Master Plumber Leon Loggins

Every year on March 11th, the global plumbing community recognizes World Plumbing Day, a day dedicated to highlighting the essential role plumbing plays in public health, sanitation, and everyday quality of life. Established by the World Plumbing Council in 2010, the observance reminds us of the critical importance of safe water access, proper sanitation systems, and the skilled professionals who keep these systems running. 

This year, we had the opportunity to sit down with Cushman & Wakefield Master Plumber Leon Loggins at PepsiCo , a respected expert whose career and character embody the values celebrated on this day. 

Leon’s Path Into the Plumbing Trade

Leon first saw his passion for plumbing at the age of 13 when he assisted his older brother, a Master Plumber himself, on a plumbing assignment.

“He would take me on the weekend and stuff and I'd work with him. And I loved the freedom that he had, you know, in his own truck, moving from place to place, helping people. And I,  at about 13 or 14, I say, hey, that's what I want to do.”

Reaching the Master Plumber Level

After finding his passion, Leon was on his way.  Not only did he know what he wanted to do, but he knew he wanted to be the best at it. As his career grew, Leon set his sights on the pinnacle of achievement in his skilled trade: Master Plumber.

“My first path was in the service field. Then I went into building of new homes and the more you learn before you get into the easy job is you see how plumbing is constructed, how plumbing is roughed in, topped out. You learn how the system works.  Four years as an apprentice. Then I got my journeyman license in the 80s, I would say, and did my masters in the late 90s.”

Why Plumbers are So Essential for the Communities We Serve

Plumbers are essential to the wellbeing of every community, ensuring that people have reliable access to clean water and safe sanitation—fundamentals of modern life that often go unnoticed until something goes wrong. Their work protects public health, safeguards homes and businesses, and keeps the infrastructure of schools, hospitals, and neighborhoods functioning smoothly. Whether responding to emergencies or preventing problems before they start, plumbers provide a level of expertise and dedication that directly supports the safety and dignity of the communities they serve.

Leon understands this better than most.

“Our major thing is helping keep society more sanitized. Plumbing has a big thing to do with sanitation, good clean water, even on the public side or even in your home.”

“Sanitation comes through plumbing. You know, you can't get around it, that's a big general help to public. I mean, I've worked in the hospital industry and if the plumbing was bad…. people were in trouble with their health”

How COVID‑19 Highlighted the Critical Role of Plumbers

The COVID‑19 pandemic created an unprecedented moment that placed a global spotlight on essential workers—including plumbers. During this period, plumbing professionals played an indispensable role in maintaining sanitation, ensuring access to clean water, supporting hospitals and critical facilities, and addressing emergency repairs when people needed them most.

Plumbers were officially classified as essential infrastructure workers, underscoring how vital their expertise is to public health and community safety.

As Leon recalls, the pandemic reshaped public appreciation for the trade.

“It changed the world as we know it. You know, unfortunately, sometimes you would have to dress up with your hazmat suit on and stuff and still serve people because the rooms are open. People still needed their bathroom; they still needed their water. So COVID wasn't a fun time for me, you know?”

Despite the risks, plumbers continued to serve their communities as essential workers.

“It wasn’t a fun time for nobody, actually, to be honest about it.  When the average person had to be at home, we had to go, you know.”

Advice for Aspiring Plumbers

Leon offers thoughtful advice for those entering the trade or working toward Master status, emphasizing the importance of committing to training, staying curious, working hard, seeking strong mentors, and embracing continuous learning.

“I would tell the average individual, like I said, you can make good money and so forth and so on, but don't come into this thinking that you can wear your three-piece suit to work. Sometimes you got to get dirty.”

“The main thing is you can be independent and it's a very good field and you can, you get your license, the proper training, you can go into, you know, plumbing for yourself, making hundreds of thousands. Me, I know millionaires that do plumbing work, you know, own plumbing companies.”

What Does World Plumbing Day Mean For Leon

For Leon, World Plumbing Day is more than an industry celebration—it’s a moment to reflect on the true meaning of the trade and the impact it has had on his life and the lives of countless others. When asked what he would highlight on a day dedicated to appreciating plumbers, Leon points first to the stability, purpose, and service at the heart of the profession. Plumbing, he says, isn’t just about fixing issues—it’s about helping people, supporting communities, and building a career rooted in reliability and skill. As he reflects on more than four decades in the trade, he shares a message that speaks directly to the value of the profession and the opportunities it provides.

“Well, I had to combine it with being a help to people and being without a job. Never for over 45 years. Never had to go to the unemployment line. Never had to worry about a layoff. I’ll tell any young person, if you can work with your mind and your hands, you can do something for life, you know?”

For Leon, that’s what World Plumbing Day is.  It is truly about celebrating a profession that offers dignity, stability, and the power to make a difference every single day.

Thank you, Leon, for sharing your journey.  We appreciate you and all the Plumbing Professionals who serve our communities!