American Standard, the kitchen and bath brand with a 150-year legacy and one of the leading plumbing manufacturers in North America, has partnered with nonprofits Water Mission and Plumbers Without Borders to help meet the overwhelming plumbing needs in Texas following severe winter weather across the state that has led to a widespread plumbing crisis. Specifically, American Standard has made a donation to help cover food, lodging and other expenses for plumbers who generously lend their time and skillset to assist Plumbers Without Borders and Water Mission recovery efforts in Texas. The brand is also calling on plumbers across the nation to help Texas regain water access by volunteering through Plumbers Without Borders at www.plumberswithoutborders.org/volunteer.

Much of Texas was devastated by the historic arctic storms that swept through the state and more than one million residents lack drinking water while also grappling with the need for repairs caused by the freezing conditions — including extensive water damage caused by leaking or burst pipes. Plumbers are in high demand across the state and plumbing companies are receiving hundreds of calls a day. Through its donation, American Standard will aid Water Mission and Plumbers Without Borders in their efforts to mobilize urgently needed skilled labor and plumbing-related materials and supplies by offsetting personal expenses incurred by volunteers. The focus of the recovery effort is to get safe water flowing in homes for the most vulnerable residents, including the elderly, disabled, uninsured and underinsured.   

"Like the rest of the country, we have been shocked to hear about the conditions so many Texans are still facing in their homes, and we wanted to help address the overwhelming and urgent need for more plumbers and supplies," said Gene Barbato, leader, American Standard Brand. "The home should be a place where people feel safe and have access to clean water. At American Standard, we understand that plumbers protect the health of the nation, and we are honored to partner with Water Mission and Plumbers Without Borders in these recovery efforts to mobilize skilled plumbers and provide much-needed supplies as quickly as possible. We ask any plumbers who can lend a hand, to please consider volunteering."

"Nearly half of the residents in one of the largest states in the U.S. are experiencing a plumbing catastrophe due to burst pipes from freezing temperatures and significant power outages," added Water Mission CEO and President, George C. Greene IV, PE. "Not having water in your home means you can't flush toilets, shower, or wash clothes.   With such a broad need there is a huge demand for skilled labor and not enough hands to do the work.  We are thankful to our partners Plumbers Without Borders and American Standard for all their help and resources, including their existing network and continued outreach of skilled labor, plumbing supplies and equipment."

"Safe water and sanitation are basic human rights," said Domenico DiGregorio, Plumbers Without Borders. "Our organization was formed following the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti and inspired by the generosity of plumbers everywhere to share their time and skills with people suffering from water and sanitation poverty. Now, in our own backyard, we are again seeing this spirit of generosity from amazing plumbers all over the country wanting to help the people of Texas. But the work is just beginning, the need for volunteers is still great and we are proud to be aligned and working with Water Mission and American Standard in these efforts."

American Standard is part of LIXIL, a water technology company and global leader in housing and building materials, products and services. Together they are dedicated to delivering quality and safe water that improves the health and well-being of everyone.

Water Mission, a nonprofit Christian engineering organization, builds safe water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions in developing nations and disaster areas. Most recently, the organization responded to the recent earthquake in Indonesia and hurricanes in Honduras. To date, Water Mission has served nearly 7 million people in 57 countries with more than 2,800 safe water projects.

Plumbers Without Borders' mission is to connect and mobilize volunteer plumbers and industry resources with organizations and projects dedicated to safe water and sanitation. PWB is building an online database network of volunteers, organizations and projects, which it hopes will become a legacy platform for "giving back" for everyone connected with its industry. The belief of PWB is that by connecting plumbing volunteers and industry resources with organizations and their projects, everyone benefits, and PWB moves closer to reaching the ultimate goal of improving health in all communities, worldwide.