Tradeswomen Provide Plumbing Expertise at Transitional Housing Project

Sisters of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 562, in conjunction with Missouri Women in the Trades, recently gave back to their community by donating time and skills during phase three of a four-phase renovation at Baker House, a residential transitional housing option for women.

Improvements to Baker House include updated plumbing and electric, drywall repair and demolition, updated cabinetry and new paint and flooring. The project began with a successful plumbing workday thanks to the skilled tradeswomen of Local 562.

The four-year project is expected to be complete by summer of 2025. Local 562 tradeswomen, who have been involved in Baker Build since phase one, are providing expert plumbing skills to create a safe living environment for the residents.

“We replaced old cast iron stacks and are doing a total bathroom gut job,” said Amanda Dace, a 24-year member of Local 562. “The weekend before we came, they demoed the walls so we could get to our pipes, then we went in there and gutted it.”

Dace and her Sisters also replaced the waterline and shower valves and will replace a water heater. They will go back in four weeks to set up the vanities and toilets and test everything.

Not only is Local 562 providing women transitioning out of prison with better living conditions, but they are demonstrating that women can pursue and have successful careers in the construction and building trades, as well.

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