Meet the Women Who Changed the Plumbing Industry

The History of Women in the Plumbing Industry 

In honor of Women’s History Month, our plumbing experts want to discuss the history of women in the plumbing industry and celebrate the achievements of female plumbers. Plumbing has historically been a male-dominated industry, but women plumbers have made significant contributions to the industry. Here are some of the inspiring success stories of women in plumbing history. 

Modern Women in Plumbing

According to labor statistics, only around 3% of workers in the plumbing industry are female plumbers. Even though women plumbers are few, they have contributed greatly to the industry as plumbing inventors, plumbing contractors, and master plumbers. 

Many women plumbers manage and/or own their own plumbing companies. Women plumbers can also be found working in senior leadership positions across the plumbing industry. Some advancements in modern plumbing systems would not have been possible without the contributions of these women.

Ladies Auxilary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers

The Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers began as a group of men. The plumbers from the National Association of Master Plumbers met to plan activities to entertain their wives during plumbing conferences. Eventually, the wives themselves were put in charge of the Ladies Auxiliary Committee, and their roles changed. 

Many of the sanitary codes for public restrooms that we have today can be attributed to the Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers. They teamed up with gas station chains and rest stops to get clean, sanitary public restrooms installed everywhere. The Ladies Auxiliary Committee also helped create sanitary codes for public restrooms, which at one time did not exist. 

About Lillian Ann Baumbach

Lillian Ann Baumbach was a famous female plumber in the 1950s. She was a pin-up girl for the American military. Her nickname was “The Pretty Plumber” among her fans, who wrote her over 100 letters. Lillian Ann Baumbach is remembered for more than just her good looks- she was also the first female master plumber.  

She was one of the first women to break through the “glass roof” in the male-dominated plumbing industry and become a master plumber. Master plumber is the highest career achievement for plumbers, and it requires years of training. 

Lillian Ann Baumbach was the daughter of a plumber and began training as an apprentice with him soon after graduating from school. She quickly passed the test to become a journeyman plumber and began preparing for the master plumber test. 

At the age of 21, she took the test to become a master plumber and passed when most of the boys in the class failed. She eventually got married, and instead of opting for the life of a 1950s housewife, she started working in a senior management position at her father’s plumbing company. The life story of Lillian Ann Baumbach is just one of the many success stories of women in the plumbing industry. 

About Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air

Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air has been serving its community with outstanding services from experienced plumbers and HVAC technicians for 20+ years. Homeowners can depend on the expert technicians at Walker Plumber, Heating & Air for fast, fair, and friendly service. Call Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air today to schedule an appointment with an experienced local plumber in St. George, UT!

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