How Women Helped Make The Plumbing Industry What It Is Today

For Women's History Month, Celebrate the Women of Plumbing History

While most people in professional trades are still male, women are breaking through and making their mark in these industries. This includes the world of plumbing. Women have been unsung heroes in the development of the industry for many, many years. Their influence has gotten the industry to the point it is today.

Women in the Modern Plumbing Industry

Women still do not makeup 50% of the plumbing workforce, but their numbers have grown steadily, especially over the past few years. The number of women in the industry increased by 70% in one year (2017-2018). Including women in the workplace, no matter the area is essential for growth and has been shown to increase organizational dedication and job satisfaction. Today several plumbing businesses in the US are operated by women, including Milestone Plumbing in Wisconsin and M. Carey and Daughters Plumbing in Georgia. The gender gap in the industry is closing, but there is still room for more women among local plumbers. 

The Ladies Auxiliary of the National Association of Plumbers

The Ladies Auxiliary of the National Association of Plumbers was started in 1910 by men seeking to entertain their wives at the National Plumbers Association convention. When it was turned over to women in 1919, the focus changed from a social club for plumber's wives into a center for activism. As the wives of plumbers and business owners, they unofficially worked in the plumbing industry for years. 

• They often worked as bookkeepers and dispatchers for their husband's businesses, giving estimates and other information
• The Women's Auxiliary became active in lobbying for sanitation and environmental issues
• Their work helped improve sanitation in restaurants and service stations
• They lobbied for the Family and Medical Leave Act
• They are now part of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors' National Auxiliary
• They still raise scholarships for those seeking training in trades

The First U. S. Woman to be a Master Plumber: Lillian Ann Baumbach

In the 1950s, the United States saw many great achievements, but one that is rarely mentioned is the fact that the first woman passed the master plumber exam. Her name was Lillian Ann Baumbach, and she became known as the "pretty plumber." Her career not only abolished the industry's stereotypes, but she was an inspiration to future generations.

• Early Start:Lillian learned plumbing from age six, working with her father in his plumbing business
• Best in Class:She not only passed the master plumber exam but did so with one of the highest scores at the age of 21
• Beauty with Brains:She was a gorgeous lady who was not only a master plumber but a pin-up model
• Inspiration:She may have inspired the 1960s Comet mascot "Josephine the Plumber"

About A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc.

Serving Murphysboro, IL, and the surrounding communities, A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc. offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services from certified technicians. Call today for 100% satisfaction guaranteed.

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