Still crushing it 40+ years into the plumbing trade, Susan Jacobs-Marshalsea, Ms. Fix It Plumbing LLC, Foxborough, Mass. (@plumbersue on Instagram) says it’s that love of plumbing that still motivates her to this day. And there are really no plans of slowing down as of yet, “It’s probably the adrenaline that kicks in so the Read more
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Still crushing it 40+ years into the plumbing trade, Susan Jacobs-Marshalsea, Ms. Fix It Plumbing LLC, Foxborough, Mass. (@plumbersue on Instagram) says it’s that love of plumbing that still motivates her to this day. And there are really no plans of slowing down as of yet, “It’s probably the adrenaline that kicks in so the physical aspect of plumbing sometimes gets ignored by my body because my brain just tells me to do it. Customers with emergencies and/or plumbing issues still excite me. I will plumb as long as I can physically,” says Jacobs-Marshalsea.
And that’s a good thing. You see, Jacobs-Marshalsea has been a staunch advocate for women in the trades. “Did you know that only 3.5% of plumbers are women. Did you also know that only 2.2% of electricians are women, only 3% of tile/carpet installers are women and less than 2% of carpenters are women? I don’t know why the percentage is so low,” says Jacobs-Marshalsea. “This is why I have become overly obnoxious in my Facebook and Instagram posts. Hopefully, other women seeing me plumb may encourage/entice them to think about a trade as a career.”
When asked about what we can do as an industry to help bring women into the trades, “Exactly what you did with asking me these questions,” she says. “We women need to put ourselves out there and promote ourselves and by having news interviews, publication interviews, promote workshops/trade shows and speak at local middle/high school career fairs—anything that helps get the word out that women can be in this trade, and that we are very good at it for various reasons.”
Jacobs-Marshalsea says she really doesn’t “fight” any stigma today as far as being a woman in the trades. “I did 40+ years ago in the late 1970s, early ’80s. There weren’t many female tradeswomen back then, especially in the private sector. I’ve made a name for myself and have a great customer base and get referred often so I feel I have proved myself decades ago. Now I’m just the pink plumber lady, locally.”
But does Jacobs-Marshalsea consider herself a mentor? She’d love to mentor but very few women/girls are interested in plumbing, she says. “I think it’s the poop thing. And we all know that unless you are a drain cleaner, plumbers only come across ‘poop’ maybe 3-5 a month.”
Jacobs-Marshalsea teaches Plumbing 101 workshops to condo/homeowners, real estate agents, youth groups, parent/child, married couples, etc. so that she will have something to do, and a form of income, during retirement. “I started teaching because of the shortage of tradespeople—just little plumbing knowledge and repairs,” says Jacobs-Marshalsea.
The Beginnings
As fifth generation Master Plumber in Massachusetts, it was a no-brainer for Jacobs-Marshalsea. Jacobs Plumbing started in 1895 in Boston and her father was her mentor. “At first, he didn’t think women could plumb—late 1970s—but after a few jobs, he decided that I had the capability to do anything I set my mind to,” says Jacobs- Marshalsea.
After her father became ill and closed his business after 50 years, Susan started her own business in 2015 as S Jacobs Plumbing LLC. Susan rebranded and renamed her business around 2018 and Ms. Fix It Plumbing LLC was born. It’s as strong as ever, even more so during and after pandemic. “I assisted my father for more than 30 years in handling all aspects of his business—up to 15 guys, all the business stuff, running jobs, employees, advertising, fleet maintenance, etc—so when he closed his business I was fully up and running with my own in under a week,” says Jacobs-Marshalsea.
Today, with more than 600 residential/commercial/industrial customers, Susan has never not had her phone ring. She takes pride in still having a live-person, 24-hour answering service that she has used for more than 40 years, which helps people know that she will receive their message. “There is something about a customer calling and actually speaking with a live person, especially with an emergency, that eases their minds,” says Jacobs-Marshalsea.
“I receive that call via email within 10-30 seconds of them hanging up. I then text them within 2-4 hours, depending on the plumbing issue or if they are an existing customer. I then have them send photo(s)/video(s) of their plumbing problem and can diagnose within minutes of what needs to be done.”
And while Jacobs-Marshalsea admits she loves plumbing and all it entails, surely there must be something she doesn’t care for, no? “Crawl spaces is probably my least favorite, but because I’m a small woman, I can get into most places male plumbers cannot. And, due to the shortage of tradespeople, specifically plumbers, the T&M rates (including flat rate) have been steadily increasing, so when someone asks how much something will be and I give them a guesstimate they are astonished and try to get me to lower my guesstimate, which is the thing I dislike about having a business or being a plumber. We protect the health of the nation and we are licensed and insured and are mandated to go to Continuing Education, so that frustrates me a lot,” says Jacobs-Marshalsea.
The Personal Side
When Jacobs-Marshalsea is not plumbing, she is working elsewhere, whether it’s in her gardens, getting ready for a workshop, volunteering for many non-profits, making improvements on her own home or offering to help someone else. “I find keeping busy keeps my mind sharp and my body flexible,” she says.
“But I’d like to take 30+ days and fly to California and rent a RV van and drive across America back to MA to see the country.”
Susan is finding that her social media is important for a handful of reasons. In addition to being informative, “People love to see me in my ‘yoga positions’ or ‘what to do or not to do’ or ‘helpful hints.’ Posting frequently lightens my day, and other’s as well.”
Finally, when asked when the last time she said, Today is a great day, “Every day is a great day— the sun came up and my feet hit the floor so when I leave somewhere I always say, ‘Have a great day!’”
As a plumber, you will want to be as effective and efficient at the job as possible, so you can keep your customers happy and maximize your profits, right? Well, in order to do that, there are a few tools that you must be able to wield with confidence and precision, including the following: The Read more
As a plumber, you will want to be as effective and efficient at the job as possible, so you can keep your customers happy and maximize your profits, right? Well, in order to do that, there are a few tools that you must be able to wield with confidence and precision, including the following:
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The Almighty Wrench
No plumber’s toolkit is complete without a wrench—or several, because size and type do matter here, folks. From adjustable wrenches to pipe wrenches, these are the bread and butter of plumbing. They twist, turn, tighten, and occasionally serve as an impromptu hammer (though we didn’t officially tell you that). Treat your wrenches like a knight treats his swords; keep them clean, dry, and ready for battle.
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Plunger: The Suction Cup of Destiny
The humble plunger. Often underestimated, never overvalued. This tool is your first line of defense in the war against clogs. Be it a rebellious toilet or a slow-draining sink, a good old-fashioned plunger usually puts things right. Plus, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as that ‘pop’ when the clog clears. Ah, the sweet sound of success!
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Pressure Washing Equipment: The Power Player
Sometimes, a job requires pulling out the big guns—or in this case, the big hoses. Pressure washing equipment isn’t just for cleaning driveways or stripping paint; it’s a game-changer for blasting through tough clogs in main sewer lines. It’s like the pressure washer is saying, “I find your lack of flow disturbing,” before restoring order to the galaxy… or at least to your pipes.
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Hacksaw: The Rough Rider
When you need to cut through metal or plastic pipes, screws, nuts, or bolts, a sturdy hacksaw is your go-to. It’s not the prettiest tool in the shed, but when you need to make a cut, it’s your best friend. Just remember to keep extra blades on hand because nothing dulls the mood quite like a dull blade.
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Pliers: Grip It Good
Pliers are like your hand’s stronger, tougher older brother. They twist, pull, pinch, hold, and occasionally rescue smaller tools that have fallen into the abyss behind the sink. Locking pliers, especially, are indispensable for those moments when you need an extra hand.
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Torch: Light It Up
Not just for late-night horror stories, a good torch (or soldering torch, if we’re being technical) is essential for any plumbing work involving copper pipes. Whether you’re sweating a joint or just trying to see in the dark confines of an under-sink cabinet, a torch brings light and heat to the job.
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Toilet Auger: Go Deeper
Sometimes a plunger just won’t cut it. That’s when the toilet auger, aka the plumber’s snake, slithers in. Designed specifically for toilets, this tool lets you reach deeper into the drain to clear out those particularly awkward clogs that lie beyond the reach of traditional tools.
Equip yourself with these tools, and you’ll be ready to tackle just about any plumbing problem that flows your way, and that means your business will be all the better for it!
When it comes to owning a home, you’ll know all too well how many responsibilities it comes with. From making sure that your home is insulated right down to preventing pests from entering, it can almost feel like a full time job. When it comes to plumbing, there are many things that you need to Read more
When it comes to owning a home, you’ll know all too well how many responsibilities it comes with. From making sure that your home is insulated right down to preventing pests from entering, it can almost feel like a full time job. When it comes to plumbing, there are many things that you need to keep on top of so that you don’t need to call a plumber. To help you out, we’re sharing our top tips so that you can keep your plumbing in top notch condition.
Know where your shut off valve is
There may be times where you need to shut your water off because of a leak or a burst pipe, so it’s important to know where your shut off valve is. The sooner you can shut off the water, the less damage you risk being done to your home. The shut off valve is usually near your water metre or where your main water line enters your home. Once you know where it is, make sure everyone in your home also knows in case of an emergency.
Watch what you put down the drain
One of the biggest issues we get called out for are clogged pipes, and most of the time it’s because the homeowner wasn’t careful with what they were putting down the drain. Remember that you should never flush anything that’s not biodegradable like wipes or sanitary products. You should also be careful not to wash down any food scraps or oil into your kitchen sink. A great way of avoiding this is by using a drain screen – they’re inexpensive and can save a call out.
Sodium hydroxide is your best friend
If your sinks or drains become clogged, a great way of freeing them up is by using sodium hydroxide, otherwise known as caustic soda. It’s a good idea to buy sodium hydroxide in bulk to make sure you always have some on hand. Remember that it is very corrosive, so you’ll need to make sure you wear the right protection and make sure that the sink or drain is thoroughly flushed afterwards, but it is fantastic for breaking down organic matter and clearing a blockage.
Regularly check for leaks
Checking your home regularly for signs of leaks is another top tip because it allows you to get the problem sorted before it turns into a bigger problem. Usually you’ll be able to fix small leaks by yourself with a bit of replacement piping, but remember that if you’re not sure you should always call a plumber.
Keep an eye on your water pressure
Lots of people struggle with their water pressure in the sense that it’s too low, so when they have high water pressure they think it’s a good thing. However, if your water pressure is too high it can cause leaks or even burst the pipe all together. Luckily, you can buy a water pressure gauge which is easy to fit and can prevent unnecessary costs.
Follow these tips and you’ll reduce the need to call out a plumber and be able to fix minor plumbing issues at cost!
Often in the house, some issues can ruin our staycation experience. The subjects include broken pipes and problems in the bathroom and toilet, which look simple but can make staying difficult. Consequently, in order to solve these problems, you need a plumber, and for that, a professional plumbing service is a must. More so if Read more
Often in the house, some issues can ruin our staycation experience. The subjects include broken pipes and problems in the bathroom and toilet, which look simple but can make staying difficult.
Consequently, in order to solve these problems, you need a plumber, and for that, a professional plumbing service is a must. More so if you are in Australia, where snakes, spiders, and other animals can clog the pipes of your house.
Do you know? The market size of plumbing services is 123 billion USD. Hence, it showcases that plumbing services around the world are a serious affair. Moreover, in Australia, the market size of plumbing services is 19.8 billion USD.
Subsequently, plumbing services in Australia are fairly new, with the market slowly taking pace by helping houses with serious plumbing issues. Furthermore, it helps legalize the service under the law by allowing people to hire the right individuals for the job.
Plumbing services include fixing broken pipes, clogged drains, and other washroom problems, making it one of the important and integral aspects of every housing in the country.
So, amidst all of these things, there are certain things that one should look for while hiring a professional plumber.
Things To Look For In A Professional Plumber
As discussed earlier, there are always issues with the toilet and pipes, which are as common as our normal daily activities. Hence, contacting a professional service will help you solve your home’s plumbing issues.
Here is the list of things you should for in a professional plumber.
Always Choose A Licensed Plumber
One of the things that you should look for in a professional plumber is that they should be licensed. This is important because it will showcase that they have received the right training and have the necessary knowledge of plumbing tools.
Therefore, you should hire a plumber who has insurance, as it will cure you from the legal issues. As plumbing is risky, you never know when one can get injured. This will cost you money and also a chance of getting riddled with legal complaints.
Furthermore, with a license, you can engage them in an intense plumbing job, where the rate of the risk. This is because their insurance policy has got them covered. Conversely, it will show that you will follow the government rules and regulations aligned with professional and non-professional plumbers.
So, when hiring a professional plumber, ensure they have proper insurance and license to give the best user experience.
Experience
Another key thing you should consider while hiring a professional plumber is their experience. In order to excel in plumbing services, one requires experience ranging from two to five years.
Therefore, when you are looking for a plumber, you should pay for experience. This is because they will know more about the tools and the intricate issues associated with toilet and plumbing pipes.
Often, there are issues that the newbies can’t recognize because they have not followed up with cases. This can cost you more damage and waste of money. So, in order to avoid this, it is better to hire an experienced person who knows about fixing things, mainly plumbing issues.
Further, when you are in Queensland, which is the hub of venomous snakes and spiders, experienced plumbers will ensure they can’t clog the pipes.
Budget
Monetary value is another indication that you should look for while hiring a professional plumber. Hence, before you hire a professional plumber, you should watch for their prices. This is because you don’t want to pay too much for their services.
Consequently, before hiring the services, you call them and let them review the house and the issues prevailing in the pipes and other parts of the house. This will allow them to set the exact price for the services.
Hence, you always contact a professional service, where the plumbers or the company gives value for their services.
Online Research
When you start looking for a plumber, you ask your family and friends to suggest a plumber to resolve your issue. Otherwise, what you can do is search for them on Google.
You will get all the necessary information there, following the reviews of please clients. This will be an added bonus because you will know about their services. Hence, it gives a suitable value for money.
Moreover, there is a high chance that you will get references from many plumbing companies on the Internet. They will give you the added knowledge of the high-quality plumbers who know the whereabouts of their job.
Choosing An Established Company
Another factor to consider while hiring a professional plumber is that you should look for an established company. Hiring a plumber from a reputed company is important, as it will help you select the best guy for the job.
Therefore, you should find a firm that has been in the job for several years and catered to a wide range of customers around the state. This will ensure they are trustworthy and you can expect a better job from them.
Conversely, you should hire plumbers from the startups, as inexperience may cost you a fortune and cause more damage to your property and assets. On the other hand, you should choose a company with brilliant customer care and good professionals who will give the best services.
You can do this by checking online. Larry Page and others have made an organization for you. In other words, you can choose Live Services Group, which provides same-day plumbing services in Australia.
Wrapping Up! Once And For All
In the end, we can say there is no such strict rule book to hire a professional plumber, but it is better to hire from a company, as it will give more value for money.
The services will be cheaper and with better customer service. Following this, they will provide you with licensed plumbers, ensuring they don’t have to face any legal charges. Lastly, it will ensure that your property is safe to use and reside.
Therefore, following the point discussed in the previous section to get better clarity on the matter.
Global research shows nine in 10 agree more people should enter the trades; 3M commits to advocacy and education to expand the talent pipeline 3M is premiering a new documentary film, “Skilled,” to celebrate the skilled trades and break down stereotypes that may prevent people from pursuing these vital careers. “Skilled” features four trade workers—a Read more
Global research shows nine in 10 agree more people should enter the trades; 3M commits to advocacy and education to expand the talent pipeline
3M is premiering a new documentary film, “Skilled,” to celebrate the skilled trades and break down stereotypes that may prevent people from pursuing these vital careers. “Skilled” features four trade workers—a plumber, fall protection specialist, welder, and film gaffer—at various stages in their careers and highlights the meaningful opportunities offered within the trades.
The film is debuting at 3M’s officially sanctioned 2023 Sundance Film Festival event—hosted by actress, director, and philanthropist Vivica A. Fox—and will be available for streaming on Apple TV+, Google Play, Kanopy, Prime Video and The Roku Channel on May 3.
“At 3M, we’re working to increase awareness around the variety of opportunities available in the trades and support students who choose these exciting career paths,” said James Momon, chief equity officer, 3M. “Skilled workers are vital to our global communities and economies. Because access to education and opportunity remains inequitable, we are focused on sharing ‘Skilled’ in classrooms and advancing our global commitment to create 5 million unique skilled trades and STEM learning experiences for underrepresented individuals by the end of 2025.”
In addition to this enterprise-level goal at 3M, the company’s Safety & Industrial Business Group (SIBG) will leverage its people, products, and community partnerships to advance equity in the skilled trades. To increase awareness of the skilled trades as a viable career, the business group is engaging underrepresented students and young adults interested in vocational training for jobs. SIBG is also actively identifying community partnerships that support skilled trade occupations their customers are working to fill, while connecting students and young adults to hands-on training and certification opportunities.
“Within SIBG, we’re on a mission to transform the way work gets done,” said Mike Vale, group president, 3M Safety and Industrial Business Group. “Our innovative products and solutions are an important part of that, but we also need to foster a transformative mindset in our people and the industries we serve. Supporting skilled trades will shape the future of work, grow the talent pool for critical jobs, and fulfill the pressing demands of the global economy.”
“Skilled” is designed to spark a conversation about the realities of the skilled trades and address stereotypes that may discourage people from pursuing them. It was inspired by 3M State of Science Index, a global original research study that confirms while skilled trade workers are widely respected, a majority believe there is a negative stigma around the trade professions. The study found nine in ten people believe more individuals would pursue a trade career if perceptions of the field improved. Additionally, 93% believe the skilled trade workforce needs more people and 92% see consequences if their country cannot find a solution to the shortage of workers, from declines in overall quality of life, to negative economic impact, neglected public infrastructure, and safety risks.
Misperceptions may arise from limited understanding of what careers are included in this field and the benefits these professions offer. By highlighting four tradespeople, “Skilled” showcases the diversity and breadth of trade jobs, and how workers can find personal fulfillment and professional success. The talented workers highlighted in the film include:
- Paige Knowles, a 20-year-old plumber and author of the children’s book “Plumber Paige,” who hosts an all-girls construction camp during the summer.
- Cedric Smith, a welder who attended technical school thanks in part to a 3M grant, who is driven, committed and passionate about his profession.
- Anni Martinez, a gaffer at Amazonas Electricas, an all-female grip and electrical team bringing diversity to Mexico’s film industry.
- Andrea Martin, a fall protection specialist at 3M, who was named one of the 2022 Top Women in Safety by Canadian Occupational Safety.
3M is also partnering with Teach For America, an organization committed to educational equity and excellence, to promote and screen “Skilled” in 2023. The film will be shown in classrooms led by Teach For America educators—reaching up to 30,000 students—and supported by discussion guides to facilitate open conversation about the skilled trades and the opportunities available.
“Skilled” was directed by documentary filmmaker Julio Palacio and produced by Christine Arena (“Let Science Speak,” “Not the Science Type”) of Generous Films and 3M. To learn more about “Skilled” visit 3M.com/Skilled. “Skilled” is not an official selection of the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, though 3M is a proud supporter of Sundance Institute.