Women’s History Month: Women In Plumbing

Every March, we look back at the women who propelled this country forward with their innovations and determined voices. Women and men alike should celebrate these brave rule breakers for paving the way for us today. 

We want to take this time to honor some of the unsung heroes in the water heating and plumbing industry with a look at women in plumbing.  

Women in Plumbing: Then

Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers 

The Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers was founded in 1910 by the wives of plumbers as a social club before it catapulted into something much more influential. 

This group of women pushed for public bathroom regulations as a public health necessity in 1938. They also fought for workers’ rights, environmental issues, and women’s suffrage. More recently, they supported the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993.

The organization's archives, currently on file with the American History Museum, is the most thorough documentation of a woman's group in the museum's collections.

Lillian Ann Baumbach

Lillian Baumbach Jacobs grew up in a family of plumbers, and she decided to join the family business.

Lillian got her first tool kit at the age of 12 and acted as her father's apprentice throughout her adolescence, working up the ranks until she graduated her apprenticeship to become a journeyman.

Eventually, in 1951, Lillian, known as the “pretty plumber” became the country’s first female master plumber at the age of 21.

Lillian's story captured the country's attention when broadcasting legend Walter Cronkite interviewed Lillian during a popular broadcast that aired on national television.

Lillian popped up in additional television and magazine appearances over the years, most notably as a pin-up girl during the Korean War.

M. Cary and Daughters Plumbing 

M. Cary & Daughters Plumbing, run by M. Cary and her younger sister, was one of the first women-owned plumbing companies in the country, located in Decatur, Georgia. 

Daughters Plumbing was originally started by the girls’ father, but they took over the business, proving that women can be both plumbers and business owners. 

They are still going strong today (and quite clever when it comes to their marketing campaigns).

Women In Plumbing: Now

Only about 3.5% of plumbers are women, and we think that should change. 

Reasons For Women to Get Into the Plumbing Industry 

• Women plumbers help the company and the industry

Many companies find that adding women plumbers to the team makes their brand apparel to a larger audience. Some people argue that many customers won’t appreciate the women plumbers, but, actually, the customers often prefer women plumbers over men plumbers, especially women clients.

• Plumbing offers steady work 

People will always need plumbers for both residential and commercial buildings, ensuring a steady workload in the industry for the foreseeable future.

Unlike many industries, women plumbers in the U.S. earn a slightly higher average salary ($55,105) than male plumbers ($54,288).

Ways Companies Can Encourage Women Plumbers

• Create clear discrimination policies

Work with your human resources department to ensure that you have clear discrimination policies in place regarding hiring discrimination and sexual harassment and that all employees have access to those policies.

• Post job listings aimed toward women plumbers 

Most job listings for plumbers target a male audience. To get more women plumbers, we need to create job posts targeted toward females. 

• Foster a female-friendly environment 

Ensure that women feel comfortable in the workplace by not putting up offensive material or telling offensive jokes. Women’s bathrooms should also have the proper accommodations, such as garbage cans, mirrors, and access to sanitary products. 

Work with U.S. Water Heating Solutions!

Are you a woman interested in a career as a water heater technician? 

We are currently hiring service technicians in:

• Chicago, IL - Senior Service Technician (3+ years experience required)
• Kansas City, KS
• Indianapolis, IN
• Huntsville, AL
• Atlanta, GA
• Pittsburgh, PA

Apply for a role as a water heater technician today!