Six Generations of Plumbers… and Counting
The McElroy family is one of the most enduring names in plumbing, with a legacy stretching back to the mid-1800s. Today, Director David McElroy continues that proud tradition at McElroy Plumbing, representing the sixth generation of plumbers in the family.
A Legacy in Plumbing
The McElroy story begins with Charles McElroy, who completed his plumbing apprenticeship in about 1860 and started work in Sydney’s Paddington/Bondi area. From there, the trade has been passed down through six generations:
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1st Generation: Charles McElroy became a licensed plumber in Bondi.
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2nd Generation: His son, Charles Augusta, followed him into the trade.
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3rd Generation: Stanley Gerald McElroy became licensed and joined Master Plumbers in 1935.
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4th Generation: Stanley Gerald’s sons, Ralph and Murray, became licensed plumbers.
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5th Generation: David’s father Murray, along with his brothers, carried the business forward. David, Peter and Justin are also licensed plumbers, with Justin having worked in the family business before David and Peter rebranded to McElroy Plumbing in 2010.
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6th Generation: David’s son Angus is now continuing the tradition.
Lessons From the Past
Asked what has been passed down through the generations, David points to one simple but powerful value: work ethic. Plumbing itself has changed dramatically since the 19th century. From bamboo rods clearing sewers by hand to today’s state-of-the-art cameras, robotics and relining equipment, the evolution has been extraordinary. But some things remain the same: hard work and, as David notes, “a bit smelly.”
Pride in Projects
The McElroys have left their mark on countless projects over the decades, but one recent standout for David was a complex stormwater system in Coogee. The job required repairing flood-damaged property and installing a deep retention tank and pumps. With council pressure to resolve the issue quickly, the McElroy team successfully delivered — earning praise from engineers for their expertise.
A Strong Connection to Master Plumbers
The McElroy family has been involved with Master Plumbers NSW for generations. Stanley Gerald McElroy first joined in 1935, and since then the family has remained active members. David highlights the benefits of this connection: “It has helped us negotiate complex issues with authorities. Our family has even served on the Board, including roles as President and Treasurer.”
The Future of Plumbing
David is confident the trade will continue to thrive. While robotics and automation are shaping the industry, he believes skilled tradespeople will always be essential: “It has put food on the table of our families for generations. With commitment and innovation, our skilled tradesmen will not be replaced by robots.”
