Women Plumbers are Throwing a Wrench in Gender Norms

When you think of who a plumber is, you generally think of man. While the majority of plumbers are men, more and more women are becoming plumbers. This is good, considering fewer people are going into the trades, and about a majority of tradespeople are set to retire in the next few years. With both of those affecting the plumbing industry, more and more plumbing companies should hire women plumbers. 

A Little History 

While women in plumbing may seem like a modern idea, it is not. The first woman to receive a master’s license was Lillian Baumbach in 1951. Nine years later, a cleaning company made a character, “Josephine the Plumber”, for their commercials. The idea of women being a plumber has been around for a while. So why is the plumbing industry only made up of 3.5% women?

Why is There a Lack of Women Plumbers?

The reason you don’t see a lot of women plumbers? Social norms. Most people deem plumbing as a “man’s job” because it is dirty, with a lot of manual labor. While that is true, there is no job that is solely a “man’s job”. Women plumbers also are not given the opportunity. It starts with apprenticeships and training to lack of inclusion in hiring and in the workplace itself. 

Apprenticeships

If your seasoned plumbers are interested in having an apprentice, encourage them to work with a woman plumber! 

Hiring

There are some things in job applications that will discourage a woman from applying. Firstly, the use of the word man, as in “looking for a tradesman”. Instead, you could say tradesperson. It is important to make sure that other wording in the job doesn’t directly relate to men. It is best to keep it neutral. 

While interviewing, it is important to make sure to avoid this as well. Women plumbers are just as capable as the men in the field. They have just as much knowledge, experience, and know-how. 

Workplace Environment 

The workplace environment should be inclusive regardless of whether women work there or not. There should also be anti-discrimination policies in place. These should include anything from gender to race, to anti-harassment.  

Benefits of Women Plumbers

There are many benefits women plumbers bring to the workplace. Studies have shown that the more women in the office, the more employee retention there is. There is also higher job satisfaction. Women help foster a culture that is more friendly, and accepting and helps foster team bonding and support. All of which help job satisfaction, performance, and retention within the company. 

It may even help your customers feel at ease. A majority of plumbing calls come from women. They may be wary about having a man in the house. When you have women on your team they can take care of those jobs. Customers will probably share with their friends how comfortable they feel. 

Final Thoughts 

There are many benefits to hiring more women plumbers in your company. From helping fill the lack of candidates to providing a more well-rounded work culture. While women plumbers may be hard to come across in your area, think also about hiring them for other jobs you have at your company. 

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237). 1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain, or water damage problem, including excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.