America's Sexiest Plumber

Last Update: 1/19/2005 11:44:31 AM
By BRYAN ROURKE - The Providence Journal

"Every little girl imagines herself in a pageant, Miss America kind of thing," Lori Sardinha-Costa said. "This is not quite the pageant I envisioned as a child, but that's okay. I'm fine with it."

More than 250 plumbers from around the country entered the contest, which was judged by a panel of people from American Standard and the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors National Association. Personality, professionalism and, of course, appearance were the criteria.

From all the entrants, the vast majority of whom were men, 13 finalists were chosen for the 2005 America's Sexiest Plumber calendar. (One month features two brothers.) Sardinha-Costa was selected the overall winner, receiving a trip for two to next month's Super Bowl in Jacksonville, Fla.

Sardinha-Costa's picture appears in the calendar for the month of July. "I say that's because it's the hottest month," she said.

Sardinha-Costa, who lives in Fall River, Mass., has worked for the family business, M. Sardinha & Son Plumbing, for several years, the last two as a plumber.

"I just decided to get my apprentice license and basically get out there and get my hands dirty," she said. "My dad is reaching retirement age and so I need to secure my future."

The business has six plumbers, Sardinha-Costa the only woman. She's unusual in a male-dominated industry, not just for her gender, but her appearance.

"I still like to wear lipstick and do my hair," she said.

Since winning the contest, Sardinha & Son Plumbing has reportedly received lots of calls requesting not simply a plumber, but specifically Sardinha-Costa.

"My uncle came into the office from a call," Sardinha-Costa said. "He said 'We wanted the blonde. What are you doing here?' They were a little disappointed when they saw Angelo."

Others have called not to schedule plumbing service from Sardinha-Costa, but a social visit.

"An older gentleman said he wanted me to come to his house and have lunch with him," Sardinha-Costa said. "He said it was his dying wish. Let him dream."

Sardinha-Costa is married; she has been for 10 years.

"It's bragging rights for my husband," Sardinha-Costa said. "He's married to America's sexiest plumber."


(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.shns.com.)