Recognising that less than 1% of UK plumbers are women, WaterSafe is calling for greater diversity in the industry.

To coincide with World Plumbing Day, coming up on 11 March, WaterSafe is calling for more women to help protect public health by pursuing a fulfilling and important career as a qualified plumber. WaterSafe’s Get Girls Plumbing campaign encourages women not to be put off by the out-dated stereotype that plumbing is a job better suited to men.

With a skills shortage across the UK leading to a higher demand for competent plumbers, there’s never been a better time to be a female in the industry, according to the register.

WaterSafe-approved plumber Hannah Dorkenoo Leggat said: “I would encourage any women thinking of becoming a plumber to go for it as it is such a rewarding job. You get to meet so many different people, some with amazing stories. The best decision I made was to become a plumber.”

Being a female plumber can also have its advantages, as Hannah explains: “I have been to elderly customers’ houses late at night, and the first thing they have said to me was 'I'm so glad you're a woman’. I am fairly short too so it means I can get into some tight spaces that a stocky bloke might not be able to.” 

Julie Spinks, Director of WaterSafe, said: “World Plumbing Day is a great opportunity to focus on female plumbers and encourage young women to apply for plumbing apprenticeships. These days there’s nothing a male plumber can do that a female can’t, and our research shows that many women and elderly customers in particular welcome the chance to employ a female plumber in their home.”