CALL NOW 636-391-1233

Grohe Brand Spotlight

A Commitment to Quality, Design, and Sustainability

Grohe is a leading global manufacturer of premium kitchen and bathroom fittings. Founded in 1936 in Hemer, Germany, this company has since grown to become one of the most trusted brands in the plumbing industry.

Grohe has a long history of innovation and excellence. The company is known for its high-quality products, cutting-edge design, and commitment to sustainability.

Grohe products are designed to be both functional and stylish. The company’s faucets, showers, and other fittings are made with the highest quality materials and construction methods. Grohe also offers a wide range of finishes to choose from, so you can find the perfect product to match your décor.

In addition to its focus on quality and design, Grohe is also committed to sustainability. The company uses a variety of sustainable manufacturing practices, and its products are designed to be water- and energy-efficient. Grohe is also a member of the World Green Building Council, and its products are certified by a number of green building organizations.

Grohe products are used in homes and businesses all over the world. The company’s products are known for their reliability, performance, and beauty. Grohe is a trusted brand that is known for delivering the highest quality products.

The most popular GROHE products:

GROHE Rainshower

The GROHE Rainshower is a showerhead that delivers a luxurious rain shower experience. The showerhead features a variety of spray patterns and temperature settings, so you can customize your shower experience to your liking.

GROHE Euphoria

The GROHE Euphoria is a line of faucets and showers that offer a variety of features for your convenience and comfort. For example, the GROHE Euphoria EcoJoy faucets feature water-saving technology that can help you save water and money.

GROHE Grohtherm

The GROHE Grohtherm line of thermostatic faucets and showers offers precise temperature control and safety features. This makes them a good choice for families with young children or elderly adults.

If you are looking for high-quality, innovative, and sustainable plumbing products, Grohe is the brand for you. Kokesh Plumbing is proud to offer a wide range of Grohe products to our customers. Contact us today to learn more about Grohe products and to find the perfect products for your home.

Spring Plumbing Maintenance

Spring Plumbing Maintenance is so important because it helps prevent problems throughout the year and can save you money on water bills.

De-winterize and test backflows

Winter is especially hard on any outdoor piping- having your backflow checked along with irrigation for any freezing or broken parts is a necessary part of Sprinkler maintenance. The Test that comes along with this service is especially important to stay in compliance with your local municipality or St. Louis County

 

Clean gutters and downspouts

While gutters and downs spouts may not technically be part of your plumbing system, it is an important part of spring maintenance as they carry water away from your home and when backed up can lead to costly water leaks inside your home

 

De-winterize outside faucets

Like any outside pipes, winter is especially tough on outside faucets. Checking these by opening the shut off valves and slowly turning on the faucet so that you only have a small amount of water running and can check for leaks at the faucet and the pipe that runs into your home, will save you a surprise when its time to start watering in a few months.

 

Check/test your sump pump

Being prepared for spring showers means checking your sump pump regularly. Grabbing a bucket or two of water and pouring into the sump pit till the float switch is raised will allow you to watch and see that the sump is turning on properly and the water is lowering

 

Exercise all shut off valves

Turning your shut off valves on and off or exercising them will help make sure they don’t seize after years of not being used. Remember the shut off valves should be located at all fixtures: toilets, sinks, water heater, fridge water lines, and the main shut off to your home.

With so many spring projects and maintenance to attend to, don’t forget that you can always schedule Kokesh Plumbing to come out and lend you a hand with all your plumbing needs!

So why wait? Get started on your spring projects and ensure your plumbing is ready for the season with a little maintenance and a touch of Kohler flair!

 

Fix a Leak Week

March 18th-25th is Fix a Leak Week!

This week, March 18th-25th is Fix a Leak Week, and Kokesh Plumbing is here to help you find and fix the leaks in your home!

The Most common types of leaks that you might find in your home are dripping faucets, leaking valves, and toilets with worn flappers. These leaks can seriously add up! 10% of homes have leaks that have wasted 90 gallons or more water per day and an average American household’s leaks can account for up to 10,000 gallons of wasted water per year. Fixing these leaks can save homeowners about 10 percent on their water bills and Kokesh is here to help you fix leaks and save money.

Tips for finding leaks:

  • Placing a drop of food coloring in your toilet tank and waiting 10 minutes for color to show up in the bowl is an excellent way to see if your toilet has a leak. Make sure to flush afterwards to avoid staining the tank.
  • Check your water meter before and after a two hour period when no water is being used, if the meter changes that is an indication that you have a leak.
  • Examine faucet gaskets and pipe fittings for any water on the outside of the pipes to check for surface leaks.
  • In January or February, you should take a look at your water usage, if you are exceeding 12,000 gallons per month as a family of four, chances are that you have serious leaks.

Kokesh Plumbing can help!

If you feel as if you may have a leak, please call us at 636-391-1233, we will be happy to send someone out to check things out for you.

Women’s History – Adrienne Bennett

First Black Female Master Plumber in the United States

Women’s History Month is a wonderful time to celebrate women and their achievements and Kokesh Plumbing would like to celebrate Adrienne Bennett this year. Adrienne Bennett is the first black female master plumber in the United States, CEO of her own contracting company and an indomitable spirit that overcame racism and sexism to become the woman she is today.

 

She started her apprenticeship at age 22, she overcame harassment from other plumbers that didn’t think she was capable of doing the work it takes to become a plumber, but she kept at it and in 1987 became a master plumber- a first in the United States.

After working as a journeyman plumber, a master plumber, project manager, plumbing inspector and a code enforcement officer for the city of Detroit, she now runs her own commercial plumbing and water conservation company with her son.

Happy Women’s History Month!

Old Plumbing Pipes and Systems

A Guide for Old Plumbing Pipes and Systems

St. Louis and West County have some amazing older homes and businesses. They bring a sense of timelessness and beauty to our streets and neighborhoods.

One part of older homes and businesses that isn’t so grand is the old plumbing pipes and systems that are in in place. These older pipes and water or waste systems can cause a number of problems, including leaks, clogs, water quality issues, and even property damage.

It is important to be aware of the signs that your plumbing system may be outdated and to take steps to address the problem before it causes serious damage.

The dangers of old plumbing pipes and systems:

In addition to the problems listed above, old plumbing pipes and systems can also pose a number of safety hazards. For example, corroded pipes can burst, releasing water and potentially dangerous gasses into your business. Additionally, old pipes can be more susceptible to leaks and clogs, which can lead to water damage and mold growth.

Signs of old plumbing pipes and systems:

Leaky faucets and pipes: Leaky faucets and pipes are a common sign of old plumbing. Leaks can waste water and lead to mold and mildew growth.

Low water pressure: If you have low water pressure, it could be a sign that your pipes are clogged or corroded.

Rusty or discolored water: Rusty or discolored water is a sign that your pipes are corroded. Corroded pipes can leak and burst, and they can also contaminate your drinking water.

Strange noises: If you hear strange noises coming from your pipes, such as banging or whistling, it could be a sign of a problem.

The age of your building: If your home/building was built before the 1960s, it is likely that your plumbing pipes and systems are outdated.

Slow drainage: If your drains are draining slowly, it could be a sign that they are clogged. Clogs can be caused by a variety of things, such as grease, hair, and soap scum.

Frequent repairs: If you are constantly having to repair your plumbing system, it could be a sign that it is outdated and needs to be replaced.

Apperance: The outward appearance of the faucets or pipes looks compromised.

Barnacles: Barnacles on cast iron pipes with or without leaking substances

The dangers of old plumbing pipes and systems:

In addition to the problems listed above, old plumbing pipes and systems can also pose a number of safety hazards. For example, corroded pipes can burst, releasing water and potentially dangerous gasses into your business.

Old pipes can be more susceptible to leaks and clogs, which can lead to water damage and mold growth.

If you do own an older home or business, here are some tips, that can help to extend the life of your plumbing system and avoid costly repairs.

  • Keep a record of your plumbing system maintenance. This will help you to track when your system was last inspected and what repairs or maintenance were performed.
  • Have a plan for dealing with plumbing emergencies. This plan should include a list of qualified plumbers who you can call in the event of a problem.
  • Consider investing in a plumbing maintenance contract. This type of contract can help you to save money on plumbing repairs and maintenance in the long run.

How Kokesh Plumbing can help:

Kokesh Plumbing is a full-service plumbing company that specializes in residential and commercial plumbing. We have the experience and expertise to handle all types of plumbing problems, including old plumbing pipes and systems. We can assess your plumbing system and recommend the best course of action to keep your business running smoothly.
If you are concerned about the age of your plumbing pipes and systems, contact Kokesh Plumbing @ 636-391-1233 today for a free consultation. We will assess your plumbing system and recommend the best course of action to keep your business running smoothly and protect your property from damage.

ASSE Backflow Certification

Joseph Kokesh
President of Kokesh Plumbing

As a master plumber, I’ve navigated through countless pipes, valves, and intricate systems. But there’s one certification that stands out—a badge of honor that signifies my commitment to water safety and public health: ASSE Backflow Certification.

Let’s explore what it means to me and why it matters…

The Basics

What Is ASSE Backflow Certification?

  • ASSE International, a trusted authority, offers specialized certifications for backflow prevention.
  • It’s not just about paperwork; it’s about safeguarding our water supply.

Why Pursue ASSE Backflow Certification?

  • Legal Compliance: Many states require it. Compliance ensures I operate within the law.
  • Public Health: Backflow incidents can contaminate drinking water. My certification helps prevent this.
  • Professional Credibility: ASSE certification adds weight to my resume.
  • Expanded Opportunities: Employers seek ASSE-certified plumbers.
  • Expertise: I gain specialized knowledge in backflow prevention.

My Journey

Training and Exams

  • I enrolled in a comprehensive 40-hour training course.
  • The written and practical exams challenged me, but I emerged prepared.

Validity and Recertification

  • My certification is valid for three years.
  • I stay updated through refresher courses and re-examinations.

Industry Recognition

  • ASSE’s standards are rigorous and respected.
  • Being part of this community elevates my professional standing.

What It Means to Me

Responsibility

  • Every valve I inspect, every assembly I test—it’s not just a task. It’s a responsibility.
  • I protect families, businesses, and communities from water contamination.

Pride

  • I’m part of a network that values excellence and safety.

Continuous Learning

  • Backflow prevention evolves. ASSE keeps me informed.
  • I’m not just certified; I’m committed to lifelong learning.

 

ASSE Backflow Certification isn’t just about technical know-how; it’s about making a difference. So, fellow plumbers, let’s keep those water lines flowing flawlessly. 🚰🔧

For more information, visit the ASSE International Backflow Prevention Certification page.

Stay certified, stay responsible! 🌐🛠️

– Joe Kokesh