Pioneering Women Plumbers for Women's History Month

Women Who Helped Shape the Plumbing Industry

The trades have always been male-dominated industries. While women traditionally fill teaching jobs, plumbing and electrical jobs have always been considered “man’s work.” With national efforts to change this perception, the plumbing industry is slowly coming around. 

Every industry has a perceived “glass ceiling,” but women have greatly influenced the plumbing industry in the past. In honor of Women’s History Month, local plumbers are here to share some examples of how women have shaped modern plumbing. 

Females Plumbers in the Modern-Day Plumbing Industry

plumbing First, women in the plumbing industry today are still sparsely represented. Even when most companies are striving for equality in the workplace, it can be difficult for most people to think of the last female plumber they called for help. 

Estimates place women’s representation in plumbing at around 5%. Of the 5% of women in the plumbing trade, they do a range of activities. Some are owners. Some are office support staff. At this moment, estimates say that around 14,000 women are actually in the field as apprentices, journeywomen, or master plumbers. 

The women who work in the field as plumbers admit the business can be hard to break into. However, overcoming the barriers to entry in plumbing can yield such perks as:

  • Paid training
  • High salaries
  • Opportunities to run businesses 
  • Advancement opportunities

In the end, most say that financial freedom was worth the effort. 

Ladies Take Over the Auxiliary to the National Association of Plumbers

Historically, women have held much sway over plumbing, including lobbying power and legislative initiatives. At the turn of the 20th century, the National Association of Plumbers, the largest plumbing union at the time, held conferences about the plumbing industry. The plumber’s wives were invited on outings during the conferences while their husbands met. Early on, the lady's auxiliary committee was run by men; however, in 1910, leadership was handed over to women. They began to meet and discuss how they could help their husbands’ businesses succeed. 

By the 1950s, they had grown in power to the point that they were lobbying Congress and meeting with corporate giants like Texaco. In a partnership with the fill-up station, they helped design flagship stores with sanitation facilities, a rarity at the time. Their designs revolutionized the concept of gas stations, and every fill-up station since then has had bathrooms. 

lillian

"The Pretty Plumber"

Lillian Baumbach grew up helping her dad with plumbing jobs at his business. As she got older, she got better and eventually had enough on-the-job training to sit for the master plumber’s license test. Of the five men she took the test with, only two passed, including her, making her the first master plumber in the US. 

The notoriety she gained by breaking the glass ceiling vaulted her to national popularity. She appeared in an interview with Walter Cronkite, and she maintained correspondence with over 250 GIs serving in Korea. Soon after, she married and had kids but remained employed with her father’s company. 

About 2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling

2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of women in the plumbing industry. This family-owned and operated company has provided the Sacramento area with excellent service for 40 years and offers 24/7 live answer to calls. Call today for an experienced plumber in Rancho Cordova, CA. 

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