Powerful Women That Shaped the Plumbing Industry

Giving Women’s History in Plumbing the Spotlight

Women’s history over the last century is extensive and, at times, overwhelming, but women have come to shape and revolutionize many industries in the workforce. The plumbing industry is no different. Today, some women continue that to push boundaries and shape how the plumbing world will look tomorrow. There are also women in history that were trailblazers and helped form the industry as the world knows it today. 

If women aren’t getting dirty and fixing pipes at the job site, they are the brains of the operation or inventing new technology for the industry. Women impact the world of plumbing in a major way, and it’s only right that the world celebrates them for an entire month out of the year! 

Today's Women Plumbers

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020, there were 537,000 licensed plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters. However, a mere 2.3% of them were women. Still, that doesn’t stop them from making their mark on the industry. Women plumbers have done and continue to do great things in plumbing. Whether they are helping to advance technology or working on the front, they all deserve to be appreciated this month. 

There might still be a low number of women in the industry, but that number is increasing. Because of the trailblazers in the industry, more and more women are looking to join trade jobs each year. This is a type of progress for women in the workforce that continues to grow!  

Ladies Auxiliary Committee For the National Association of Master Plumbers

The ladies auxiliary committee for the National Association of Master Plumbers originally began as a way for plumbers to keep their wives busy during the yearly convention for master plumbers. The group first started in 1910, and the ladies within the group were scheduled to go for car rides, go shopping, and attend luncheons. Essentially, the committee was nothing more than a distraction for the wives of plumbers. It wasn’t meant to turn into anything. 

But the women had other ideas for the group. The ladies quickly turned the group into an organization for activism. They held campaigns to help make the plumbing industry better than before. 

The organization has accomplished: 

• Cleaner bathrooms at Texaco gas stations 
• Held campaigns for environmental issues
• Held campaigns for labor issues
• Supported a Family Medical and Leave Act

Today, they continue to raise funds for scholarships and other campaigns. Some women even help fund the books for plumbing companies around the country! 

Lillian Ann Baumbach 

Lillian Ann Baumbach is known primarily for becoming the first woman to receive a Master Plumber’s license. She received a bunch of notoriety for this and made appearances on TV. She was also a pin-up girl for the infantry during the Korean War and would write letters to soldiers. The country loved her and her accomplishments. 

Her story continues to live on today and inspire women everywhere that they can be beautiful, strong women while also being plumbers and helping to revolutionize the industry. 

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JD Precision Plumbing in Conroe, TX, has the answers homeowners are looking for. With years of experience in the business, hassle-free service, and professional technicians, there’s nothing they can’t do. Call today for professional plumbing service in Conroe, TX.

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