Long before Danielle Elowe started her plumbing repair and refurbishment business, back when the former barista wasn’t sure she would stay in the profession at all, “I spent my entire training thinking about what I would hypothetically call this business I didn’t want to start.” Finally, last year…Waterworks! It would be a weird little double entender for people who google a plumber and think “Waterworks” is a perfectly normal name and then see my van pull up with this crying eye logo.”
Both the nickname and Patrick Nagel-esque graphic featuring a single teardrop beneath an arched brow — “a throwback to the classic ’80s nail salon art that I love so much,” she adds — were originally intended to mean little more than memorable branding, but Elowe accepted the “cheeky nod to supposedly hysterical girls.” I mean, the job can be so frustrating that it gives everyone what my colleagues call “plumbing sweat.” There is definitely crying in the sanitary area.”
With women making up about 3% of American plumbers, convincing potential clients of their willingness remains a challenge. (While male contractors are often forced to tone down a knee-jerk brusque approach, she’s found that rattling off obscure technical jargon is the best way to reassure clients.) Nonetheless, Elowe continues to swim against the tide in hopes of dispelling even the most pervasive stereotypes.
“Nobody needs to see a plumber’s crack,” she sighs, “but try to keep your pants up after spending most of the day crouching in weird positions under cabinets.” We’re a very underground breed of construction workers, and sometimes you reach back and find that your underwear is half sticking out of your pants. my cure? Wear appropriate clothing, get a metal-free Velcro mechanic belt, and just slip into jumpsuit style. Go full Mario and we can ruin the reputation once and for all.”
Check out the rest of Willamette Week’s Best of Portland 2023 here!
www.wweek.com
https://www.wweek.com/culture/2023/07/19/woman-led-waterworks-plumbing-pushes-back-against-gender-stereotypes/
