portfolio of darren c. boekweg

Darren C. BoekwegPortfolio

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Coverletter ____________________________________________________________ 3

Resume _______________________________________________________________ 4

Poison Ivy Press _______________________________________________________ 5-8

Hatched Book Cover __________________________________________________ 9-10

FTCM Book Cover ___________________________________________________ 11-12

Company Facebook Page _______________________________________________ 13

Newsletter Examples _________________________________________________ 14-21

Home Buyers Guide __________________________________________________ 22-26

Resume

DARREN C. BOEKWEG 662 Lockwood Drive Ogden, UT 84404

801-690-0203 [email protected]

Dear Recruiter / Hiring Manager: Growing account bases, fueling revenue increases, and improving brand awareness are examples of the many ways in which I contributed to the success of past employers. In addition to creating compelling copy and collateral, I developed an online sales and marketing presence for my current employer with great success. Equipped with 10 years of experience managing accounts, conducting sales, and developing operations to support marketing initiatives, I am confident in my abilities to generate superior results for your company. While serving in roles ranging from Account Executive to Marketing Communications Manager, I:

Increased retail customers 50% by implementing innovative marketing strategies that include traditional and new media outlets.

Dramatically enhanced conventional and online ordering process by reorganizing inventory and converting company to a paperless environment.

Served as subject matter expert on company products; frequently advised superiors.

Created company’s Facebook page and developed Amazon and Ebay presence.

Recognized as Employee of the Month. For a more detailed presentation of my qualifications, please review the enclosed résumé and feel free to contact me. I look forward to your call. Sincerely, Darren Boekweg

mailto:[email protected]

Resume

DARREN C. BOEKWEG 662 Lockwood Drive Ogden, UT 84404

801-690-0203 [email protected]

Marketing Communication Specialist Accomplished Marketing Communications Specialist with extensive online marketing experience and a 8 year portfolio of success developing marketing strategies that drive sales, increase brand awareness, and maximize online activity. Skilled content writer for print and social media. Self-motivated and collaborative team player with strong verbal, written communication skills. Dedicated to delivering exemplary customer service. Additional areas of expertise:

Marketing Collateral Online Marketing & Communications Public Speaking Graphic Design

Social Media Organizational Development Copywriting Marketing Assessment SWOT Analysis

Brand Management Competitive Analysis Sales Presentations Employee Training Eagle Scout

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

POISON IVY MURDER MYSTERIES, West Valley City, Utah 2012-present A murder mystery dinner theatre experience, which performs at different restaurants in the Salt Lake Valley; 10 employees.

Public Relations / Marketing Specialist / Graphic Design Command public relations and marketing activities and campaigns across diverse media. Conducted market research to better understand customers and market potential.

Wrote press releases for appearances on local television morning shows.

Developed and wrote marketing plan to make the company run as a professional business.

Wrote marketing materiel for GrowAmerica competition.

JERRY’S PLUMBING SPECIALTIES, Ogden, Utah 2004-present A plumbing supply and specialty parts provider for residential, government, industrial, medical, and commercial clients; 6 employees.

Marketing Communication Specialist / Warehouse Manager Command alignment of all online and out-of-state sales operations. Develop and implement marketing strategies, promotions and campaigns across diverse media. Maintain competitive focus by monitoring efficacy of campaigns and promotions. Analyze competitive position and implement price changes for entire 28K product inventory. Train employees on new products. Author and design monthly newsletters and collateral. Maintain computers, email accounts, online webpage, and social media. Manage the shipping/receiving department and analyze product flow. Develop 30-year celebration multimedia campaign. Supervise 3 employees.

Increased retail customers 50% by implementing innovative marketing strategies that include traditional and new media outlets.

Dramatically enhanced ordering process by reorganizing inventory and converting company to paperless environment.

Served as subject matter expert on company products; frequently advised superiors.

Improved brand awareness by compiling a catalog showcasing 15K products.

Authored 150-page catalog and a new home buyers guide to plumbing.

Created company’s Facebook page.

Developed Amazon and Ebay presence. Continued…


Resume

DARREN C. BOEKWEG Page 2 [email protected]

POWER MEDIA GROUP, Ogden, Utah 2008 A public relations agency specializing in television and other media outlets.

Account Executive Intern (part-time) Developed public relations campaigns. Secured television advertising space. Wrote press releases. Met with clients.

Sold spots for 2 local and 1 national television show.

Co-developed marketing strategy for Blenda McGary, a local musician.

Authored jingle for Ogden Subaru.

EDUCATION / TRAINING

Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and Marketing Weber State University, Ogden, UT

Coursework Towards Associates Degree in Graphic Design Salt Lake Community College, Salt Lake City, UT

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Adobe Creative Suite Crystal Reports Microsoft Office CYMA Accounting Software

HTML Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter


Poison Ivy Mysteries 4424 West Cortney Drive, West Valley City, Utah 84120 Phone: (801)906-8591 www.poisonivymysteries.com

Poison Ivy Mysteries opens the 2012 Halloween season with “Village Hauntings,” a professional

production complete with sound, lights, and mystery. Poison Ivy Mysteries is a unique combination of Mystery, Laughter and Intrigue. Performances will run September 28th through November 10th.

The “Village Hauntings” production is set in the colonial village of Blackmarsh, which is

celebrating its annual Harvest Moon Festival. Lord Devenport, of Devenport Manor, played by Brett Davis, and his young and eligible daughter, Lydia, Sara Allred, are announcing her engagement to the young clergyman, the Preacher Neville, Jeremy Tuttle. Farmer Scoggins, Troy Larsen, who is famous for his enlarged gourds, which are quite popular in the fall, is in attendance, as well as Daniel Yourk, Spencer Rosenlof, the young and handsome Soldier who has come home from battle. Emily Worthing, Sherry Allred, has recently come to town to instruct the young schoolchildren in the old ways of reading and arithmetic and the new ways of Modern Science.

They have all gathered at the festival to have a good time, but it soon becomes apparent, not all

is peaceful in the town of Blackmarsh. A dark and evil presence makes an appearance and points the townsfolk to witches, spells and sinister plots.

Suddenly... MURDER! Who was the perpetrator? How did they do it? What was their motive? Audience members become master detectives. Your "Sherlock Holmes-like" intuition helps you question the suspects. As you wrap up your investigation, you are armed with the knowledge in which the murderer acted alone and only the murderer can lie. You fill out your answer card and turn it in, hoping you have solved the case and will win the PRIZE!

Poison Ivy Mysteries is Salt Lake City's Only Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre Company with original scripts, original music and a family friendly atmosphere. We provide high quality entertainment, which is guaranteed to make you laugh. We add a bit of excitement, intrigue and good old-fashioned fun to your night out. Poison Ivy Mysteries partners with some of Salt Lake City's highly acclaimed restaurants including Madeline’s Steak and Seafood, Diamond Lil’s and Famous Dave’s BBQ. We also perform for private parties and corporate events.

We invite you to interview the amazing cast of “Village Hauntings” on your show during the Halloween season. Contact Annelise Murphy at (801)906-8591 or [email protected] to schedule an interview or for more information.

#########



Poison Ivy Mysteries is excited to announce its 2013-2014 season with season tickets now on

sale. For the first time ever $100 will get you admission, dinner, tax and tip for three of their original shows; “Justice at the Gold Dust,” “Dead Man’s Chest” and “Til Death Do Us Part.”

We are offering an extra early bird discount for orders before December 7th. You will get a pass

to see our current show, “Shadow of the King” a professional production complete with sound, lights, and mystery, as an added bonus.

Shadow of King runs from December 13th thru January 5th at various locations including: Cantina

Southwestern Grill , Diamond Lil's and Famous Dave's. The old king has died and has left the throne to the kingdom of Eltheria. Who will be the next heir? His three children are fighting for the prominent crown. The eldest, Prince Garrick, Brett Bawden, was raised by pirates. The middle child, Princess Eldamira, Tiffani Barney, is the most learned and the youngest. Prince Valor, Henry Ballestroes, is carefree and careless. Throw a whimsical wizard, Criss Rosenlof, a mysterious old woman, Debra Flink, and a lady-in-waiting, Laura Mountford, into the mix and you have a Murder Mystery Show fit for a king or at least the next heir of Eltheria. This show is great for every occasion. “Shadow of a King” has everything from Romance, Sword

fighting, Comedy and Death! Get your tickets today for a 2 ½ hour dinner theater experience you will never forget. Here's what critics are saying about our shows: “I went with no idea what to expect... I left wanting to grab a group of friends and go again.”

-Andrea Fife - UtahTheaterBloggers.com Suddenly... MURDER! Who was the perpetrator? How did they do it? What was their motive?

Audience members become master detectives. Your "Sherlock Holmes-like" intuition helps you question the suspects. As you wrap up your investigation, you are armed with the knowledge in which the murderer acted alone and only the murderer can lie. You fill out your answer card and turn it in, hoping you have solved the case and will win the PRIZE!

Poison Ivy Mysteries is Salt Lake City's Only Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre Company with

original scripts, original music and a family friendly atmosphere. We recently were featured as a finalist in the prestigious Grow America competition and on CW30’s The Daily Dish. We provide high quality entertainment, which is guaranteed to make you laugh. We add a bit of excitement, intrigue and good old-fashioned fun to your night out. Poison Ivy Mysteries partners with some of Salt Lake City's highly acclaimed restaurants including Cantina Southwestern Grill, Diamond Lil’s and Famous Dave’s BBQ. We also perform for private parties and corporate events.

We invite you to interview the amazing cast of “Shadow of the King.” Please contact Annelise Murphy at (801)906-8591 or [email protected] for more information.

#########



Poison Ivy Mysteries ends its 2011-2012 season with its show “Shadow of a King,” a professional

production complete with sound, lights, and mystery, as an added bonus. This show runs from December 13th thru January 5th at various locations including: Cantina Southwestern Grill, Diamond Lil's and Famous Dave's.

Shadow of the King starts begins with the death of the old king. He has left the throne to the kingdom of Eltheria. Who will be the next heir? His three children are fighting for the prominent crown. The eldest, Prince Garrick, Brett Bawden, was raised by pirates. The middle child, Princess Eldamira, Tiffani Barney, is the most learned and the youngest. Prince Valor, Henry Ballestroes, is carefree and careless. Throw a whimsical wizard, Criss Rosenlof, a mysterious old woman, Debra Flink, and a lady-in-waiting, Laura Mountford, into the mix and you have a Murder Mystery Show fit for a king or at least the next heir of Eltheria.

This show is great for every occasion. “Shadow of a King” has everything from Romance, Sword

fighting, Comedy and Death! Get your tickets today for a 2 ½ hour dinner theater experience you will never forget. Here's what critics are saying about our shows: “I went with no idea what to expect... I left wanting to grab a group of friends and go again.”

-Andrea Fife - UtahTheaterBloggers.com Suddenly... MURDER! Who was the perpetrator? How did they do it? What was their motive?

Audience members become master detectives. Your "Sherlock Holmes-like" intuition helps you question the suspects. As you wrap up your investigation, you are armed with the knowledge in which the murderer acted alone and only the murderer can lie. You fill out your answer card and turn it in, hoping you have solved the case and will win the PRIZE!

Poison Ivy Mysteries is Salt Lake City's Only Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre Company with

original scripts, original music and a family friendly atmosphere. We recently were featured as a finalist in the prestigious Grow America competition and on CW30’s The Daily Dish. We provide high quality entertainment, which is guaranteed to make you laugh. We add a bit of excitement, intrigue and good old-fashioned fun to your night out. Poison Ivy Mysteries partners with some of Salt Lake City's highly acclaimed restaurants including Cantina Southwestern Grill, Diamond Lil’s and Famous Dave’s BBQ. We also perform for private parties and corporate events.

Poison Ivy Mysteries is excited to announce its 2013-2014 season and the opportunity to

purchase season tickets. For the first time $100 will get you admission, dinner, tax and tip for three of their original shows; “Justice at the Gold Dust,” “Dead Man’s Chest” and “Til Death Do Us Part.”

We invite you to interview the amazing cast of “Shadow of the King.” Please contact Annelise

Murphy at (801)906-8591 or [email protected] for more information. #########


Funny

TragicCrazy

Magic

Sheena Boekweg

LarissaAlvarezneverpaidtoomuchattentiontomagic.It’shardenoughbeingoneofthefewLatinAmer-icansinschool,letaloneasixteenthgenerationwitch.She’signoredhermom’spleastolearnaboutherheritageandspentmostofhertimejusttryingtoblendin.

Butwhenherfamilyendsupdeadinafreakcaraccident,andthepowerfulbookofspellsLarissawassupposedtoinheritgoesmissing,Larissaisforcedtofacethe embarrassing side of her life, and what she finds isn’t pretty.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

SheenaBoekwegisastaffmemberatFlashFictionOnline.SheenareceivedanHonor-ableMention in theWritersof theFutureContest.Lookforhernextnovel,Hatched,

comingsoon.

Sheenaisamomofthree,fromOgden,Utah.

Evolution is contagious, and there is no cure. There is no cure for love.

The world is ruled by dragons.

The human’s only protection is the Dragon Guard, magic-wielding humans with a secret. The magic is a disease. The more they use their powers, the sooner they will turn dragon.

When Joi is infected she falls in love with a young guard named Conner. She must find a cure to save him before he hatches.

But is the cure worth the price?

HATCHEDBarb Hickman

MonthlyCelebrating 25 Years of Quality Plumbing Parts and Advice in Ogden!

Jerry’s Plumbing Specialties Newsletter April 2007 Edition

Visit Us Online at WWW.JPSONLINE.BIZ2679 Midland Drive #1 Ogden, UT 84401, Phone (801) 621-8660 Fax (801) 621-8665

Have a Happy Easter!

BACK BY pOPULAR dEMAND!Jerry’s Assorted Seat Trays!

Regular Price

$135

On Sale This Month!$99

Now

Available

at Jerry’s!

Just in Time for Easter, the New and Improved Jerry’s Seat Kits ONLY AVAILABLE AT JERRY’S!

These Kits Include: An Assortment of 30 Commonly used Seats

Premium Seat Remover and Block Thread GaugeAlso Includes Jerry’s Part Numbers for EASY and QUICK Restocking at Jerry’s.

Three Extra Bins to Help Customize Your PartsA Locking Hinge That Provides Added Security (Lock Optional)

Also Available Customization of other 3 Plastic BinsIDEAL FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING TRUCKS

http://www.americanplumber.com/images/uploads/category/W34-PR-lo.jpg

Celebrating Over 27 Years of Quality Plumbing Par ts and Advice in Ogden!November 2009 EditionJerry’s Plumbing Specialties Newsletter

Monthly

Visit Us Online at WWW.JPSONLINE.BIZ2679 Midland Drive #1 Ogden UT, 84401, Phone (801) 621-8660 Fax (801) 621-8665

CHECK OUT WHAT IS NEW!

Lifter Wipes aredual-sided towels which remove

solvent cement, heavy grease, dirt,

paints, inks, waxes, and more!

Large 10”x12” Wipes;70 sheets per tub

Cool Gel® protects surfaces and components from

heat damagesuch as piping, drywall, and

shower valves.

Cool Gel® is used forany soldering or brazing job!

Celebrating Over 28 Years of Quality Plumbing Par ts and Advice in Ogden!February 2010 EditionJerry’s Plumbing Specialties Newsletter

Monthly

Visit Us Online at WWW.JPSONLINE.BIZ2679 Midland Drive #1 Ogden UT, 84401, Phone (801) 621-8660 Fax (801) 621-8665

Jerry’s Close OutDeal of the Month

While Supplies Last!

Genuine Moen Plastic Pop-Up Drains

Only $6.95

MonthlyCelebrating Over 29 Years of Quality Plumbing Par ts in Ogden!

Visit Us Online at WWW.JPSONLINE.BIZ2679 Midland Drive #1, Ogden, UT 84401, Phone (801) 621-8660 Fax (801) 621-8665

March 2011 EditionJerry’s Plumbing Specialties Newsletter

Find Us on Facebook!

Only $10.42 Only $1.58V-551-A

Vacuum Breakers Only.OUR LOWEST PRICE EVER!

Only $8.95B-73-A Handle.

Limited Quantity Available.

Sloan Repair Par ts Specials!

Jerry’s is an Authorized Dealer of Sloan Faucets, Repair Parts, and Valves.

A-36-A - 4.5 GPFA-37-A - 1.5 GPFA-38-A - 3.5 GPF

A-36-A, A-37-A, and A-38-ADrop-in kits only.

OUR LOWEST PRICE EVER!

MonthlyCelebrating 30 Years! 1982 - 2012


January 2012 EditionJerry’s Plumbing Specialties Newsletter


Jerry’s 30thAnniversary Special Deal of the Month!

Only $10.30Retail $19.17

*Limited Quatity! No Rainchecks!

• Goes where soap and water can’t-great for jobs sites where water isn’t available• Dispensing system prevents product from drying out if left open• Baffle design assures single towel dispensing and tear-off, there by reducing waste• Lemon-lime scent. Same great scent as our Lifter Hand Cleaner!• Patented wipe fabric, absorbs dirt and grime, will not re-transfer dirt to the skin• Dual-surface towel. One side smooth for wiping, one side with “Grime-Busting Fibers”for scrubbing• Large 10” x 12”wipe; 70 sheets per tub

MonthlyCelebrating 30 Years! 1982 - 2012


February 2012 EditionJerry’s Plumbing Specialties Newsletter


Jerry’s 30thAnniversary Special Deal of the Month!

Only $30.30Retail $57.67

Scale, lime and rust buildup decreases the efficiency of any water based equipment, increases energy usage, and decreases equipment life.

Flow-Aide™ Biodegradable Descaler quickly andsafely dissolves water scale, lime, rust, and other water formed deposits, restoring efficiency to most all water based equipment.

Flow-Aide™ Biodegradable Descaler is a non-toxic concentrate which is certified to NSF/ANSI 60 for use as a cleaner in potable water systems.

WhitlamFlow-Aide Descaler

1 Gallon Bottle

Special EditionJerry’s Plumbing Specialties Newsletter

Celebrating Over 28 Years of Quality Plumbing Par ts and Advice in Ogden!

Monthly


Homeowner’s Guide To PlumbingGetting To Know Your Toilet

How to find the brand and model of your toilet? Manufacturerswill usually stamp theirbrandnameandmodelnumberontheundersideofthetanklidoronthebackwallofthetankitself.Itwillalsohaveastampdateofwhenthetoiletwasmolded.

ForExample:KohlerToilets always havehad a K-0000 num-ber.

American Standardwill always have a0000.000number.

Belowisasimplediagramwhichmayhelpyouiden-tifythemorecommonpartsofaregulartoilet.

Not every flapper is equal Toiletflappersdifferfrombrandtobrandandalsobyage.Ifyouhaveoneofthefollowingbrandsoftoiletsyoumaynotbeabletouseauniversalflap-per. •AmericanStandard •Kohler •Toto

What to do if your toilet is leaking? Thefirst thingyouneed todo ifyoususpectthatyourtoiletleaks,istofindoutwhereitisleakingfrom. 1.Ifyourfillvalveturnsonatrandominter-vals,itmightmeanyourflapperislettingwaterpassinto your toilet bowl. Thus draining your tank, andmakingyourfillvalverefillthetoilet. 2.Ifthereisapuddleofwaterontheflooritcanmean three things. It iseither leaking from thebowlwax,tanktobowlgasketortank-to-bowlbolts.Firstputadropoffoodcoloringinthetank. Ifoneofthesegasket’sareleakingthenitwillneedtobereplaced.

JerrySays:“Whenfixingatoiletdonotthrowawayyouroldpartsuntil

youknowforsurethatyournewpartsareworking.”

JerrySays:“Makesureyourwateristurnedoffunderthetoiletbeforeyoustartworking.Ifyoudoneed

toreplacethevalvemakesureitisaquarter-turnvalve.”

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Homeowner’s Guide To PlumbingSpecial EditionJerry’s Plumbing Specialties Newsletter

Know Your Faucet

Startling facts about a leaky faucet?

Didyouknowthat ifyourfaucetdripsfivetimesaminuteyouwillwasteoverfivegallonsperday,2,082gallonsandfourty-onebathfullsayearinwater. Thebestandeasiestsolution is tofixyourdrippingfaucetassoonaspossible. Notonlydoesitwastewater,aleakyfaucetcancausethebodyofyourfaucettocorrode.Thisforcesyoutoreplacethevalve.Evenifitthereisnoaccesstothefaucetitself.

How do you know what faucet you have?

Somefaucetmanufacturershavetheirname/initials/logo stampedon the faucet itself. Other’s,mainlyimportfaucets,willhavenothingatall.Theeasiestwaytoknowwhatbrandoffaucetyouhaveisbythecartridge/stemwhichisinside. The handle of the faucets does not alwayshelpinidentifyingbrandofthefaucet.Thehandlesmayhavebeenchangedorcouldbeauniversal/fit-allhandle.Itisbesttotrytoidentifythefaucetbythestemfirst. Newer Faucets have ceramic cartridges.Olderfaucetsusewhatiscalledacompressiontypestem.Thismeansthatwhenyouturnthehandleitcompressesawasherattheendofthestemontoabrassseat.

See diagram below:

What to do if your faucet is leaking.

For most compression type faucets youchange the seatwasherat theendof the stemandalsothebrassseatifitisleaking. Compression style faucets sometimes leakoutofthehandleitself.Thismeansthateitherano-ringorthepackingneedtobereplaced.Thismeansthatyouneedtoaddpackingorreplacethecurrentpacking.Thisistrueforkitchen,bathroom,tubandshowerfaucets. Ceramicstylestemswill start to leakwhendirt, rust or debri are mixed with your water andarepressedthetwoceramicsurfacesinyourstem.Anyscratchonthosesurfaceswillmakeyourfaucetleak. Spoutsonkitchenfaucetswillleakovertime.Thisisbecausetherearetwoo-rings,oneatthebaseandoneclosertothehandle,whichwillkeepwaterfromleakingpast.Allkitchenfaucetswhichhaveaswingspoouthaso-ringswhichkeep it fromleak-ing.Aftertimeo-ringswillwearoutandneedtobechanged.Theyshouldalsobelubricatedwithsili-conegrease.

JerrySays:“Whatissospecialaboutsiliconegreaseisthatithelpspreserveandlubricaterubber

parts.Italsodoesnowswellorsoften.”

Homeowner’s Guide To Plumbing

Page 3 of 4


Leaky Hose Bibb’s

Hose Bibb Basics Youmayknowthemasspigots,hydrants,orhosebibbs.Hosebibbscaneasilybecomeahomeownersworstnightmare. Mostnewhouseswillhavewhatiscalledahydrant.SeePicturetotheright.Itisnowcodetohaveaoutsidehydrantwithavacuumbreakeroranti-siphondevice. Ananti-siphondiviseispreventswaterthatcouldsiphonbackinsideyourmainwaterline.Thiscaneasilyhap-penwhenagardenhoseisleftimmersedinabodyofwater(pool,pondetc.).Thiscancre-atecontaminationofthelocalwatersupply. Althoughthesehydrantsmeetcoderequire-mentsdoesnotmeanthatyouhavetointallone.Iftheprojectinwhichyouareworkingisnotgoingtobeinspectedbythecitythenyoudonotneedtohaveananti-siphonhydrant.

What brand of hydrant do you have? Manyofthebrandshavedifferentcolorhandlesassociatedwiththem.Hereisalistofwhatcolorsnormallycorespondwiththeirbrands:

•Arrowhead-Green •B&K-Red •Mansfield-Green •Nibco-Blue/Tan •Prier-GreenOvalHandle •Watts-Blue(NLA) •Woodford-Tan/Grey

How to fix yourhydrant? Youwillhavetotakeoutthestemofthefaucetinordertoseewhatisgoingwrong.Thestemofthefaucetcanbe4”to24”long.Thisisbecausethefurtherbackthewaterisinyourwallthelesslikelyitistofreezeduringthewinter. Somemodelshaveabeveledwasherattheendothersyouwillneedaseatkit.Itreallyvariesdependingonthebrandofhydrant.Thebestthingtodoisbringitinandwecanhelpidentifywhatmaybewrong.

How to fix the old fashioned hose bibb? Olderhouseswillhaveacompressionstylehosebibb.Thesearemorelikelytoleakbecausetheyarecompressionstyleandmustbeshutoffinsidethehouse.Usuallywithavalvewhichiscalledastop&waste.Thishelpsahomeownerdrainthewaterthatmaybeleftinthevalvewhichcouldfreezeandexpandtheline. Thebestthingtodoifitisleakingistojustreplaceit.Evenifitisbetweentwogalvanizedpipes..Ifthehandleisbrokenyoumaybeabletofindahandletofit.Thestemsofthesevalvesarenotinterchangable.

JerrySays:“Alwaysusetherighttoolswhenrepairinganything.Pliersareusuallynotthe

bestanswer.Useacrescantwrenchandapipewrench.”

JerryReccomends:“Woodfordisbestwhenreplacingyourcurrenthydrant.Ithasmanyreplacable

partsavailable.”

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1. Water Heater Checkyourwaterheateroftenforleaksifitis5or6yearsold.Theregularwarrantytimeonmostwaterheatersis5to6years.Thismeansthatonedayitwillleakandyouwillhavetoreplaceit.Althoughinsomecaseswaterheaterscanlastforalotlonger. Ifyourbasementisfinishedyoumaywanttoinvestinawaterheaterpan.Thiswillhaveadraininwhichifyouwaterheaterisleakingitwilldrainintoyourfloordraininsteadofcausingdamagetoyourfinishedbasement.

2. Sprinkler System Makesureyoudisconnectthewatertoyoursprinklersystemeveryyear.Ifthereiswaterinyourlineitcanfreezeandbursethepipes.Manysprinklersystemshavewhatiscalledastopandwaste.Thismeansyoucanturnitoffwithasprinklerkey. Ifyoursprinklersystemdoesnothaveastopandwasteyoumayneedtoblowoutyourlinewithairpressuretomakesurethewatergetsoutanddoesn’tfreezeyourlines.

3. Hydrants & Hose Bibbs Before the winter always make sure yourgardenhoseisdisconnectedfromyourhydrantandhosebibbs.Gardenhosesretainwaterinthemandwhenwaterfreezesitexpandsandcantravelverticaltoyourhydrantcausingittoburstandfreezeinsideyourhouse. Before you use your hydrant in the springlookatitandseeifitisfrozen.Turnitonandthenchecktoseeifitleakinginsideyourhouse. A plumber once told me that people flood

theirbasementstooeasilyinthespringbecausetheyturnontheirhydrantstowashtheircarsorwaterthelawnandnevergobackinside tochecktosee if itleaking.Theyfindout30to40minuteslaterandithascausedalotofdamage.

4. Faucets Thebestthingtorememberisthatifitstartstoleakfixitrightaway.WARNING:Donotletitlingeronformonthsandletitmakeholesinthevalvebody.Youwillhavetoreplacethewholevalve. Youwillneedyourwholestemtodeterminewhatbrandoffaucetyouhave. Ahandledoesnotalwayshelpyou. Remember always use the right tools whenworkingwithachromeorspecialfinish.

5. Toilets Same as faucets, if it is leaking fix it rightawaybeforeanydamageoccurs. Noteverytoiletisthesame.Noteveryflapperinthetoiletwilllookorworkthesame.Rememberthemoreexpensivethetoiletthemorespecificpartsitwillneed tobe repaired. Whichmeans thatyouwillnotfindthepartsatanyofthebig-boxstores. WARNING:Neverovertightentheboltsonyourtoilet.Toiletsareporcelianandwillbreak.

6. Swamp Cooler Ifyouhaveaswampcoolermakesureyouwinterize it. Drain thewateroutof thecooleranddisconnectthewatersupplyandletitdrain.

Six Simple Maintainance Tips

for a Leak Free House

portfolio of darren c. boekweg

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