Honoring the Women Who Shaped the Plumbing Industry

Learn About the History of Women in the Plumbing Industry 

This March is Women’s History Month. In honor of the contributions of women in the plumbing industry, we take a look at the women who shaped the industry. Plumbing is historically a male-dominated trade, making female plumbers stand out as exceptional pioneers in the industry. This article gives an overview of women’s history in plumbing and discusses famous female plumbing figures.

Women’s History in Plumbing 

The role of a plumber is a physically demanding and dirty job, which is partially why it used to be considered a “man’s job.” According to statistics, only around 5% of plumbers in the industry are women. Despite making up a small percentage of the workforce, female plumbers have made significant contributions to shaping the industry. 

Many women in the plumbing industry own their own plumbing companies or are in various leadership positions. Modern-day technology has made plumbing a less physically demanding job, which has made it a more accessible career for many. The plumbing industry will continue to grow as modern infrastructure develops, creating more jobs for women in plumbing. 

Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers

Few people have heard of the ladies auxiliary committee for the National Association of Plumbers. Still, we all should be thanking them for their contributions to health and sanitation. 

The National Association of Plumbers is the largest organization for plumbers in the US. The ladies auxiliary committee was originally started as a group to plan activities for the wives of plumbers when they met for National Association of Plumber's conventions. 

Over time, the role of the committee changed. At first, the committee was run by men who planned activities for the women. In 1910, the women took over and began to use their influence to make strides toward public sanitation. 

Thanks to the ladies auxiliary committee partnering with companies like Texaco to put bathrooms in gas stations, we now have far more public restrooms. The committee was also responsible for pioneering many plumbing health codes that we use today. 

First Female Master Plumber Lillian Ann Baumbach

Master plumber is the highest level of career achievement that a plumber can reach. Lillian Ann Baumbach was the world’s first female master plumber. She first received her plumbing license in 1951, when most women were expected to be homemakers. 

Breaking societal standards, Lillian Baumbach enjoyed working as a plumber and pursued her career fully. She was the daughter of a plumber, which is where she got the idea of following in her father’s footsteps to become one herself. She trained for the master plumber test at her father’s plumbing company. Of the six students to take the test that day, she was one of only two that passed the exam to become a master plumber. 

 

 

About Henco Plumbing Services

Henco Plumbing Services is proud to serve Ridgefield, WA, and the surrounding communities with affordable plumbing repair, maintenance, and installation from experienced technicians. Homeowners are guaranteed flat-rate pricing and same-day repair and replacement when hiring Henco Plumbing Services. Call them today to schedule a hassle-free appointment with an expert plumber in Ridgefield, WA.

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