Female plumber reveals sexist comments she gets at work

A plumber has revealed the sexist comments she gets while at work – including being told to ‘make sandwiches’ and asked if her ‘tools are too heavy’.

Rachel Griffiths, 25, from Connah’s Quay, Wales, first started out as a plumber’s apprentice at 16, and has spent the past nine years improving her skills within the trade.

Rachel, who bought he first house at 21, often receives sexist and patronising comments because of her gender.

She’s now trying to break any pre-conceived stereotypes that surround the male dominated industry, creating a pathway for more women to follow their dreams of becoming a plumber.

Rachel said: ‘I’ve been working as a plumber since I was 16, and the comments and reactions I receive are always the same.

‘Almost every time I’m on a job, people are shocked when they open the door because they’re not expecting a woman.

‘It’s both men and women that comment on it which I find a bit weird. 

‘The comments are usually along the lines of, “You don’t look like you should be a plumber”, “Are you on your own’ ‘are you’re tools not too heavy for you’.

‘On social media I’ve had comments like “Close enough to the sink to do the dishes” or like “Make me a sandwich”.

‘It’s even worse when I get the “You’re far too pretty to be a plumber”. It’s like people have this stereotypical image in that women, especially relatively pretty ones, can’t be plumbers.

‘It’s not just a stereotype that women can’t be in the industry, there’s one for how women should look if they work as plumbers too.

‘One of my worst experiences was when I did a radiator valve replacement job for a letting agent.

‘There was nothing wrong with my work, but the resident rang the agent after I left complaining that they shouldn’t send a woman to do a man’s job. It angered me quite a bit really.

‘The whole experience can be pretty patronising sometimes, but I try and ignore it, and I now use social media that I can do my job just as well, if not better, than any man in the industry.’

Rachel was first inspired to become a plumber after completing her GCSEs saw her craving to jump straight into a paid working role.

She said: ‘My older siblings decided to go to university, but that was never something I imagined myself doing as I really wanted to just start working.

‘My parents recommended I do a vocational course at college, so I ended up decided on plumbing and that’s really where it all began.

‘I started out as an apprentice on just over £3 an hour and have been self-employed with the same company ever since.

‘It’s hard work and very physical, but I continue to improve my skillset with every day and love how I thrive within a job I love.

‘I managed to buy my first home at 21, and I’m planning on buying another property right now to let.

‘That way, when I’m in my 50’s and can’t kneel down or lift heavy things anymore, I’m set for life as a landlord.’

Outside of work, Rachel loves to dress feminine in glamorous dresses and makeup, often shocking new friends when she tells them about her day job.

Rachel adds: ‘My friends and family have been super supportive about my career choice.

‘My younger sister, Lauren, has even followed in my footsteps and is currently working as an apprentice.

‘But when I meet new people, they’re usually pretty shocked about my day job, and will always bombard me with questions which I love to answer.

She now uses her social media platforms to educate the public that women can be in any industry that they want, and more women shouldn’t feel as though they can’t work as plumbers because of overbearing stereotypes.

She said: ‘I try and make sure my social media accounts are completely work focused to show my process.

‘I’m very good at my job, and I am thriving in this ‘man’s world’.

‘I’ve had a lot of women reach out to me to ask advice and the best ways to get into the industry, especially younger generations.

‘If I can inspire as many women to join the industry as possible, I’ll be happy to know I’ve changed a few minds about plumbing.’