Learn About the First Black Woman to Become a Master Plumber

Meet Adrienne Bennett, Plumbing Pioneer

The construction industry is highly male-dominated. With long workdays, harsh working conditions, and an environment that isn’t female-friendly, the barriers to entry for women can be insurmountable. This is precisely the case in the plumbing industry, where women make up only 2.5% of the workforce, many in management or ownership roles. 

The glass ceiling in the plumbing industry was shattered in 1951 when the first woman passed her master plumbing test. However, the accomplishment didn’t break racial barriers until 1987, when Detroit native Adrienne Bennett passed her test. Since then, she has gone on to have a successful career. Celebrate her accomplishments as plumbing contractors share some information about her trailblazing career. 

Humble Beginnings to Great Heights 

Adrienne was one of 8 children growing up. Early on, she knew she wanted to put her brain to use and work with her hands. Her first hobby was going to stores to shop for models. Working on models inspired her to pursue a career in mechanical engineering. 

Her first job in the engineering field was with a firm that worked with various universities to vet potential engineering students. It was here that she had her most memorable racially-charged encounter. The incident left her shaken, and she dropped out of the program. From here, she bounced between jobs but always strived to move forward. 

The Journey From Apprentice to Contractor

In 1976, her work ethic was rewarded when she met with a local Detroit union representative looking to allocate federal funds to minority tradespeople. Offering a starting salary of $50,000, the apprenticeship program with the local plumbing union was five years long. It allowed those who completed it the chance to sit for the master plumber test. 

The five-year program would prove to be long and grueling. As the only woman on most worksites, Bennett struggled to be accepted by her peers, despite being a fellow union member. She dealt with racial and sexual harassment daily but bravely powered through. She remembers many tears shed in the privacy of her truck, and once she got home, she never let her tormentors see her cry. 

The unfavorable working conditions hardened her work ethic and inspired her to succeed despite her detractors. After working as a master plumber, she advanced her career and has held many positions, including project manager, plumbing inspector, and code enforcement officer. 

Benkari Plumbing

Her hard work culminated when she opened her own plumbing company. Having held many different positions in the construction and plumbing industry, this was the next logical step. 

Benkari Plumbing is a family business that allows her to work with her sons, whom she inspired to seek a career in plumbing. The company has worked on many notable construction projects to revitalize Detroit. Bennett remains at the top of her game and works hard to give back to a community that is lucky to have her as a source of inspiration. 

About Zing Plumbing

Zing Plumbing is proud to celebrate the successes of the first female black master plumber. Continuing the prestigious tradition of excellence in the plumbing industry, Zing Plumbing offers top-rated craftsmanship and emergency services. Call today for industry-leading service in Tucson, AZ.

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