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.
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. 🚰🔧
Joe and I feel strongly about supporting our community throughout the year but even more so during the holidays. We do this by picking a charity each December to focus our efforts and this year we chose, “Friends of Kids with Cancer”.
This organization is devoted to enriching the daily lives of children undergoing treatment for, and survivors of cancer and blood-related diseases. Their mission is to be an advocate for these special kids and provide them and their families with the educational, emotional and recreational support needed as a result of the long hours of chemotherapy, illness and isolation.
Friends of Kids with Cancer has a proud 25-year history exclusively in St. Louis of helping kids with cancer…be kids. Jill Turec, Developmental Specialist at Mercy Clinic Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center, along with concerned parents, Molly Henry and Susie Snowden, saw the great need to enrich the daily lives and divert the attention of the patients outside of the medical treatments. These three women shared a dream that every child with cancer would experience as much fun, laughter, support and normalcy as possible. It was this idea that was the birth of Friends of Kids with Cancer. Starting in the office of Dr. Bob Bergamini in 1992, “The Toy Closet”, was launched to brighten the long gloomy and painful days spent in the treatment center.
Friends has been driven to meet the ever-evolving needs of not only the patients but their entire families. Everything they do is suggested by medical professionals and patient families. Dr. Bob’s philosophy is to “treat the needs of the entire child…not only the cancer”. Friends is such an important and unique charity because it gives back something that medicine can’t. The Educational, Emotional and Recreational programs build self-esteem and improve the quality of life to assure that the patients and their families remain positive, focused and prepared to meet their future needs.
JJ Kokesh and Son is working towards filling up “The Toy Closet” this Christmas… so that each child can choose something that provides the distraction from treatment and brings much needed joy in their lives. We are collecting:
-Toys for all ages -Legos – Barbies, babydolls
-crafts/craft kits -gift certificates for teenagers
-Art supplies -comics and coloring books
Every year, we do our best to encourage our customers,suppliers and employees to GIVE… and every single year, we are blown away by the incredible outpouring of love and generous support that we receive. We cannot begin to express our humble gratitude to all who help make this possible. Please think about how you may help us to make Christmas 2018 the most successful year ever!
Last year Officer Mike Flamion was shot while on duty at a routine traffic stop, leaving him paralyzed for the rest of his life. Joe and I decided that we wanted to help Officer Flamion in some way. It wasn’t until The Gary Sinise Foundation announced that they were building a smart home for Officer Flamion and his wife that we knew what we could do. We immediately applied to donate the plumbing in the home. Out of a number of other great companies, who also wanted to donate their time, we were lucky to have been chosen to complete the work.
Being part of this build has really been amazing, from learning about what Officer Flamion has been through in the last year, to getting to work with so many wonderful companies and individuals who have given their time and energy to make this home a reality.
When we started this project it began as giving back to Office Flamion but now half way through I have begun to realize how much we have also gotten out of it. At every turn we have been inspired by our subcontractors, suppliers, employees, and customers who have come forward to ask how they can help. Many have donated materials, money, and time. We are part of a community of people who have stepped up to give back and it makes me really happy and proud to be a part of Ballwin.
One way that I have continued to urge people to give is by contributing to the “Buy a Brick” Program. An American flag proudly soars in front of every home The Gary Sinise Foundation builds. The bricks that form the flagpole base are customizable with your message of gratitude. Together, these bricks form a lasting tribute to the sacrifices our heroes have made. You can either print the form below or go to www.garysinisefoundation.org/blog/article/buy-brick to fill out the form.
The Day after Thanksgiving is one of the busiest of the year for us at J.J. Kokesh and Son. Help avoid having to call us this year by following these easy steps.
The Disposer:
Run the disposer with cold water the day before to make sure it is clear.
Put only small pieces of food into the disposer.
Do Not use the disposer for fats, oils, bones, vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and egg shells.
If you do get a clog, don’t use chemical drain cleaners as they are dangerous to have around food and can damage your home’s pipes.
Toilets:
If you are hosting this year, try switching your toilet paper to single ply.
Keep a trash can visible.
Remember many bathroom products that say flushable are not!
Showers/Baths:
Make sure that you have strainers for all of the tub and shower drains.
Allow for at least a half an hour between showers to allow for proper drainage.
Also you need to eat lots of pumpkin pie because this helps everything!
I hope that following these simple tips will help keep your Thanksgiving stress free – from plumbing issues at least. If you do find yourself having a plumbing emergency, don’t worry we are on call 24 hours a day! Just give us a call and we will get you taken care of.
From everyone here at J. J. Kokesh and Son we hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with delicious food, friends, and family!
really been amazing, from learning about what Officer Flamion has been through in the last year, to getting to work with so many wonderful companies and individuals who have given their time and energy to make this home a reality.
proud to be a part of Ballwin.
