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Building Skills for Life: Kokesh Plumbing Hosts Plumbing Clinic for Scouting America

Sep 29, 2025

Back in April, Kokesh Plumbing had the privilege of hosting a Plumbing Clinic for the Scouting America at our Ballwin, MO headquarters. It was an inspiring day filled with curiosity, learning, and hands-on practice as Scouts explored the world of plumbing.

Teaching Plumbing Basics

During the clinic, our experienced plumbers introduced the Scouts to the fundamentals of plumbing: from identifying common tools and pipe materials to understanding how water moves through a home. The Scouts had the chance to get hands-on experience, practicing basic skills like tightening fittings, learning about water conservation, and seeing how plumbing systems impact everyday life.

Skills That Last a Lifetime

Beyond the pipes and fittings, this clinic was about more than plumbing. It was about teaching practical skills that Scouts can carry with them throughout their lives. Understanding how to address small plumbing issues, prevent water waste, and value craftsmanship instills confidence and responsibility that will serve them well into adulthood.

Investing in the Next Generation

We believe in giving back to the community and sharing our passion for the trade with the next generation. Hosting this clinic allowed Kokesh Plumbing to showcase the importance of skilled trades, while encouraging young people to see plumbing as both a practical life skill and a potential career path.

We’re proud of the Scouts who participated and grateful to have been part of their journey. At Kokesh Plumbing, we look forward to hosting more educational opportunities that connect our expertise with the community.

Pilot Light Out? How to Safely Relight Your Water Heater and When to Call a Plumber

Sep 22, 2025

Have you ever suddenly noticed that you don’t have cold water throughout your home, only to find that your water heater pilot light has gone out? Kokesh Plumbing understands how that feels and would like to offer some steps that you can take to see if you can get your pilot light back up and running.

If your gas pilot light goes out, here’s what to do, starting with making sure that you put safety first:

1. Detect Gas Leaks:

  • Smell for gas: Natural gas has a distinct “rotten egg” odor. If you smell gas, do not attempt to relight the pilot light.
    • Turn off the gas supply to the appliance.
    • Leave the house immediately.
    • Do not turn on or off any electrical switches, lights, or appliances, as this could create a spark.
    • Once you are in a safe place, call Spire to get them out to check the gas out in your home.
  • No gas smell: If you don’t smell gas, you can proceed to try and relight it.

2. Wait 5-10 Minutes:

Even if you don’t smell gas, it’s a good practice to turn the gas control valve to the “OFF” position (if applicable) and wait at least 5 to 10 minutes for any residual gas to dissipate.

3. Locate the Pilot Light and Instructions:

  • Consult your appliance’s manual: This is the best source for specific instructions on how to relight your particular water heater, or other gas appliance. The instructions are often also affixed to the inside of the burner compartment door.
  • Find the pilot light: It’s usually a small tube or opening near the main burner.

4. Relighting the Pilot Light (General Steps):

  • Turn the gas control knob to “PILOT”: This allows a small amount of gas to flow to the pilot light.
  • Press and hold the reset button (if present): This manually opens the gas valve to the pilot.
  • Ignite the pilot light: While holding the reset button, use a long lighter or a long match to ignite the pilot. Hold the flame to the pilot opening until you see a steady blue flame.
  • Continue holding the reset button: Once the pilot is lit, continue to hold the reset button down for 20-60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple (a safety device that senses the pilot flame) to heat up and generate enough electrical current to keep the gas valve open.
  • Release the reset button: Slowly release the reset button. The pilot light should remain lit. If it goes out, repeat the process.
  • Turn the gas control knob to “ON”: Once the pilot light is burning steadily, turn the gas control knob to the “ON” position. Your appliance should now be ready to operate normally.
  • Replace access panels: Secure any panels you removed.

Why Pilot Lights Go Out (and When to Call a Kokesh Plumbing):

If your pilot light keeps going out, or you’re unable to relight it, there’s likely an underlying issue that requires professional attention. Common reasons include:

  • Faulty or dirty thermocouple: This is the most common culprit. A dirty or malfunctioning thermocouple won’t sense the flame, causing the gas valve to close as a safety measure. Kokesh Plumbing can clean or replace it.
  • Clogged pilot gas tube/orifice: Dirt or debris can restrict the gas flow to the pilot, causing a weak flame that easily extinguishes.
  • Drafts: Strong air currents or drafts around the appliance can blow out the pilot light. Check for open windows, doors, or issues with your venting.
  • Faulty gas valve/pilot control: The valve that controls gas flow to the pilot can malfunction.
  • Gas supply issues: There might be an issue with the gas pressure to your home or appliance. If multiple gas appliances are affected, call Spire.
  • Condensation: In some cases, water dripping from condensation can extinguish the pilot light.
  • Air in the gas line: This is less common but can prevent the pilot from staying lit.

When to Call a Kokesh Plumbing:

  • You smell gas. (Always the top priority!)
  • The pilot light won’t relight after several attempts.
  • The pilot light lights but keeps going out.
  • The flame is weak, flickering, or yellow/orange (a healthy pilot flame should be blue). This can indicate incomplete combustion and potentially carbon monoxide.
  • You’re unsure or uncomfortable with any step of the relighting process.
  • Your appliance is old and you suspect a faulty component.

Always prioritize your safety when dealing with gas appliances. If you have any doubts, please give us a call at 636-391-1233, so that one of our licensed plumbers can come out and help you with any gas or pilot issues you may be having!

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Why You Should Hire a Licensed Union Plumber Instead of a Handyman

Aug 18, 2025

When you have a plumbing problem, it’s important to decide whether to hire a handyman or a licensed union plumber. While handymen may be less expensive, they may not have the necessary skills and experience to handle complex plumbing problems. Licensed union plumbers, on the other hand, are highly trained and experienced, and they are committed to providing their customers with the highest quality service.

What is a Union plumber?

Union plumbers are licensed plumbers who belong to a union. Unions provide their members with a number of benefits, including:

  • Training: Union plumbers are required to complete a comprehensive apprenticeship program. This ensures that they have the skills and knowledge necessary to do the job right.
  • Experience: Union plumbers typically have more experience than handymen. This is because they are required to work through the Union’s apprentice program, which the Union and plumbing shops work together for 5 years to give the apprentices a chance to learn and grow both hands on and in the classroom.
  • Benefits: Union plumbers typically receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement savings plans, and paid time off. This allows them to focus on their work without having to worry about financial matters.

Here are some of the benefits of hiring a licensed union plumber:

  • Expertise: Licensed union plumbers have the training and experience to handle all types of plumbing problems, from simple repairs to complex installations.
  • Safety: Licensed union plumbers are committed to safety, and they follow all applicable safety codes and regulations.
  • Reliability: Licensed union plumbers are reliable and accountable. They will show up on time and complete your job on schedule.
  • Guarantee: Licensed union plumbers typically offer a guarantee on their work, so you can be confident that your repairs or installation will be done to your satisfaction.

While handymen may seem to cost less on the front end, it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for. Hiring a handyman to fix a plumbing problem may save you money upfront, but it could cost you more in the long run if the problem is not fixed properly.

Here are some specific examples of plumbing problems that should only be handled by a licensed union plumber:

  • Gas leaks: Gas leaks can be very dangerous, and they should only be repaired by a qualified plumber.
  • Water leaks: Water leaks can damage your home and lead to mold and mildew growth. A licensed plumber can quickly and efficiently identify and repair water leaks.
  • Sewer line problems: Sewer line problems can be messy and expensive to repair. A licensed plumber has the experience and equipment to repair sewer line problems quickly and efficiently.
  • Water heater installation: Water heater installation can be complex and dangerous. A licensed plumber can safely and correctly install your new water heater.
  • Repiping: Repiping is a major plumbing project that should only be handled by a licensed plumber. A licensed plumber can ensure that your repiping project is done to code and that it will last for many years to come.

When deciding whether to hire a handyman or a licensed plumber, it is important to consider the factors listed above. If you have any doubts, it is always best to err on the side of caution and hire a licensed plumber.

Kokesh Plumbing is a proud union plumbing company. We employ licensed union plumbers who are highly skilled and experienced in all aspects of plumbing repair and installation. If you have a plumbing problem, please contact Kokesh Plumbing today. We will be happy to help you get your plumbing system back in working order.

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Celebrating Little Library Week by Installing Our Own!

May 12, 2025

We’re always looking for ways to give back to the community that has supported our family business for over 130 years. This year, we’re proud to celebrate Little Free Library Week by building our very own Little Free Library right here at our headquarters!

Constructed by our own team (yes—plumbers can be pretty handy with wood and tools too!), our Little Library is designed to inspire a love of reading for all ages. We’ve stocked it with some of our favorite books about plumbing, construction, and building—plus stories for kids and adults alike.

Keep scrolling to see behind-the-scenes photos of the building process and check out how it all came together.

If you and your kids are hunting for a new favorite read or have a great book you’d love to share, we’d love for you to stop by our new Little Free Library! Swing by 408 Kehrs Mill Road in Ballwin, MO 63011, grab a book, leave a book, and help us keep the joy of reading alive in our community—one story at a time. 

Also, just want to point out that we now have a bathtub and a sink in front of our office – Love it!

Learn more about Little Free Library project here and how to build your own.

We Did It – 2024 Nextdoor Neighborhood Fave!

Oct 29, 2024

We are beyond thrilled to announce that Kokesh Plumbing has been voted a 2024 Nextdoor Neighborhood Fave! This award means the world to us because it comes from YOU—our amazing customers and neighbors.

Thank you for trusting us with your homes, your plumbing needs, and your continued support. We couldn’t have achieved this without each and every one of you! Your loyalty and kind recommendations keep us going strong. 

Here’s to more years of reliable service, friendly smiles, and plumbing done right! If you need us, you know where to find us.