Women Who Helped Shape the Plumbing Industry

Learn About the Women Who Have Impacted the Plumbing Industry Over the Years

While women have influenced the plumbing industry since its inception, the number of women working as plumbers has been pretty low. Like many trades, plumbing has been a male-dominated industry. But things are changing for the better as more women study the profession and get their hands dirty on the job. To show appreciation and celebrate Women’s History Month, this article will look at the impact women have had on the plumbing industry over the years. 

Women in Plumbing Today

Most people would be forgiven for thinking that plumbing is still male-dominated. Judging by the numbers, it is. Depending on the study, the estimates put females in the plumbing industry between 3% and 5%. This is low, but it’s a much higher number than it was in the 20th century. More and more women are filling vital jobs in the trades, which is good because there is expected to be a severe labor shortage by 2030. 

Some all-female plumbing companies have been making the news recently, spreading the word that women are more than welcome in the industry. Many experts think this will have a snowball effect. As girls see more women in the trades, they’ll grow up knowing there’s a viable career path for them there. And the slowly growing numbers today are largely thanks to the groundwork other women made in decades past. 

The Ladies Auxiliary Committee

In the early days of the auxiliary committee for the National Association of Master Plumbers was first formed, it was composed entirely of men. During the annual convention, the plumbers’ wives would find ways to stay busy. But nine years later, when the committee was given over to the women, it would become much more than the social club it initially was. Before this change in 1919, women were certainly involved in the industry — mostly answering phones, providing estimates, and filling other support roles. But the committee became a way for them to become even more involved. And the changes they helped bring about were nothing short of history-making. 

The Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Master Plumbers helped support the Family and Medical Leave Act. They lobbied for more sanitary conditions in bathrooms in gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores. They even became involved in the campaign for women’s voting rights. While not directly replacing pipes or clearing clogs, they certainly had a far-reaching and positive impact on the plumbing industry in the United States. 

First Female Master Plumber: Lillian Ann Baumbach

As the first female Master Plumber, Lillian Ann Baumbach was a well-known celebrity during the 1950s. Her father was a plumber, and she developed a knack for the job early on. By twelve years old, she regularly went on calls with her father, helping him and learning the trade. Just after graduating high school, she got on the road to becoming a Master Plumber. 

After breaking through gender stereotypes, Baumbach became a poster girl for women plumbers. She was interviewed by Walter Cronkite and answered letters sent to her by men worldwide. But she was much more than just the “Pretty Plumber,” as the media dubbed her. She was a hard worker and a smart woman, and she helped open the plumbing industry up to other women! 

About All Clear Plumbing

The family-owned-and-operated All Clear Plumbing company has served Belleville, NJ, since 1952! They are fully licensed and insured and provide prompt professional service. They also offer flat rate pricing and are available 24/7 for emergency service. Contact them today for plumbing service in Belleville, NJ. 

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