best home available when you find it.

Have these items available when you are prepared to complete your mortgage application:

Proof of income
You will usually be required to show original pay stubs for the last 30 days.

Copies of your W-2 forms
These are required for each applicant on the mortgage. This will help your lender verify employment and income history.

Copies of asset information
This includes any accounts where money may come from for closing. You may need to provide statements for your savings, checking and 401(k) accounts; as well as investment records for any mutual funds or stocks.

Credit history
When you apply for a mortgage, it is necessary for lenders to pull your credit report to know how credit worthy (or risky) you are as a borrower. Be prepared to give your Social Security number and date of birth.

When the offer is written, the lender will need a copy of the signed purchase agreement and a copy of the earnest money deposit. The lender will also need to see that the home you are purchasing has clear title and that you have obtained homeowners insurance for the home.

With the recent credit crunch in the last couple of years, many lenders will verify and re-verify. It is not personal, they just want to make sure that you are fully prepared to carry a mortgage and have your debt to income ratios in order. That way, you will feel comfortable with your monthly payment and still be able to enjoy life outside your home without being "house poor."

Being "Green," Start The New Year off Right

Happy 2010! Like many of you, I start to think about what I accomplished in the last year and what I want to moving forward into the new year. Goals and resolutions come to mind and one that should be important to all of us, is how we can protect the wonderful world we live in.

That being said, here are 5 steps we can perform to help "green" our home and do our part:

1. Unplug electronics not in use

Be aware of what electronics stay plugged in year round in your home. Plug a power strip into a busy wall outlet and switch off the power when you are not home. That way all of your unused electronics will be off at once. Leaving these items on-like a computer or video game system not in sleep mode uses more power than you would think.

2. Install CFL lightbulbs

Don't just turn off the lights when you leave a room, but replace them with CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs the next time one burns out. This type of bulb last much longer and are much more efficient than the typical bulb. Remember though, when the CFL bulb finally does burn out, they need to be recycled, not just thrown away because they contain trace amounts of mercury. Often this can be done at a home improvement store.

3. Do not waste water

Saving water is becoming more and more important. There are many ways to make this happen. The easiest option is to take a shorter shower. Install a low flow shower head in your bathroom and sink aerators in your faucets throughout the home. Aerators reduce water use and are inexpensive and will not noticeably change your water pressure. Also, if you are not the handiest, like me, they are easy to screw on to your faucets. If you are in the market for a new washer or dishwasher, many made today are water efficient. Some cities will even give rebates back for buying these types of appliances. Make sure to water your yard in the early morning or evening as necessary, when the sun is still down an will not evaporate before absorbed by the grass and plants.

4. Repair drafty doors and windows

By completing this task, you not only save on your monthly energy bill, but you won't lose cool air in the summer and warm air in the winter.

5. Use eco-friendly household cleaners

Typical house cleaners can be full of toxic ingredients and harmful fumes. Today there are many products widely available for sale that are healthier for us and better for our planet. There are biodegradable cleaning wipes and many brands are making their products with more natural ingredients. There is also the option of creating your own. I have added a site below that provides different ways to make different types of cleaners. Choose natural laundry and dish-washing soaps recycled paper towels to do even more!

http://www.recipegoldmine.com/house/house.html